Almost everyone has a handphone nowadays so if you are unfortunate to have an accident, you can call for help from anywhere. But what if you are injured and cannot make the call? If you have a Hyundai Grand Starex from Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the vehicle will make that emergency call for you, thanks to the Telematics System which HSDM has installed as standard in every Grand Starex sold after May 1, 2021. The Telematics System comes with 6 services – Automatic eCall, Manual eCall, Breakdown Assistance, Service Assist, Connected Security Features/Stolen Vehicle Tracking.
eCall will bring emergency assistance
The Automatic eCall system, which has been required in all vehicles sold in Europe since 2018, is activated when a severe impact is detected by sensors, indicating that the vehicle has been involved in an accident. A SOS call goes on to the Secure Operating Centre (SOC) which will then attempt to contact the owner of the vehicle to check on the situation. Should there be no response, rescue services and the police will be notified to go to the location shown on the tracking device in the vehicle.
If the driver is not hurt, he or she can use the Manual eCall by just pressing the SOS button mounted on the console of the Grand Starex. Once this done, there will be a call from the SOC to find out the nature of the emergency and what sort of assistance is required.
How an eCall system works (image courtesy of Bosch).
The bCall service will bring breakdown support to where the vehicle is located and if the vehicle is stolen or lost, its location can be identified with the tracking system. Once the location is known, the SOC will coordinate with police and other personnel to recover the vehicle.
Vehicle location and tracking
The Telematics System also comes with a Mobile App that can activate a smart alarm to locate the vehicle with the sound of the horn and signal indicators. This is useful if you are in a large carpark and forgot where you parked the vehicle. If you do not have such a feature, here’s a tip: use your phone to take a picture of a sign nearby which shows the location. This will help you to find the spot or the carpark people will be able to take you there.
The Service Assist feature tracks the vehicle’s mileage via GPS and then sends a note to an authorised Hyundai service centre which will then offer an appointment to the vehicle owner (if a scheduled service is due). The concierge service also includes reminders for the renewal of insurance and roadtax.
Complimentary for 3 years
The Telematics System service is complimentary for the first 3 years. After this period ends, vehicle owners can opt to renew the service for RM380 per year. “Existing Grand Starex owners who are keen to have this system installed in their vehicles can approach any authorised Hyundai service centre to get the Telematics System installed at RM1,998,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM.
The 11-seater Grand Starex MPV is available in two variants, both with 2.5-litre turbodiesel engines and 5-speed automatic transmission. Prices start from RM165,888.00 (excluding insurance) in Peninsula Malaysia) and financing plans offered by HSDM have monthly instalments that start from RM1,348 (terms and conditions apply).
A warranty is like medical insurance – you pay for it hoping that you never have to make a claim but if you are seriously ill, then you will be so glad you have the insurance. With a warranty for motor vehicles, it’s the same thing. You have the coverage which gives peace of mind, and if the vehicle runs fine, then you don’t need to make a claim. But should there be a failure, the warranty will likely cover repair or replacement costs that can sometimes be shocking.
All new vehicles come with a warranty of a certain period, typically to cover manufacturing defects or faults that are not due to the owner’s usage. These warranties end at some point – either based on time or mileage – and then the protection ends.
For vehicles up to 8 years old
For Hyundai owners who want the continued peace of mind after the original warranty ends, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) now offers an Extended Warranty Programme for selected Hyundai models. The vehicles should no longer than 8 years from the manufacturing date and with a travelled mileage of under 300,000 kms on the fifth year from the car’s original purchase date.
Applicable models are the AD/MD Elantra, LF Sonata, TL/LM Tucson, DM Santa Fe and TQ Starex. To qualify for the Extended Warranty programme, the vehicles must have a good service record at authorized Hyundai service centres in Malaysia, and owners are required to send in their vehicles to an authorized service centre for a routine service according to HSDM’s recommended service interval.
Hyundai models that qualify for the Extended Warranty programme include the Elantra (above) and Santa Fe (below).
“Most extended warranty programmes by a car brand are offered by premium and luxury car brands but we are offering this programme for Hyundai cars as we are confident of the quality of our vehicles, and we want to help our customers maintain their cars longer with peace of mind,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM.
