This 2023 Hyundai Creta has been spotted in Malaysia. Perhaps it's the spiest of all spy-shots, considering there's not a single thread of camouflage on it (no trade plates too) yet it was caught on camera by a eagle-eyed Funtasticko reader.

Seeing it here is no surprise as Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) is earmaked to introduce the B-segment SUV here, set to rival the Proton X50 and its ilk. This will be one of two models – the other being the Hyundai Staria 10-seater –  that HSDM will be introducing here in the foreseeable future.

Also read: HSDM to launch 2 more models by 2022 - Hyundai Creta and 10-seater Staria

Platform mates with the Kia Seltos, the Creta is built specifically for 'emerging markets', in other words South East Asia. Power comes from a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre mill with 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque, sent to the front-wheels via a CVT-type automatic transmission (iVT, in Hyundai's parlance).

At least for Indonesia, the kit count is competitive. Beneath the shrunk Tucson looks there's leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, Bose surround sound system, air-cond for the rear occupants, and a rather comprehensive suite of active safety (ADAS).

Also read: 2022 Hyundai Staria 10-seater open for booking - Estimated from RM 17xk, coming in Q4 2022

Initial production of the model in this region takes place in the carmaker's Cikarang, Indonesia plant. With a capacity if 150,000 units annually, with half of that allocated for export, naturally it's expected that initial batches in Malaysia could be fully-imported from there too. We'll have to wait longer to see if local assembly (CKD) will happen though.