Malaysia-bound 2022 Hyundai Creta facelift makes global debut at GIIAS 2021

At the 2021 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS 2021), Hyundai unveiled the new 2022 Hyundai Creta facelift. It is the first model to be assembled in the brand-new Cikarang plant in West Java.

The Creta, currently in its second generation, was first launched in 2019 and is meant for developing markets. As such, the model is due for a facelift in certain markets while at the same time making its debut in other markets including Indonesia.

Also read: Hyundai Creta spied in Indonesia, would it make it to Malaysia?

The SUV gets a restyled front-end with a new parametric grille design that stretches across the width of the car and neatly incorporates the LED DRLs. When turned off, the DRLs blend in with the grille which is quite neat.

This new front-end design makes the Creta look very much like a mini-Tucson.

Also read: Premium SUVs can move aside, the all-new 2021 Hyundai Tucson will be the best SUV on sale

The Indo-spec Creta is available in four variants, namely Active, Trend, Style, and Prime. All variants are only available with a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that makes 114 PS and 144 Nm.

This 4-cylinder unit is paired to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic which Hyundai calls iVT.

The Creta is also quite well-equipped. Depending on the variants, the SUV comes with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system.

Besides those conveniences, the Creta also comes with features that are a blessing in a hot and humid country like Indonesia including ventilated front seats and a cooled glove box.

In terms of safety, the Creta is quite generous too with up to 6 airbags offered. Opt for the top-of-the-line Prime variant and buyers would get the full Hyundai SmartSense ADAS suite which includes:

• Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Lane-Keep Assist (LKA)
• Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA)

Prices for the Creta start from IDR 279 million to IDR 399 million (~RM 82k to RM 117k) which overlaps the Honda HR-V. In Indonesia, the HR-V is priced from IDR 295 million to IDR 410 million (~RM 86k to RM 120k).

That said, will Hyundai’s first Indonesian-assembled car bring success in the archipelago? Hyundai has invested around USD 1.5 billion (RM 6.26 billion) on the Cikarang plant and is turning Indonesia into its Southeast Asian hub.

Also read: Hyundai to close Asia Pacific HQ in Malaysia, moving to Indonesia

Back in Malaysia, the Creta is likely to enter our market sometime in the future, possibly as a more affordable alternative to the Kona.

Special thanks to our Indonesian sister site, AutoFun, for providing the photos

Also read: Hyundai Creta coming to Malaysia in 2022?