Functions like a new car’s warranty
While the original factory warranty is included in the purchase price of the vehicle, the Extended Warranty requires payment of RM1,280 annually to remain in effect. The Extended Warranty will function just like a new car’s warranty but covers mileage of not more than 30,000 kms a year. It covers internal and primary components of the transmission system as well as other electrical components of the engine, transmission, motor and modular parts of the vehicles.
It also covers complimentary repairs and parts replacement while under warranty. The coverage limit per claim is set at RM10,000. However, any item that has been claimed beforehand can be claimed again should it be proven faulty with a claim of up to RM50,000 on the total aggregate (until it is fulfilled).
The latest Hyundai Elantra arrived in Malaysian showrooms just 9 months after its global online launch from Hollywood. Its quick appearance was due to it not being assembled locally, so there was no need for plant preparation. Along with exports to other markets, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) also got its allocation for Malaysia.
The only problem was that with many markets wanting the new model, supply was limited and HSDM could get only one variant first, which was the Elantra Premium priced from RM158,888. Now, about 5 months after its launch in Malaysia, a second variant is available and it’s priced from RM139,888 (excluding insurance). This RM19,000 cheaper variant is the Elantra Executive and like the Premium variant, it also comes with a warranty of 5 years or maximum distance of 300,000 kms.
Though costing less, HSDM has still managed to keep the Elantra Executive fairly well equipped, with SmartSense safety systems and 6 SRS airbags. It sits on the same new platform with a similar Smartstream G1.6 16-valve petrol engine that produces 123 ps/154 Nm. Hyundai’s own Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) is used and there are 4 drive modes to choose from.
The interior appointments are simpler with black fabric upholstery for the seats and manual seat adjustment. The functional dashboard has a 4.2-inch TFT LCD Cluster which provides the driver with all the necessary information.
Though the new car has a sleeker roofline compared to its predecessor, headroom has not been compromised. The longer wheelbase also provides 964 mm of rear legroom, claimed to be best in class, while the wider track width means improved shoulder room in the front and rear. With over 474 litres of boot volume, the Elantra should be able to take a lot of cargo and if there are long items, the rear backrests can also be folded down to extend the boot floor.
“We have received significant interest from customers on the new Elantra and also a preference for lower pricing. As with all fully imported cars, the exchange rate is one of the determining factors for the price of the car. The Elantra is a CBU (complete built-up) unit that is imported from Korea, therefore the exchange rate does affect how we price the car. Having said that, we would still like to make the Elantra accessible to all our customers with the introduction of this new variant,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM.
The Hyundai Kona made its global debut in 2017 but it was only in late October 2020 that the small SUV finally appeared in Malaysia. Now, just five months later, an updated version is being launched with a new powertrain and cosmetic changes for the 2021 model year.
The new powertrain is from the Smartstream family and is a bigger version of the engine found in the latest Elantra that was launched in Malaysia in December last year. The Smartstream G2.0 Atkinson 4-cylinder engine replaces the Nu 2.0 and Gamma 1.6 engines (the latter being turbocharged) that powered the 2020 Kona. Without turbocharging but with advanced technology that promotes efficiency, the output is 149 ps/180 Nm.
There are other powertrain choices (hybrid and full electric) but it could be that the high demand for the Kona, especially in Europe, makes it hard for Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) to get allocation at this time.
Hyundai Smartstream G2.0 engine and Smartstream, IVT (below).
Power goes only to the front wheels via a Smartstream IVT which was developed by the Hyundai Motor Group. It’s said to be better than a CVT while having the benefits of the CVT. The shifting patterns is more like a conventional transmission’s and the engineers have managed to eliminate the ‘rubber band feel’ of CVTs. Rather than having no set gear speed (as in CVTs), the driver can also take advantage of the virtual gear speeds generated by the IVT as needed, which do a great job in approximating the fun feel of the manual transmission.
Active and Standard versions, one engine only
HSDM is importing the Kona in Standard and Active versions, priced (without insurance) at RM119,888 and RM136,888, respectively, with 50% of sales tax exempted until June 30, 2021. The 2021 model has restyled front and rear ends which sharpen the profile, making it visually sleeker, especially with the extra 40 mm of overall length.
The 2021 Kona, which is 40 mm longer, has noticeable changes to the front end when compared to the 2020 model (below).
Stronger visual features
The Cascading Grille is a strong visual feature which extends to both corners, while the same LED lighting units are maintained (the slim lights at the top of each corner are the signal lights). To emphasise the SUV image are protective panels and a skid plate on the lower bumper. Integrated into the bumper corners are vertically oriented aerodynamic inlets that improve airflow.
