The B-segment SUV market in Malaysia gets another contender soon with the addition of the Hyundai Creta later this month. The model, which has been part of the Hyundai range for developing and emerging markets, was first introduced in 2014.
It is now in its second generation which was launched in China (as the iX25) in 2019 and in ASEAN (Indonesia) early last year.
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Hyundai’s largest model – the Palisade – arrived in Malaysia in December 2021, three years after it made its global debut. Just three months later, in New York, the updated version was unveiled but Malaysia continued with the pre-facelift model throughout 2022. Today sees the updated Palisade being launched by Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) In Malaysia with four variants to choose from.
For the 2023 model, the features and equipment have been commonised so, apart from the powertrains and a few items, all four variants are similar. Incidentally, HSDM is importing the European model which probably best matches Malaysian Type Approval requirements.
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While the Toyota Hiace and its clones from China have long been popular among fleet operators requiring seating for 10 persons or more, there has also been the Hyundai Starex in recent years as an alternative. Now Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) will also offer the Hyundai Staria with a 10-seat configuration.
To go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2022, the large Korean MPV is essentially similar to the Staria 7-seater launched last year. According to Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM, there has been the expectation that the 10-seater Staria will also be made available.
“We have been getting enquiries for the 10-seater variant as there has been anticipation that the 10-seater variant will replace the Starex. Like the Starex, this new 10-seater variant of the Staria is ideal for big families, tour operators and businesses. However, it has vast improvements and more functionalities in every aspect compared to the Starex,” he said.
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The 2022 World Car of the Year – the Hyundai IONIQ 5 – which is just starting to appear on Malaysian roads has received enhancements for better performance and new features. The battery-electric vehicle (BEV), which is just over a year old in the global market, is the first model to use the Hyundai Motor Group’s first dedicated BEV platform, Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
A major upgrade is the capacity of the lithium-ion polymer battery pack; when launched, it was available with a 58 kWh or 72.6 kWh battery pack but now, there is an additional battery pack with a greater 77.4 kWh capacity. Compared to the 58 kWh battery pack which has 24 modules/288 cells, and the 72.6 kWh battery pack with 30 modules/360 cells, the new one has 32 modules/384 cells. It also operates on the 800V system and is available for both RWD and AWD versions.
Better performance and range
The new 77.4 kWh pack has an increased range of up to around 500 kms (with RWD) and a power increase of 11 ps compared to the 72.6 kWh battery pack. An 80% recharge should be possible in 18 minutes using ultra-fast chargers.
The operating temperature of the battery pack is extremely important to performance and its service life. The conditions cannot be too hot or too cold and to maintain an optimum environment, there is a new battery heater and conditioning feature. This will enable the system to adapt its battery temperature while on the move to achieve optimal charging conditions when reaching the charging point. Ultimately, the owner benefits with improve charging performance in hot or cold ambient conditions.
Three digital camera-based mirrors
Besides the more powerful battery pack, the latest IONIQ 5 will be available with video-based digital interior and exterior mirrors. Instead of using conventional reflective surfaces, the mirrors will display real-time imagery from small cameras. For the inside rearview mirror, the camera is mounted on the IONIQ 5’s rear spoiler.
The Digital Side Mirrors have already been available for Korean-market models and are now being offered outside the country in a Hyundai Motor Group vehicle for the first time.
Namsan Edition
In some markets, there will be a special Namsan Edition of the IONIQ 5. This has a very generous equipment level and top technical specifications. The Namsan Edition is named after Namsan Mountain in Seoul, from which where there are expansive views across the skyline of the capital city and a national park covering over 3.3 million square metres
The IONIQ 5 Namsan Edition honours the Korean landmark with its full-length vision roof presenting an unobstructed panoramic view, whilst there is leather upholstery, relaxation seats and spacious interior cossets occupants within.
Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has certainly been quick to start the EV (electric vehicle) ball rolling. Of course, this is not the first EV to be sold in Malaysia. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia sold the i-MiEV in 2008 and Edaran Tan Chong Motor has already sold two generations of the Nissan LEAF, while Porsche, BMW and MINI have also introduced EV models in recent years.
