Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has officially launched the Hyundai Creta today in Malaysian markets, offered in a sole Plus variant, the B-Segment SUV is targeted to those who desire individuality and wishes to stand out and break free the norm, as quoted by Mr Jeffrey Gan, Sime Darby Motors Managing Director of Retail and Distribution for Malaysia.
The Hyundai Creta features a really fun and outgoing design that’s unlike similar class SUVs, the front grille is the familiar Parametric Jewel face that’s also available on the current gen Hyundai Tucson, which have its daylight running LED concealed within the grille, while the taillights has an interesting design that will certainly make one go ‘WHOA, is that still a Hyundai?’.
Despite its unique design, one might question the drivability of the Hyundai Creta, as a Smartstream G 1.5 naturally aspirated engine powers the car, it produces 115PS and 144Nm of torque to the front wheels, while it is mated to a 6-speed Intelligent Variable Transmission gearbox, as compared to its similar priced competitors that feature much powerful engines, it sounds pretty underwhelming for its segment.
However, during our test drive session with the Creta, it actually felt pretty responsive from the starting line and cruising along the speed of 90km/h on the Subang Airport Highway feels very comfortable with a rather noise-free cabin, not until you start slamming your legs on the accelerator to overtake cars, which it will definitely give you that needed boost in power, but you can most definitely feel it struggling to keep up for overtaking cars and the rev meter easily goes up to 5000-6000 RPM, reminding me of the experience I used to have on the Smartstream G 1.6 litre engine on the Hyundai Elantra.
Hyundai claims that the Creta is capable of reaching 100km/h in 12 seconds with a top speed of 170km/h, while it has paddle shifters on the steering, four drive modes and three traction modes to add some fun to your drive.
Inside the Hyundai Creta, you get fabric seats with a good amount of headroom for tall folks and a reasonable 416-litre of boot space. Fold down the seats, you will then get up to 1,384 litres, which will do a pretty good job if you are doing IKEA shopping.
In terms of tech, the Hyundai Creta features an 8-inch AVN infotainment system that supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, there’s also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that’s taken from recent Hyundai car models, while it comes with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite, including Forward and Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning and High Beam Assist.
The Hyundai Creta will retail for RM149,888 OTR without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia, color options include Dragon Red Pearl, Galaxy Blue Pearl, Titan Grey Metallic, Midnight Black Pearl and Creamy White Pearl.
For the first 150 customers that successfully placed their bookings on the Hyundai Creta, HSDM is throwing in a free extended warranty of 5 years/300,000km and a 3 years/50,000km free service.
The Hyundai Creata is now available for test drive and booking at showrooms nationwide, while you can place your booking at Hyundai’s Cl!cktoBuy website here.