At the rear, the new taillights feature horizontally stretched graphics. These mirror the front-end lighting theme. The new rear bumper, which continues the protective armour concept of the front and sides, also uses a contrasting coloured material. Depending on the variant, the alloy wheels are 17 inches or 18-inches in diameter with new designs.
Colour choices for the Kona Standard are Chalk White, Galactic Grey, Surfy Blue and Pulse Red, while those who buy the Kona Active variant have the option of Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju, Ignite Flame, Dark Knight, and Misty Jungle.
Upscale and progressive interior
Packaging of a small SUV can be challenging for the interior designers as spaciousness is expected, being a SUV. Nevertheless, intelligent use of space provides the space and for the latest model, a number of revisions give a more upscale and progressive look. There are new colours and materials with seat cover options that include a black woven houndstooth design, cloth seats with black and grey embossing or perforated leather seats in black or beige.
The redesigned console area is separated from the instrument panel to emphasize the horizontal layout. The dashboard appears wide and airy, contributing to the spacious ambience. New for the Kona Active is a 10.25-inch digital cluster, in addition to an 8-inch AVN screen with multiple connectivity options. Wireless Android Auto and Apple are also available allowing apps like Waze and Spotify to be embedded in the infotainment system.
For convenience and space-saving, the parking brake is now electrically-actuated and has an auto-hold function. demand. Additionally, the new Kona now has a remote engine start function from the smart key.
Hyundai Smartsense
Like other models in the market, the best safety features are only available in the most expensive version, in the case the Kona Active. This gets a range of SmartSense driver assistance systems such as Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist with Safe Exit Warning. The latter is particularly valuable not only to detect (and warn the driver) vehicles approaching from either side when reversing out but also detects oncoming vehicles from the rear and then displays a visual and audio warning to alert the passenger exiting the vehicle.
Other safety features include Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Rear Occupant Alert and High Beam Assist. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) has also been upgraded with pedestrian and vehicle detection, and will activate Automatic Emergency Braking if the driver does not act correctly or in time to prevent an accident.
HSDM sells the new Kona with a 5-year or 300,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty and during the first 3 years (or maximum of 50,000 kms), the customer won’t have to pay anything for scheduled maintenance services.
Hyundai owners can now enjoy an enhanced ownership experience with Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors’ (HSDM) new aftersales loyalty programmes – i-Care Plus and a Loyalty Card that offer discounts and freebies.
The Hyundai i-Care Plus programme is for vehicles that are 4 years old or older. For RM20, owners will get 6 discount vouchers which get them a 10% discount on selected parts, and 5% percent discount on labour charges, in addition to two free bottles of engine oil and an oil filter.
Available for a limited time from April 2021, the i-Care Plus vouchers is valid for 35 months from the date of purchase. They can be obtained at any authorized Hyundai service centre in Malaysia.
Exclusive privileges
Those who obtain the Loyalty Card will gain exclusive privileges that include exclusive monthly promotions. For example, during the month of April, there is a 20% discount on KLIMA Fresh and BlueChem products. Other privileges will be birthday month discounts on aftersales services, discounts on Hyundai merchandise and a higher trade-in value for the purchase of another new Hyundai vehicle. Current Hyundai owners can register for their complimentary Loyalty Card at any authorized Hyundai service centre nationwide.
Hyundai i-Care Plus programme provides free engine oil.
Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM, said the new customer loyalty programmes are testimony to the company’s promise in offering distinctive value to Hyundai car owners here, in the spirit of its tagline ‘Geared for Distinction’. “We hope to bring more value and benefits to our customers through such specially designed programmes as we focus on enhancing the customer experience with Hyundai,” he said.
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the sole distributor of Hyundai vehicles, has announced that it will be launching two SUVs during 2021. One is the large-sized Palisade while the other is an updated version of the compact Kona model which was introduced in the Malaysian market last October.
The Palisade, which is 4980 mm long, is Hyundai’s flagship SUV with accommodation for up to 7 people on three rows of seats. Those who do not require the third row will find a generous extra volume of space available in the back with the row folded down.
Note: Images shown are of US version. The Palisade sold in Malaysia may have differences in features.
The version of the Palisade imported will have an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-litre V6 with dual CVVT in the cylinder head and direct fuel-injection This petrol engine has around 291 bhp of power with up to 355 Nm of torque.