However, this time things are different as there is exemption of all taxes for such vehicles which was announced during the proposed Budget 2022. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs), ie fully electric and not hybrids, will be allowed to be imported and sold duty-free for a limited period and then those that start assembling them will also enjoy the duty-free incentive a bit longer. Exemption from paying roadtax has also been include in the proposed Budget 2022.
As Malaysians have long complained about taxes bumping up prices and making cars too expensive, the thought of not having to pay any tax would be exciting. Lower prices would be expected, and this was the case when the government gave the same exemption 10 years ago for hybrids and EVs.
However, the new Kona Electric is not exactly within the ‘affordable’ bracket for most people as even the cheapest of the three variants has prices (excluding insurance) starting from RM149,888. That’s for the e-Lite version and for the better equipped Kona Electric e-Plus, it will be RM169,888. A third variant is the e-Max which is priced at RM199,888.
In the UK, prices of the Kona Electric start from £27,950 which is about RM157,000 at today’s rates. Of course, those are retail prices which include applicable taxes over there. However, like many governments, the UK government also provides incentives to those who buy EVs and currently, purchasers can get a grant up to £2,500 (about RM14,000) on vehicles costing up to £35,000 to offset the cost. Additionally, EV owners can also get a grant of up to 75% (or maximum of £350) to pay for installing a charging point at their home.
The point here to note here is that EVs are not cheap at this time, so don’t expect ‘duty-free’ to bring prices down to the levels of models sold by the Malaysian brands. Wherever they are sold, EVS have high pricetags and manufacturers hope that governments will provide incentives to offset the high cost of purchase and help accelerate increase in numbers sold. The technology is still expensive but if volumes can quickly rise, then economies of scale will kick in and production costs can start to drop, with retail prices also being reduced.
Anyway, back to the Kona Electric in Malaysia which was officially launched today (but deliveries will only be in 2022). The difference in the prices of the three variants are largely related to their battery pack capacities and equipment levels. The e-LIte and e-Plus share similar lithium-ion polymer battery packs which have a capacity of 39.2 kWh whereas the e-Max at the top of the range has a battery pack with a greater 64 kWh.
The different battery capacities have implications on range with the lower-capacity pack having a range of up to 305 kms while having more energy on board can take the e-Max up to 484 kms. Like fuel consumption, range figures depend on driving style and conditions. Faster speeds will draw more electricity faster as the motor needs more power. Regenerative braking helps to reclaim some wasted energy during braking which goes to the battery pack.
Besides range, the other thing that those planning to own an EV would want to know is the time it takes to recharge a battery pack. At this time, it is not as quick as refuelling petrol in a car though continuously advancing technology has been bringing the times down. But having to recharge will be something you need to get used to, just like recharging your phone every night.
In the case of the Kona Electric, the recharging time can take between 4.5 hours and 7.5 hours, depending on the type of charging outlet used. You can use the standard outlet at home but it will be slow (up to 31 hours) but if you have access to a high-powered DC fast-charging station, then the time to ‘refuel’ from 0% to 80% can be less than an hour. HSDM offers charging station installations for customers who have homes where a charging station can be installed.
There are differences in power output from the motors in the different variants. The e-Lite and e-Plus, with the 39.2 kWh packs, generate 136 ps/395 Nm to give a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 9.9 seconds and top speed of 155 km/h. Th e-Max has a more powerful motor generating 204 ps but also 395 Nm and this variant can go from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 167 km/h.
The nice thing about electric motors is that maximum torque is available from standstill so the car accelerates strongly off the line. However, deceleration characteristics are different as there is no conventional gearbox. To enhance braking, it is also possible to use the paddle on the steering wheel to slow down.
The other aspects of the Kona Electric are generally like the Kona with a petrol engine. But the Kona Electric also stands out with its EV-specific elements. The bumper, wheel and headlight designs are different and with no need for a traditional grille for cooling purposes, the front end is ‘sealed’.
The interior has a similar horizontal layout as the other versions with new ambient lighting. The instrumentation reflects the EV-nature of the vehicle, with the tachometer space occupied by a meter showing the battery charge and power levels. There’s also a gauge to let the driver know how much range is left with the energy in the battery pack.
