The B-segment SUV market is turning out to be one of the hottest battlegrounds in Malaysia and things are getting heated up with Hyundai throwing its hat into the ring for the second time. After all, the 2023 Hyundai Creta is the second B-SUV offered by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motor (HSDM) after the Hyundai Kona.

This is the first time the B-SUV is brought into the Malaysian market as we had skipped the first-generation completely. In fact, the MY-spec Creta is a facelift that debuted in Indonesia with the archipelago being the production hub for the Creta.

Fully imported (CBU) from Indonesia, the Hyundai Creta is only offered in Malaysia with a single variant, the Creta Plus which starts from RM 149,888. Now that is a considerable amount for a HR-V competitor but as an alternative against the usual suspects, does the Korean by way of Indonesia make sense?

Also read: Priced from RM 149k, 2023 Hyundai Creta launched in Malaysia with one sole variant

During the Hyundai Creta’s Malaysian launch, the media were given the opportunity to take the SUV for a test drive around Ara Damansara and well, as far as first impressions go, the nearly RM 150k Creta might be facing some uphill challenges.

Looks and interior – Rugged but also cheap

Right off the bat, the Hyundai Creta looks like a mini-Tucson up front with its Parametric Jewel grille that also houses the LED DRLs. It’s no doubt an unforgettable look that is also distinctively Hyundai.

The silver trim that flows towards the rear gives off a premium feel that reminds one of an Audi and the rear taillights have a design that just feels unique.

Stepping inside though and that whole rugged and premium appearance peels away as you begin to realise the true roots of the Creta. This is an SUV made for developing markets like Indonesia and India where the Creta is among the best-sellers there.

Also read: Hyundai has 10 SUVs on sale globally and 3 of them are in the same segment, here’s a guide

Inside you’re presented with fabric upholstery and hard plastic; traits that you might find unacceptable for an SUV that costs RM 150 grand. Still, the interior is roomy with great rear legroom.

Another bright spot is the sole Creta variant comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a crisp 10-inch driver instrument panel, tilt and telescopic steering, as well as the Hyundai SmartSense ADAS suite.

Driving impression – Rocks you, not in a good way

Powering the Creta is a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre Smartstream petrol engine that makes 115 PS and 144 Nm. It is paired with a CVT automatic transmission that Hyundai calls Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) which sends power to the front wheels.

Hyundai claims that the transmission gives smooth, efficient, and immediate progress which we do agree when the Creta is driven at low speeds. The IVT feels smooth for everyday driving but once you gun the accelerator, the transmission struggles to keep up.

Then again, that’s likely due to the SUV being literally fresh off the port with all the units having double-digit mileage based on the odometer reading. For a daily drive, there is not much to complain on the performance of the engine and transmission but we would report back once we give the Creta a full review.

However, when it comes to ride and comfort, the Creta gets a below-average grade. Yes, it is roomy with ample rear legroom but the seats lack any support and the ride feels crashy. Maybe it might be more favourable to the hilly Indonesian roads but on flatter Malaysian tarmac, the Creta feels stiff.

Then there’s also the obvious body roll when the Creta enters a corner. Even at normal speeds, we felt the B-SUV leaning quite pronouncedly, not really something you would want for a family SUV. It feels noisy inside too which doesn't sound great considering how much you're paying for.

Conclusion

Having said all of that, you might think that the Hyundai Creta isn’t an accomplished SUV against its competitors and to that, I would actually say it can be a capable SUV. Just not at RM 150,000.

The Creta isn’t the most expensive B-segment SUV in Malaysia but for that price, it is far from being accomplished. Still, the Creta comes with some pretty good convenience features and its powertrain works well as a daily.

You will stand out even more in a Hyundai Creta than a Honda HR-V or even the Toyota Corolla Cross but in this segment where price plays a bigger factor in choice, it feels that the Creta has already lost. Granted, the HR-V and Corolla Cross are locally assembled (CKD) in Malaysia which gives them a price advantage over the Creta but based on our short drive, there are still some ways to go for the newest kid on the block to prove itself.

Also read: All-new Hyundai Tucson besides Ioniq 6 EV and Santa Fe facelift? HSDM teases 3 more models for Malaysia coming this year