Earlier this month, it was announced that Sime Darby Hyundai Integrated Sdn Bhd (SDHI) and Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd have signed a Certificate of Mass Production to start the local assembly (CKD) of the facelifted 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe in Malaysia.

Now it seems that a few units have been spotted on a car transporter on our local roads. Sent in by an anonymous user, these appear to be the facelifted Santa Fe though Hyundai’s local distributor, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has not given any official dates to its launch.

However, the pre-facelift Santa Fe is no longer listed for sale on Hyundai Malaysia’s website. Perhaps its arrival could be approaching soon?

Also read: Here are the SUVs launching in Malaysia by 2023, from Haval H6 to Kia Sportage

Still, even with a new look, it is likely that powertrains could be carried over from the pre-facelift. In Malaysia, the SUV is offered with a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (172 PS/225 Nm) or a 2.2-litre turbodiesel (193 PS/440 Nm). Both units are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The pre-facelift Santa Fe is the only Hyundai model to be assembled locally in Malaysia. When it was on sale, prices ranged between RM 171,888 to RM 213,888. It’s too early to speculate on prices of the refreshed Santa Fe but a price hike is to be expected given the weakening ringgit.

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