For the money asked, it’s only to be expected that HSDM will provide a comprehensive safety features as standard. The e-Lite has a few less systems (hence the lower prices) while the e-Plus and e-Max are similar. Hyundai’s active safety systems are packaged as the Smartsense suite which helps the driver to avoid accidents or reduce the severity when accidents (mainly collisions) do happen.
Besides a 2-year/50,000-km warranty on the vehicle, there is also a separate warranty of 8 years/160,000 kms for the battery pack. This is to give owners peace of mind as the battery packs are expensive – much more expensive than those small black ones in the engine bay of your car. HSDM also offers optional warranty extension for another RM10,000. This will extend coverage to 5 years or a maximum of 100,000 kms and they even include free service maintenance for 3 years or a maximum of 50,000 kms.
Older Hyundai models can now be covered under HSDM’s Extended Warranty programme
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has been quick to respond to the exemption of all import and excise duties for electric vehicles (EVs) announced just last Friday by the government for the proposed 2022 Budget. The exemption will certainly make fully electric vehicles more affordable, hopefully spurring interest among Malaysians to switch to them.
More attractive pricing without taxes
Later this month, HSDM will begin selling the Hyundai Kona Electric, the fully electric version of the Kona SUV already sold in Malaysia since April this year. With the exemptions (normally a privilege given to royalty and diplomats), the model is expected to cost less than RM150,000 in standard form. This compares favourably with the version using a 2-litre Smartstream petrol engine that are priced at RM119,888 and RM136,888 (without insurance and 50% exemption on sales tax).
Customers will have a choice of two lithium-ion battery packs (at different prices, of course). The more powerful one will have storage capacity of 64 kWh for longer range while the alternative pack will have 39.2 kWh. With a fully charged pack, range claims are 484 kms and 305 kms, respectively, although this would depend on driving style and conditions, just like with combustion engines.
47 minutes recharging time
What would be of more importance to owners would be recharging time, something which will have to be a daily practice – just like charging your phone overnight. Hyundai claims that it should take around 47 minutes to recharge from 10% to 80% using a 100kW direct current (DC) fast charger.
The Kona Electric also has an optional 11-kW 3-phase on-board charger. This allows for significantly shorter charging times using public 3-phase AC charging stations or with a private compatible wall box at home. Drivers also have the option of charging their car at a compatible regular household power socket using the ICCB-cable (in-cable control box).
Things to consider buying an EV
Owning an EV will have to be carefully considered by those interested in having such vehicles. While you will certainly save on fuel costs and help save the planet, your personal circumstances will be a factor. If you live in a condo complex or apartments, you may not have a place to recharge your vehicle if the property owner does not provide convenient power points. Then you will have to rely on public recharging stations which, at this time, are not exactly plentiful. The situation will change in coming years, but it cannot be predicted how fast the private sector will develop the recharging network.
Visually, the Kona Electric resembles the other versions but has its own bumper, wheel and headlight designs. The front end is also more ‘sealed’ since the traditional grille is not needed for cooling purposes.
The interior has a similar horizontal layout as the other versions with new ambient lighting. The instrumentation reflects the EV-nature of the vehicle, with the tachometer space occupied by a meter showing the battery charge and power levels. There’s also a gauge to let the driver know how much range is left with the energy in the battery pack.
Performance-wise, the electric motor of the Kona Electric can generate 150 kW (equivalent to 204 ps) of power and 395 Nm of torque. You don’t get the sub-5 second times that you often read about with EVs, but it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 7.9 seconds. The strong point about EVs is that all the torque is available from standstill so acceleration is exceptionally quick.
The Kona Electric is one of the early models in the growing range of EVs by Hyundai. The Korean carmaker plans to introduce 12 new fully electric models by 2025 and reach a sales volume of 560,000 EVs annually. Its entire line-up will be electrified globally by 2040, by which time it expects to capture 8% to 10% of the global EV market.
Hyundai Kona Electric gets listed in Guinness World Records for altitude achievement
MPVs evolved from window vans and were initially simple people-movers. Over the years, some manufacturers have found growing demand for more luxurious versions of such vehicles, with models like the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire being very popular.