Aviation-inspired features
Taking inspiration from aviation technology, the Palisade’s features include a Head-Up Display (HUD) that projects operating information onto the windscreen in front of the driver. The display is generated as a reflection of a full-colour TFT LCD panel inside the top of the dashboard. The displayed information is said to be visible in all lighting conditions, even our bright tropical sunshine.
An industry-first is the innovative diffusers design for the ceiling vents. This provides a focused, partially-diffused or fully-diffused stream of air to the rear passengers. It reduces airflow noise and is draft-free while giving more uniform distribution of air as well as being able to direct cool air in specific areas.
Pricing for the Palisade is not known yet although it will be fairly high. The last time HSDM sold a model with a big engine was the 3.8-litre Genesis about 6 years ago and that cost almost RM400,000. The tax structure hasn’t changed and the only savings you could get would be on sales tax (and that too would only be until June 30, 2021).
Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.Note: Images of Kona are of the European version and the one sold in Malaysia be have some differences.
New engine for Kona
As for the 2021 Kona, the new Smartstream G2.0 petrol engine with 149 ps/180 Nm will be introduced. The 4-cylinder engine is mated to a CVT transmission which delivers power to the front wheels; all-wheel drive will still not be available.
Updates for the 2021 model include a more refined front fascia design, new 17-inch and 18-inch wheels, an enhanced SmartSense state-of-the-art safety package and a remote starting function. The new console area of the cabin now has a horizontal layout while the air vents and speakers also get new rings with aluminium finish.
Also included in the new version is upgraded ambient lighting technology that illuminates the cupholder and foot lamps on the front passenger and driver side. New interior colour options, materials and trims are also to be expected.
The Koan is presently priced between RM116,000 and RM144,000, and it’s likely that the 2021 model will be around the same range. There are currently two engines, one being a 1.6-litre Gamma turbo and the other is the old Nu engine which will be replaced.
The Palisade and updated Kona will be followed by other new models during the year, hinted Low Yuan Lung, HSDM’s Managing Director. “Other new models are also in the pipeline and bound to excite the market,” he said.
It’s not often that a new model arrives in Malaysia less than a year after it has its global debut. Often, the manufacturer may start with a lefthand drive model, or give priority to important markets like the domestic market or the USA. In the case of the all-new Hyundai Elantra, it’s been just 9 months since the 7th generation of the model was introduced to the world from Hollywood – online. That’s the new normal for the auto industry, with a number of new models having their launches online due to restrictions in many countries.
But one of the reasons why Malaysia is able to get the new Elantra so quickly is that it is not assembled locally, unlike the generation before which was assembled at the Inokom factory in Kedah. This time round, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) decided to import CBU (completely built-up) from Korea and as the Elantra is one of the carmaker’s more successful global models, righthand drive variants are important enough to be available right from the start.
More models for this market
For some models, Hyundai has chosen not to develop RHD variants probably because of the smaller potential volumes than LHD. This has resulted in a ‘dry season’ for HSDM in the past few years but now it appears that things are picking up again, product-wise, with new models becoming available for this market.
We’ve already described the new Elantra last week and today, the only thing to report is the price which has been announced as RM158,888 (private registration in Peninsular Malaysia, excluding insurance and 5% sales tax exempted till December 31, 2020). There is only one variant available for now and the price is said to be an introductory one. The warranty is 5 years long, or a maximum of 300,000 kms, which would be good for those who are high-mileage drivers.
“The new Elantra is a game-changer, not just in its looks but the entire package that comes with it. Its sporty elegant look that comes with a high-tech premium interior and Hyundai’s Smartsense features make it an unbeatable C-segment car in its class,” said Low Yuan Lung, MD of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors.
Return to the 1.6-litre size
The 7th generation Elantra comes with a powertrain from the Smartstream family and where the engine size was 2 litres before, it is now 1.6-litres, the same as when the Elantra first appeared in the 1990s. Back then, even with 16 valves, EFI and all that, the output was 114 ps with 139 Nm of torque. The Smartstream G1.6 MPi engine in today’s Elantra produces 123 ps and 154 Nm, thanks to many advances in engine technology that improve efficiency.
