Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) is expected to launch two new models by this year – the Hyundai Creta and the 10-seater Hyundai Staria.

Previously, a 10-seater Hyundai Staria was spotted at an undisclosed location in Malaysia, showing us a simpler version of the current, luxury-oriented 7-seater offered here.

Also read: Possibly your cheaper Kia Carnival alternative: 10-seater Hyundai Staria spied in Malaysia

Having 10 seats means the Hyundai Staria qualifies as a commercial vehicle in Malaysia's tax regulations, which carries a lower tax rate than regular 7- or 8-seater MPVs and that means the Staria can be priced more competitively.

Aside from the body-coloured grille and single-tone wheels, it gets a more basic infotainment system and the obvious extra row of seats.

No details on the powertrain yet, but it's likely to keep the current 7-seater's 2.2-litre diesel (177 PS/431 Nm) and 8-speed automatic transmission combo.

Also read: This over Alphard/Vellfire? Priced from RM 359k, Hyundai Staria launched in Malaysia

Moving on to the Hyundai Creta, it shares the same platform as the Kia Seltos, making it a B-segment SUV that goes against the likes of the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V.

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Powertrain option will likely be the naturally-aspirated, all-aluminium Smartstream 1.5-litre petrol engine making 115 PS/144 Nm, paired to a CVT that Hyundai calls the iVT.

Design-wise, the Creta features the new parametric grille design language that stretches across the width of the car and discreetly incorporates the LED DRLs at the edges. When switched off, the DRLs blend in with the grille just like the Hyundai Tucson.

Also read: Spied: All-new 2022 Hyundai Tucson spotted in Malaysia, long-wheelbase for us?

In terms of advanced safety systems, the Creta is available with Hyundai’s SmartSense ADAS suite of active safety tech. It includes forward-collision avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, lane-follow assist and blind-spot collision avoidance assist.

CKD or CBU?

It's anyone's guess for now. The Hyundai Creta could be imported (CBU) from the Indonesian plant in Cikarang, but Malaysia does impose high excise duties for Indonesian-assembled models.

With HSDM reportedly being able to bring in CKD kits from Indonesia, the Creta could also be locally assembled (CKD) for a lower price. Well, it seems we’ll have to wait and find out.

Also read: It appears as if the Hyundai Creta is coming to Malaysia to stir some trouble in the B-segment