Hyundai sedang memenuhi permintaan yang meningkat untuk kenderaan elektrik (EV) yang menggabungkan gaya prestasi dengan kelestarian dengan memperluaskan varian N Line ke Kona Elektrik. Ini merupakan kali pertama barisan kenderaan elektrik Hyundai menyertakan pengendalian N Line, memberikan pelanggan pilihan bergaya dan berprestasi.
Pengendalian N Line pada Kona Electric memberi tumpuan untuk meningkatkan penampilan kenderaan, dengan penambahan bumper depan dan belakang yang lebih ganas, penutup cermin hitam berkilat, rim 19 inci khas, dan atap hitam dua warna yang bersifat pilihan, ciri eksklusif yang tidak terdapat pada model lain. Ruang dalaman menerima sentuhan N Line seperti stereng khas, pedal logam, penutup kepala hitam, dan kerusi sport.
Jalur kerusi sport berbeza berdasarkan model yang dipilih di pasaran UK. Model N Line asas, berharga £40,395 (RM242,219), menawarkan kerusi kain, manakala N Line S, berharga £43,095 (RM258,406), menyediakan kombinasi Eco Alcantara dan kulit. Kedua-dua pilihan termasuk jahitan kontras merah, pemanas kerusi di bahagian hadapan dan belakang, dengan N Line S menambah pengudaraan, penyesuaian elektrik, kawalan iklim dua zon dengan pengudaraan belakang, sistem audio Bose, bar lampu DRL sepenuhnya, dan ciri keselamatan tambahan.
Di bawah bonet, kedua-dua model N Line dan N Line S berkongsi tren elektrik yang sama, dengan bateri 65 kWh dan motor elektrik 215hp tunggal yang memacu roda hadapan. Kona Electric mencapai masa 0-100km/j dalam masa 7.8 saat. Pelanggan juga mempunyai pilihan untuk memilih model Kona yang lebih rendah dengan motor elektrik 154hp dan bateri 48.4 kWh yang lebih kecil.
Keputusan Hyundai untuk memperkenalkan varian N Line ke Kona Elektrik selari dengan perubahan dalam keutamaan pengguna, di mana dijangkakan kenderaan elektrik menawarkan prestasi dan daya tarikan estetika yang serupa dengan kenderaan enjin pembakaran tradisional. Langkah ini mencerminkan komitmen Hyundai untuk menyediakan pelbagai dan menarik rangkaian kenderaan elektrik untuk pasaran.
Hyundai is catering to the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) that blend performance styling with sustainability by extending its sporty N Line trim to the Kona Electric. This marks the first time Hyundai’s electric vehicle lineup incorporates the N Line treatment, offering customers a stylish and sporty option.
The N Line trim on the Kona Electric focuses on enhancing the vehicle’s appearance, featuring more aggressive front and rear bumpers, gloss black mirror caps, 19-inch special wheels, and an optional two-tone black roof, an exclusive feature not available on other models. The interior receives N Line touches such as a dedicated steering wheel, metal pedals, black headliner, and sports seats.
The upholstery of the sports seats varies based on the model chosen in the UK market. The base N Line model, priced at £40,395 (RM242,219), offers cloth seats, while the N Line S, priced at £43,095 (RM258,406), provides an Eco Alcantara and leather combination. Both options include red contrast stitching, heated seats in the front and rear, with the N Line S adding ventilation, electric adjustment, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, a Bose sound system, a full-width DRL light bar, and additional safety features.
Under the hood, both the N Line and N Line S models share the same electric powertrain, featuring a 65 kWh battery and a single 215hp electric motor driving the front wheels. The Kona Electric achieves a 0-100km/h time of 7.8 seconds. Customers also have the option to choose lesser Kona models with a 154hp electric motor and a smaller 48.4 kWh battery.
Hyundai’s decision to introduce the N Line trim to the Kona Electric aligns with the shift in consumer preferences, where electric vehicles are expected to offer both performance and aesthetic appeal similar to traditional combustion counterparts. The move reflects Hyundai’s commitment to providing a diverse and attractive range of electric vehicles for the market.
One of the most annoying things to have ever graced modern cars are haptic buttons. In an effort to reduce cost and increase profits, car makers seemingly do not understand that what most people want are easily accessible controls and functions. Buttons are simple and easily accessible but are costly for manufacturers.
Although haptic buttons offer a clean layout and may look visually pleasing to the eyes, it can be on the dangerous side.
There have been cars released recently that do not have a user friendly interface and requires a two step process or more to change simple things like volume/climate control.
So thank goodness then for Hyundai. When Hyundai designs their cars, besides creating gorgeous cars they keep in mind these safety concerns.