And where the driver of the 1992 Elantra had basically one engine ‘map’ for its tuning, the Smartstream engine has 4 different programs that the driver can choose, according to personal preference or driving conditions. For instance, acceleration can be prioritized by selecting the Sport mode while fuel consumption can be lower with the Eco mode. There’s also a Comfort mode for relaxed cruising and a Smart mode where the computer makes decisions based on driving style and conditions. Basically, it’s like having 4 different engines in the engine bay!
Better than a conventional CVT
The powertrain also has an advanced Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) developed by the Hyundai Motor Group. It’s better than a CVT while keeping the benefits of the CVT. It also eliminates the ‘rubber band feel’ of CVTs and reproduces the manual transmission’s shifting pattern to give better responsiveness.
Rather than having no set gear speed (as in CVTs), the driver can also take advantage of the virtual gear speeds generated by the IVT as needed, which do a great job in approximating the fun feel of the manual transmission.
The new Elantra rides on a new platform and its overall length has been increased while the roofline is marginally lower. Though seemingly minor, the small increases have enabled the designers to change the appearance of the car without encroaching on cabin space.
Unconventional design language
The coupe-like form is sportier and incorporates a design language called ‘Parametric Dynamics’. The language has elements not commonly used by car designers, so it gives the new Elantra a ‘disrupter-spirit’ image. With Parametric Dynamics, there is an intricate design of geometric crystals cut and divided body surfaces with the clever usage of line patterns.
Aircraft cockpit theme
The interior has been designed with an aircraft cockpit for the driver’s area. A large interface consisting of two connected expansive touchscreen displays will give that sort of feel. While there is no Head Up Display (HUD) like a fighter jet, the TFT LCD Supervision cluster provides a lot of information about the car’s operation, including the air pressure in each tyre. The meter display is available in three different presentations, each giving more emphasis on certain information.
The 8-inch infotainment system displays a wide variety of useful information and has Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity as well as multi-connection Bluetooth support which allows for two devices to be paired at the same time (one for phone calls and one for streaming audio).
Hyundai SmartSense
The Elantra is also very well equipped with safety systems and features, with a number of them integrated in the SmartSense suite. These are driver-assistance systems such as forward collision/autonomous emergency braking, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Following Assist and even Leading Vehicle Departure Alert.
The sensors for the Blind Spot monitor are also used for the Safe Exit Warning whereby the occupant can receive a warning when opening the door if there is a vehicle approaching on the side. There is also a monitor on the driver’s actions and the Driver will be alerted if found to be driving in an unsafe way.
The all-new Hyundai Elantra will be officially launched in Malaysia shortly and while Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) still won’t tell us the price, they have shown us the new car and provided some insights into the new design and features.
This time round, for the seventh generation of the 30-year old model line (also called Avante in some countries), HSDM is not having it assembled locally – at least for now. This is perhaps why the model can be launched in Malaysia just 9 months after its global debut. Normally, models that are assembled locally need additional time as the plant has to be set up and suppliers need to also start producing parts.
The HSDM people were first shown the new model in 2019 and then made the decision to combine with Brunei and Singapore on ordering, thereby having a bigger volume that could mean better pricing. However, that also meant that the specifications had to be common as well, so Malaysia too would have to take cars made in Korea. And that is how the new Elantra has reached us so fast and not in 2021.
From the preliminary specifications available, it appears that there will only be one variant offered and in order to get the latest technologies, HSDM opted for the 1.6-litre SmartStream powertrain rather than stick to the older 2-litre unit.
Parametric Dynamics
Hyundai’s design philosophy in the early part of this decade was known as ‘Fluidic Design’ which evolved into ‘Fluidic Sculpture’. Its inspiration was drawn from nature, with organic shapes, flowing lines and curvaceous forms. However, as a new decade starts, the philosophy has changed again and is now going for geometric shapes. Hyundai calls it ‘Parametric Dynamics’.
The company used advanced digital design technology to bring the Parametric Dynamics design language to life. Having three lines meet at one point is the main element of Parametric Dynamics and this formation has actually been avoided in car design. So the new Elantra aims to be a ‘disrupter’, an approach that is popular these days.
Parametric Design is evident in the grille with its honeycomb-like structure as well as on the sides and even in the tail light units. However, Parametric Design is applied to details and it is not a return to an overall wedge form which was popular in the early 1980s. Hyundai designers favour a coupe-like profile even for sedans, which is helpful to aerodynamics apart from having a sporty appeal.