To capture a slice of this growing market, Hyundai has also come out with a luxury MPV called the Staria and it is now available in Malaysia through Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM). Available in the 7-seat Premium version, the Staria is priced from RM358,888 (without insurance and with partial sales tax exemption). The price varies depending on the warranty period the customer wants. The base price comes with a 2-year or maximum of 50,000 km warranty. For another RM10,000 more, HSDM will provide a warranty of 5 years or maximum of 300,000 kms, plus 3 years (or maximum of 50,000 kms) free scheduled service.
Unique spaceship design theme
The Staria has a unique appearance which certainly makes it stand out anywhere. While MPVs typically have a cubic form which allows for the most efficient interior space, Hyundai’s designers have given it a design that is said to be like a spaceship. It’s a sleek streamlined form that is said to be like the curve of light that illuminates the Earth’s horizon at sunrise when viewed from space.
From any angle, the Staria’s styling draws attention. For instance, the front is embellished with horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) and a positioning lamp, together running across the width of the vehicle, complemented by a bold, wide radiator grille with a unique pattern.
The same body colour for all frontal parts is used and gives a monolithic look that is modern and even futuristic. To highlight certain elements and give a premium look, brass chrome treatment is applied to the emblem, grille, headlamp bezels, front and rear bumpers, wheels, side mirrors and door handles.
The Staria’s 5253 mm long body sits on a 3273-mm wheelbase and has a 1997 mm. The beltline is low, allowing the side windows to be large and panoramic, which suggests a spacious interior – which is the case. The cruise ship-inspired interior has an open and unique atmosphere through its innovative design architecture which follows traditional Korean ‘hanok’ architecture.
Premium Relaxation Seats
The sense of spaciousness allows passengers to feel as if the outside scenes are an extension of the vehicle interior. Premium Relaxation Seats are provided in the second row and these have power recline as well as slide along the floor to vary cargo space. A one-touch relaxation mode makes the seats recline automatically to a posture that comfortably disperses the passenger’s weight and improves overall body balance. Even when the seats are reclined by this mode, there is enough room for an adult passenger to sit comfortably in the third row.
The cargo space available varies depending on the arrangement of the seating configurations. While the 7-seat configuration may have reduced cargo volume, the 2 and 3-seater versions which can be optimized for business use have maximum cargo space of almost 5,000 litres.
Futuristic dashboard theme
The futuristic theme of the exterior is also adopted on the dashboard with an advanced 10.25-inch front touchscreen and a button-type electronic shift lever. The digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard while the smart infotainment system includes a display from a wide-angle camera for the driver to view rear passengers.
To have the right atmosphere, there is a 64-colour ambient mood lamp. Its direct and indirect lighting can selectively illuminate the cockpit, console, doors and cargo areas. The premium ambience is enhanced by the Bose sound system which comes standard and is optimised for the large cabin volume.
Turbodiesel with shift-by-wire transmission
HSDM is still one of those companies that offers diesel-powered models and the Staria comes with a familiar 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel with an output of 177 ps/431 Nm, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission operated by a simple electronic shift-by-wire system. With the high-efficiency, air-cooled turbocharger that has an improved compressor and turbine wheel performance, low speed performance is stronger and peak torque is available from 1,500 rpm. HSDM doesn’t mention fuel compatibility although they would have done extensive testing with local biodiesel to ensure there are no issues.
As it can carry up to 7 people, the Staria would need the highest level of vehicle safety. It is equipped with a full suite of Hyundai Smartsense active safety and driving assistance technologies. With its large size, especially the long body, the Blind-spot View Monitor, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist systems would be of very useful.
“Hyundai is expanding its offerings to include more premium vehicles that offer innovative features for a unique in-car experience. The Staria Premium aims to offer unique value propositions for customers seeking a luxurious experience in an MPV,” said Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Retail and Distribution, Sime Darby Motors.
While the Staria is launched today, units are not immediately available. Understandably, given the price, it is new territory for HSDM and remembering the times when they have sold high-priced models, they probably want to avoid having too many stocks in hand waiting to be sold. Customers have to specify what colour they want from the choice of five (white and mostly greyish or silver shades). Then depending on production slots, it could take 3 to 6 months before the vehicle gets to Malaysia for delivery.