“We have used the physical buttons quite significantly the last few years. For me, the safety-related buttons have to be a hard key,” said Sang Yup Lee, Hyundai’s head of design at the introduction of the new Hyundai Kona.
When you’re driving and it requires you to access menus on a touchscreen, it can be distracting as you have to take your eyes off the road which is why Hyundai had the common sense to keep the buttons and knobs as it is easy to just feel and sense the button that you want.
This is why the Hyundai Kona uses physical buttons and dials for its media controls and HVAC system.
“When it comes to Level 4 autonomous driving, then we’ll have everything soft key,” said Lee. This was him hinting that Hyundai might go heavy on the touch controls when autonomous driving becomes a common thing in the future where drivers would not have to take their eyes off the road.
Carmakers are making the switch to touchscreen control not because they are better but because they are cheaper. It’s slightly more complex when it comes to buttons due to the fact that each button is wired for different usage whereas the touch display is just on one big screen and cheaper to engineer.
With the technology available nowadays, voice recognition/command should be a common feature in all modern cars today to assist drivers with these simple tasks which is one of the features that the Kona has.
It allows you to activate and control features like climate settings, infotainment controls and side mirror heating as well as steering wheel heating via voice command.
We look forward to the return of buttons but know that is a long shot.
Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) will soon have the first N Line model for Malaysia with the launch of the Kona 1.6 Turbo N Line. The SUV is a high-performance version with styling that sets it apart distinctly. With the high output, it will have the most powerful powertrain in the market’S SUV B-segment.
Sporty design elements boost both looks and aerodynamics. With more power, better handling agility and premium tyres, each vehicle makes driving an invigorating rush. Along with superior performance, the N Line maintains a balanced combination of technology, safety and comfort.
Smartstream engine and transmission
The powertrain is the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi unit. This is a turbocharged inline 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with a Smartstream 7DCT (second generation of 7-speed Dual Clutch transmission). Peak power output is 198 ps of power at 6,000 rpm and 265 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 4,500rpm. The Smartstream powertrain has been tuned to provide sharp response as well as operate efficiently.
Motorsports-inspired looks
The N Line treatment for the Kona is associated with motorsports, especially rallies, with body-coloured claddings, and diamond-cut wheel design. The interior features a dedicated N Line colour package in one-tone black leather combined with suede as well as a ventilated and heated seat function for the driver and the front passenger. In addition, there is distinctive red stitching, metal pedals and a N logo on the gearshift knob, steering wheel and seats.
“With the introduction of the Kona N Line, we are confident that the Kona will lead the B-SUV segment, not only with its looks and but also with its performance. There has been keen interest among Malaysian motorists on our N and N Line brands, so we foresee good response, especially for the sportier Kona N Line,” said Low Yuan Lung, MD of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors.
Kona 1.6 Turbo as well
Besides the Kona N Line, HSDM will also be offering the Kona 1.6 Turbo which has a similar powertrain but without the N Line treatment.
Pricing has not been announced but bookings can now be made for those who want to be the first in town to own these new models.
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-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).
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.
Hyundai Motor has confirmed that the next model to have the high-performance N badge will be from its Kona range. The compact model will be the first high-performance SUV from the Korean carmaker.
2-litre turbo engine, 8-speed N DCT
The Kona N will be available with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, known as N DCT. Combined with its 2-litre turbocharged engine, it can be expected to deliver impressive performance. Besides an ‘emotional sound experience’, there will be Launch Control to enable the driver to exploit the high output.
“The all-new Kona N is the first ‘hot SUV’ from the N brand,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice-President and Head of N Brand Management and Motorsport Sub-division at Hyundai Motor Company. “As a ‘hot SUV’, it will have plenty of versatility as well as the driving pleasure like any other N vehicle. Enthusiasts will enjoy taking this car anywhere; from road to the track.”
Hyundai’s high-performance brand N, which ventured into the high-performance field with its i30 N, is planning to expand its line-up in 2021. Especially with more diversified segments in its line-up, like the i20 N and the upcoming Kona N, the brand will provide enthusiasts with fun-to-drive vehicles.
How Hyundai N started
The first association of ‘N’ with Hyundai was when the carmaker presented its N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept car for PlayStation’s Gran Turismo videogame series in 2015. In that same year, Hyundai brought in Albert Biermann, the former head of BMW’s M division, to spearhead the development of the N sub-brand and create a line of high-performance production cars.
The N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept car
The N brand has gained prominence with the many successes of the Hyundai N team in the World Rally Championship.