There are a lot of intersecting lines and grooves around the car and while they make for an interesting view (especially when light is shining across the car), we wonder about the implications on bodywork repair. With the plastic parts like the bumper and grille, there’s no choice and they just have to be replaced completely. But owners might still prefer to repair metal body panels like the doors and boot compartment.
More interior space available
Generally, the new body is longer, lower and wider with improvements in occupant space within the ‘Immersive cocoon’ cabin. Structural elements within are wide but low and intelligent packaging has freed up more space.
Interior designers often like to use an aircraft cockpit as the theme for the driver’s area and this is the case for the new Elantra. A large interface consisting of two connected expansive touchscreen displays will give that sort of feel. While there is no Head Up Display (HUD) like a fighter jet, the TFT LCD Supervision cluster provides a lot of information about the car’s operation, including the air pressure in each tyre. The meter display is available in three different presentations, each giving more emphasis on certain information.
For connectivity, there’s Android Auto/Apple CarPlay to bring the apps on the smartphone to the 9-inch display panel in the middle of the dashboard. 4 electrical outlets are available for charging or powering devices and there’s also a wireless charging pad for those smartphones that have the capability.
CBU instead of CKD
Getting the cars from the Korean factory in CBU form is good and bad from the point of specifications. If the model is assembled locally (referred to as ‘CKD’), HSDM can ‘customise’ a bit to meet its target pricing but if it is CBU, then it may be forced to take more than it would like to. For instance, while there is no sunroof, the Elantra we get has heated seats, a heated steering wheel and heated door mirrors and these are probably part of a package that includes some other items HSDM really wanted. The same sometimes applies to wheel sizes; if you want 20-inch wheels, you must take a sunroof as well as well and that may mean extra cost.
Of course, it’s usually good for the customers as there are more features available. Furthermore, some of the features might not be available if the model is assembled locally as a more ‘basic’ system might be used instead.
There are many convenience features that come with the new Elantra, apart from the keyless entry and pushbutton engine starting/stopping. It doesn’t have the ‘kick the bumper to open’ (our term, not an industry term) feature but the bootlid can still open automatically with the Smart Trunk feature besides pressing the button on the key fob.
Another way of automatic boot opening
The Smart Trunk feature works on the same concept as keyless entry and you must have the key fob (which has the electronic security code) on you for it to work. The boot does not open right away when within close range but after a certain time standing behind the car, then it will open. This is a security measure to avoid unwanted opening.
While the ‘kick the bumper’ method is also convenient, it does mean that a person will momentarily stand on one foot. That might not be good as the person may lose balance, especially if carrying heavy items in both hands. So Hyundai’s idea may offer a safer way of handsfree opening.
Hyundai SmartSense
On the subject of safety, the new Elantra follows the industry trend with integrated safety systems that work together and use common sensors – a camera on the windscreen and a radar in the grille. The Korean carmaker’s system is known as Hyundai SmartSense and consists of 8 active safety systems. These are in addition to the usual ABS, EBD, ESC, Traction Control, etc.
There is Forward Collision Warning with scanning at junctions as well, Lane Keeping, Driver Drowsiness Monitor, Smart Cruise Control Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Safe Exit Warning (when opening doors), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert when reversing.
The Smart Cruise Control is adaptive and adjusts the speed to ensure there is a safe gap with the vehicle ahead. The additional feature it has – usually found on more expensive models – is Stop & Go which allows the speed to be adjusted right down to zero. This means that you can operate on cruise control and even follow a car through a toll plaza. If the car stops, the Elantra will also stop and resume moving when the car ahead starts to move off. It’s as good as autonomous driving!
The new Elantra sit on Hyundai’s third-generation vehicle platform and besides weighing less, this new platform also allowed the engineers to lower car’s centre of gravity, which should enhance handling. For passive safety, there’s a strong structure and up to 6 airbags within to provide cushioning during an accident.
This may be the worst year ever for the auto industry (though sales in the past few months have actually been high) with the MCO forcing a shutdown of businesses and factories. Production was affected and sales too were virtually non-existent for at least one month. Nevertheless, the government’s assistance in the form of sales tax exemption seems to have helped to encourage people to buy new vehicles.
For Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), that’s good news since it has had a number of brand new models in the pipeline and next month, it will launch yet another one – the 7th generation Hyundai Elantra. The popular global model of the Korean carmaker was among the early ones to be launched online as the typical live launch was not possible due to the pandemic and lockdown situation. Hyundai broadcast the new Elantra’s launch worldwide from Hollywood on March 17, and 9 months later, it will be in Malaysian showrooms.
