2022 Hyundai Creta is the SUV we probably won't get in PH

Remember when pictures of the 2022 Hyundai Creta leaked a few days ago? Based on the images, the refreshed crossover will look just like the all-new Tucson. Aside from having a sleeker look, the updated Creta will also come with new features like a Bose sound system, a digital instrument panel, a panoramic sunroof, and an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function.

Fast forward to the present, and Hyundai has officially revealed the facelifted Creta at this year's Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show. Looking at the official release, the previous leak confirms what we previously saw.

It gets an extensive refresh which sees the Creta adopting a more daring look. A large grille dominates the front fascia and is complemented by LED daytime running lights hidden on the edges of the grille itself. It also gets bold LED headlights/foglights, sporty bumpers, sharp LED taillights, muscular wheel arches, and diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Size-wise, the Creta measures 4315mm long, 1790mm wide, and 1630mm tall. This puts the Creta right into the B-segment crossover arena that is populated by the likes of the MG ZS, Geely Coolray, Ford Territory, and the Hyundai Kona, its closest sibling.

Also receiving a refresh is the Creta's interior. But instead of a redesign, Hyundai opted to make the crossover more high-tech. It gets a new 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, an 8-inch touchscreen head unit, a wireless charging pad for smartphones, LED ambient lighting, ventilated seats, and an automatic climate control system. The crossover also comes with full-leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof that's standard on high-grade models.

Under the hood, the 2022 Creta is powered by a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four. The engine makes a respectable 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque. Power is then routed through an intelligent variable transmission (iVT) or a six-speed manual gearbox.

It also has a rotary dial that will allow drivers to choose from four different drive modes; Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport. Should the Creta happen to find itself in slippery terrain, the driver can set its traction mode to either sand or mud.

To keep everyone inside the Creta safe, it comes with Hyundai SmartSense. From blind-spot collision avoidance, driver rearview monitor, rear-cross traffic collision avoidance, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, and tire pressure monitoring, Hyundai made sure this crossover is one safe vehicle.

The 2022 Hyundai Creta is now available in Indonesia and will be locally manufactured at the automaker's Cikarang plant in West Java. But this raises an important question, will the Creta be offered in the Philippines?

Last year, an insider told us that Hyundai plans on exporting the Creta to the Philippines via Indonesia. However, there appears to be no further development regarding the matter. More than likely, Hyundai might have abandoned the plan to bring the Creta into the country.

Hyundai Philippines also sells the Kona and Venue already. Should the Creta be offered here, it might cannibalize the sales of the previously-mentioned crossovers. Assuming Hyundai does bring the Creta to the country anyway, would you get this over the Kona or the Venue? Share your comments below.