Older Hyundai models can now be covered under HSDM’s Extended Warranty programme
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has launched its Hyundai Grand Starex Smart Lease Programme to offer corporations and businesses an attractive leasing programme with significant savings. The programme, which is in partnership with Sime Darby Rent A Car, is also available for individuals.
Customers who sign up for the Hyundai Grand Starex Smart Lease programme – which can be from 3 to 5 years – will enjoy the ownership experience of a new vehicle without having to worry about a loan application, and costs related to long-term maintenance, roadtax and insurance. There is also no need to consider the resale value or have the headache of disposing a vehicle.
Less outlay than a downpayment
Customers will only need to pay the agreed fixed monthly payment, a 2-month deposit and a booking fee of RM500 upon signing of the Hyundai Smart Lease Agreement. The deposit fee is lower compared to a downpayment and there is flexibility at the end of term. When the lease agreement expires, customers can opt to renew the lease programme with a new unit.
“We have tailored the programme to fit the business vehicle needs of companies. The Smart Lease programme will provide greater flexibility without the hassle and burden of hefty up-front payments and other costs,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM. He added that the cost-savings are approximately RM17,000 for a 5-year ownership term.
Customers who use the programme can choose from all four variants of the MPV – Standard Corporate, Executive Plus without bodykit, Executive Plus with bodykit, and Executive Prime. The Grand Starex can accommodate up to 11 persons and is powered by a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
The monthly payment for the Standard Corporate variant is RM2,800 for a 5-year leasing programme with mileage capped at 15,000 kms per annum. This includes a car replacement benefit of 3 days. Customers can choose to extend the mileage cap up to 30,000 kms per annum or 40,000 kms per annum with a monthly repayment of RM3,250 and RM3,550, respectively.
Showing gratitude to frontliners
Meanwhile, HSDM has a special programme to express gratitude to the healthcare workers and frontliners dealing with public health emergencies – such as fire fighters and uniformed law enforcement officers – as well as public school teachers.
Known as the Hyundai Frontliners Appreciation Programme, it is an initiative by HSDM to show its appreciation and support to frontliners who have worked tirelessly to serve the people. The programme comes with grocery vouchers, and other goodies worth RM7,900 in total. Additionally, a special rebate will make owning a new Hyundai model more affordable.
Older Hyundai models can now be covered under HSDM’s Extended Warranty programme
At the moment, the car industry has come to a standstill with the closure of retail outlets, so no business can be conducted. Of course, people in the car companies are still working and planning for the future. For Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), one of the new developments that can now be introduced is the Hyundai Promise Approved Used Car Programme, which is supported by Sime Darby Auto Selection.
For trade-ins and used vehicle sales
This new programme is for trade-in of vehicles as well as sale of pre-owned Hyundai vehicles. The pre-owned units sold through Hyundai Promise come with genuine parts and the original engine. Each vehicle has been through stringent and rigorous inspections by trained technicians to ensure that it is in optimal electrical and mechanical condition. HSDM also confirms the vehicles have not been involved in major accidents as part of the certification.
Warranty and emergency assistance service
This means that customers will have peace of mind when purchasing these vehicles. To give them more peace of mind, all Hyundai Promise approved and certified vehicles come with an extended warranty of between 2 to 5 years, depending on the age of the vehicle and the mileage since original registration. Additionally, customers can enjoy 24-hour road assistance service in case of an emergency.
“Hyundai Promise is forward-looking, offering customers a full circle of sales services, from purchasing their first new Hyundai model to trading in their vehicles for a newer model, with attractive deals. As the name of the programme suggests, we promise good quality vehicles and worry-free ownership. Customers who make their purchase from Hyundai Promise will enjoy wonderful benefits including quality assurance, financial solutions, and extended warranty,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM.
He added that Hyundai Promise is an important business segment that complements Hyundai’s existing business ecosystem. It also aims to regulate the resale value of used Hyundai vehicles in Malaysia by establishing values for the models.
Sime Darby Auto Selection launches online store for pre-owned vehicles
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