Parametric Dynamics in design
As with the recent new models, the Elantra gets a distinctive new look with adoption of Hyundai’s new design language. This design language uses ‘Parametric Dynamics’ for a futuristic look. The 3-dimensional design is carefully crafted like a well-cut jewel with stark wide side lines.
The coupe-like body is longer, lower, and wider compared to the 6th-generation model with the front cowl point moved back around 50 mm. These minor changes dramatically changed the shape of the car but had limited impact on cabin space. In fact, Hyundai says most key interior dimensions increased.
Low Yuan Lung, MD of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors, said the new Elantra with its differentiating design ‘will thrill the market’. “The new look, which takes inspiration from geometric crystals’ cut body surfaces, is expected to wow customers due to its uniqueness,” he added.
“Not only does the car exude sophistication and sportiness, but it also offers a fulfilling driving experience,” he promised. “It is fun to drive a car, loaded with a host of safety and convenience features such as parking distance warning and wireless phone charging.”
‘Immersive cocoon’ interior
Besides the striking exterior design, the interior is like an ‘immersive cocoon’ that envelopes the driver. Described as being like entering an airplane cockpit, there is a large interface consisting of two displays – a 10.25-inch Supervision TFT display and an 8-inch floating panel. All information to operate the car and also the infotainments systems is easily viewed.
Hyundai SmartSense to help the driver
The new Elantra will also come with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of driver assistance systems that work together to help the driver avoid an accident. These include automatic emergency braking (AEB) and smart cruise control which will even bring the car to a stop if necessary and automatically resume movement.
HSDM has not revealed the price of the new model other than that its estimated price is ‘RM1XX,888’ (the current Elantra with a 2-litre engine has been priced around RM110,000). Bookings are accepted now with a fee of RM777.
Being a righthand drive market has sometimes been a challenge for distributors as their principal may choose to focus on the lefthand drive market which offers a bigger volume globally. The additional cost of engineering a righthand drive variant may not be justified by the potential volumes so some models may not be available.
Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has had that sort of problem on and off over the years, leading to some periods when there were no really new products to display in the showrooms. With the global products, of course, righthand drive models are a must and the time has come for not one but two new models to be launched in Malaysia.
The first is the Sonata which was the first Hyundai model to be sold in Malaysia way back in the early 1990s. Every generation since then has been sold and it has even been assembled locally and the eighth generation has its official launch today.
The second model is the Kona. This is Hyundai’s representative in the compact SUV segment and is a younger product which was born in 2017. It’s been doing pretty well and riding the wave of popularity for small SUVs these days.
NEW HYUNDAI SONATA
The eighth generation of the executive sedan has undergone a transformation in appearance, taking on a sleeker form that could be mistaken for a 4-door coupe. Inspired by the dramatic Le Fil Rouge concept shown at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the new Sonata gains a sportier image than its predecessor.
The new design features the Digital Pulse Cascading Grille that spans from the front of the new Sonata, finishing at the innermost points of new combination headlamps coupled with a distinctive and innovative new lighting architecture.
Also a first for a Hyundai vehicle, the Hidden Lighting Lamps are a design innovation that incorporates state-of-the-art lighting technology, forming the Sonata’s light architecture. The Hidden Lighting Lamps appear to be chrome when switched off and become dramatically lit when turned on. It’s a design feature that you will see in other coming models as well.
The Sonata sits on a platform with a new Smartstream G2.5 powertrain. The 2.5-litre engine produces 180 ps/232 Nm which is transferred to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire linkage.
The platform is a totally new one and the Sonata is the first model to utilize it. The engineers have significant flexibility for vehicle development across multiple segments with this platform which is made with hot-stamping and super-high-tensile steel. It has also been strengthened and with the aid of computer-aided engineering, dissipation of impact forces is carefully planned to minimize the effects on the occupants.
Inside the new Sonata
Spanning the full width of the cabin, the slim dashboard features a wide 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. This is customizable to suit different driving modes and preferences. At the centre of the dashboard, a large, 8-inch HD screen enables occupants to interact easily with the audio-video and navigation functions. This screen can also accommodate a split-screen function that allows audio and navigation to be displayed simultaneously.
