The teaser images of the 2022 Hyundai Creta facelift showed hints that the new compact SUV from the Korean brand would adopt the same fascia and grille as the all-new Hyundai Tucson.
The new 2022 Hyundai Creta was globally revealed as part of the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show and from our understanding, the model will be assembled in Indonesia right away, with the Indian market receiving its units in the middle of next year. This is important as Hyundai SA sources its Creta units from its Indian factory and while we’ve yet to hear of its availability, the model is popular and we expect to land in SA before the end of 2022.
So, what’s new? Well, that face will dominate talking points and the integrated headlights into the grille won’t be too everyone’s taste. We like the bold and out-there look however as far too many cars are adopting generic styling cues. The rear has also been given a slight update, but it’s nowhere near as radical as the front.
The cabin has received a nip and a tuck, with the standard feature range bolstered with an 8-inch infotainment system, the number of speakers increased from 4 to 8 (with the option of a Bose system), rearview camera, shift paddles, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, ambient mood lighting, ventilated seats, auto climate control and an increase in the standard safety offering.
The Hyundai SmartSense setup adds tyre pressure monitoring, blind spot collision, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, lane-keeping assist, high-beam assist, and automatic emergency braking depending on trim level.
We expect the current range of engines and transmissions to be retained and this is a good thing as the powertrains on offer at the moment have all bases covered. There’s a blend of naturally-aspirated petrol, turbocharged diesel and turbo petrols on offer, with customers spoilt with manual and automatic gearboxes.
As we’ve said, we’ve yet to hear from Hyundai SA, but we’re pretty confident this new-look 2022 Hyundai Creta will be coming to our market at some point.
Meet the 7-seater Hyundai Creta
We drive the 2020 Hyundai Creta. Review here