The instrument panel is in the shape of spread wings, inspired by a stealth aircraft. This shape presents a levitating effect, and this philosophy carries into the long armrests. The designers compressed the height of the dashboard and air vents as much as possible to create a ‘lightweight ambience’.
HSDM has been well known for packing a lot of features into its models, making them good value for money. With the new Sonata, there are segment-first features too, and one of them is the video-based blind spot monitor that is displayed on the instrument panel. With most other companies, blind spot monitors usually just provide an alert to the driver who must look at the door mirrors. The Sonata’s system gives a live feed so the driver does not have to turn the head at all.
The top version also includes a Head-Up Display (HUD) ahead of the driver. This is a low-cost HUD which provides useful information when driving and it is right in the forward view of vision so the driver can keep eyes on the road ahead.
Other features in the comfort and convenience areas include a sunroof, electric parking brake, smart trunk, wireless smartphone charging pad with cooling fan, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a high-quality infotainment system.
The new Sonata is available in only one variant, priced from RM206,888, but the first 50 buyers can get it a special introductory price from RM189,888 (Peninsular Malaysia, excluding insurance). There are 6 exterior colour choices with three interior colour themes.
NEW HYUNDAI KONA
Those who like the well known coffee from the Hawaiian Islands will be happy to know there is now a SUV from Hyundai named after it. The compact model is a new line and is the first B-segment SUV sold by HSDM.
It’s a stylish design with an athletic image that incorporates Hyundai’s new ‘face’. This is the Cascading Grille with a sporty mesh pattern, flanked by flared, wing-like fenders that house composite headlamps with high-efficiency LEDs.
To appeal to younger buyers, the colour choices are more extroverted – Chalk White, Lake Silver, Phantom Black, Pulse Red and Ceramic Blue. The 1.6 Turbo variant gets a black roof, providing high contrast between the body, roof and wheels for a more distinctive appearance.
The Kona rides on an all-new platform developed for compact SUVs. On this platform is a lightweight unibody structure, 52% of which is Advanced High Strength Steel. Proprietary hot-stamping methods produce lightweight, ultra-strong structural elements to maximize the cabin’s central safety cell.
The platform also features an innovative multi-load path structure, effectively dispersing impact energy across multiple structures to protect passengers in the event of an accident. As such, injuries can be minimised, along with the cushioning effects of airbags.
HSDM offers the Kona with a choice of two powertrains – a 2.0-litre Nu MPI engine and a Gamma 1.6-litre 4-cylinder direct-injected, turbocharged engine. While the bigger engine generates 149 ps/180 Nm, the smaller one with turbocharging can produce up to 177 ps, with a maximum of 265 Nm of torque starting from 1500 rpm and available till 4500 rpm. The engine is coupled to a 7-speed EcoShift dual- clutch transmission (DCT).
Inside the Kona
Although the exterior appearance is that of a compact vehicle, the interior has been packaged intelligently to maximise space for passenger comfort. Stylistically, there is a strong horizontal character line creating a wide and spacious feel.
As with the exterior colour choices, the interior has also been given a youthful touch with contrasting coloured seatbelts and interior trims. Grey-coloured interior trim and black seatbelts are matched with the Lake Silver, Phantom Black, Blue Lagoon and Ceramic Blue exteriors; Red seatbelts and Red interior trims are paired with the Phantom Black and Pulse Red exteriors; and Lime seatbelts and Lime interior trims are paired with Chalk White.
The functional dashboard houses an advanced infotainment which displays information on a floating 7-inch touchscreen. Connectivity is possible with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay so apps on smartphones can be mirrored on the dashboard. Incidentally, for those with compatible smartphones, there is also a wireless charging pad provided.
The more expensive variant has a Head-Up Display (HUD) system as well, projecting information onto the transparent panel ahead of the steering wheel. The 8-inch projected-image is visible in all lighting conditions and provides driving as well as safety information. When not in use, the HUD panel retracts into the dashboard.
While there are two engine choices, there are three variants as the 2-litre engine is available with either Standard or Active specs priced from RM123,888 and RM138,888, respectively. The Kona the 1.6 Turbo is priced from RM151,888.
Like the new Sonata, HSDM is offering the Kona at a special introductory price for a limited time. The 2.0 variant will be priced at RM130,888 for the Kona Active and the Kona 1.6 Turbo will be RM143,888 (Peninsula Malaysia, excluding insurance).