The ‘N’ in Hyundai N stands for Namyang, home to Hyundai Motor’s global R&D Centre in Korea since 1995, and also for Nurburgring, where N models are tested and developed further. The close connection between Namyang and the Nurburgring created the foundation for N, aiming to build on the company’s motorsport experience to bring winding road fun to customers who love cars. The ‘N’ logo itself embodies this idea, as it symbolises a chicane.
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).
UPDATE (30/8/20): The price has been announced as starting from RM115,000.
With Malaysia being a righthand drive (RHD) market and this market segment having lower volumes than lefthand drive (LHD) markets globally, manufacturers tend to be reluctant to provide their full model range as the cost of developing and making RHD models may not be justified. This is the frustration that some companies, including Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors (HSDM), have faced over the years, more so in recent times.
You can book now
Nevertheless, HSDM will be getting the new Hyundai Kona, a compact SUV that has been making waves in other markets, with over 600,000 units sold worldwide since being launched in 2017. It will be available by the next quarter of this year and those who want to be early owners can place bookings at authorized Hyundai dealerships around the country.
A Kona was among the Hyundai displays at the last KL International Motor Show.
The Kona will be imported from Korea as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) model from Korea so it will incur higher duties and it will also be given a sales tax exemption of 5% until the end of 2020. Pricing is not revealed other than that it will be ‘RM11X, XXX’ (on the website) but the booking fee is RM288 and you get an invitation to the launch event if you book early.
The Kona rides on an all-new platform and it is also HSDM’s first B-segment SUV. It incorporates the Korean carmaker’s new design language with an expressive and powerful front dominated by the cascading grille, a signature feature. Its ‘urban smart armour’ exterior styling feature a voluminous, aggressive body complemented by a low and wide stance which will look appropriate in urban as well as adventure-oriented environments.
1.6 or 2.0, or both?
The powertrain for the Malaysian model is not revealed yet although the 1-litre T-GDI engine is unlikely as companies (other than Perodua) face a challenge selling 1-litre cars to Malaysians. While there is a 2-litre unit, HSDM might not choose this as it will bump up the price so our best guess would be the 1.6-litre engine which is already used in other Hyundai models sold locally. However, the company is known to have different engines for different variants and might also do so for the Kona.
The Kona is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive but to keep the price attractive, HSDM is likely to opt for the FWD variant.
HSDM has, however, given an indication of the equipment list which looks pretty good. LED headlights and Daytime Running Lights will be standard and there will be a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability. A wireless charging pad will be provided for compatible mobilephones and Hyundai’s Smart Sense driver assistance system will be complemented by a Head-up Display (using a lower-cost active pop-up display screen).
“We are excited about the launch of the Kona as it’s an entirely new product for us in this segment and we are reassured of a good response for the Kona. The Compact SUV is in great demand not only in Malaysia but globally as well,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM. “The SUV and Compact SUV market is growing exponentially so we see a great market potential for all our SUVs, which include the 7-seater Santa Fe, and 5-seater Tucson as well as this upcoming new model – Kona which is targeted at the younger generation.”
Hyundai Sime-Darby (HSDM) mula menerima tempahan bagi Hyundai Kona yang diumumkan akan dilancarkan di Malaysia pada suku ke-4 tahun ini.
Hyundai Kona merupakan SUV kompak (CBU) yang diimport sepenuhnya daripada Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) di Ulsan, Korea Selatan.
Ketibaan Hyundai Kona menyaksikan HSDM menawarkan tiga jenis SUV untuk pasaran tempatan termasuk Tucson dan Santa Fe dengan Kona menjadi tawaran baharu SUV segmen B di Malaysia.
Hyundai Kona meneruskan identiti rekaan baharu jenama pengeluar dari Korea itu dengan gril lata yang kini menjadi rupa ikonik kepada Hyundai.
Antara ciri lain ditawarkan adalah lampu komposit dengan LED Daytime Running Light yang terletak di atas lampu depan LED sementara tempat duduk lebih tinggi membantu meningkatkan penglihatan yang lebih baik kepada pemandu.
Pengarah Urusan HSDM, Low Yuan Lung, yakin Hyundai Kona akan merancakkan lagi segmen B di Malaysia.
“Kami teruja dengan pelancaran Kona kerana merupakan produk baharu bagi kami dalam segmen ini. SUV kompak mempunyai permintaan tinggi bukan sahaja di Malaysia malah di dunia,” katanya.
Hyundai Kona telah pun dilancarkan di Korea Selatan pada 2017 dan bingkas mencapai populariti dengan lebih 600,000 unit telah pun terjual di seluruh dunia sehinga Julai 2020.
Hyundai Kona akan ditawarkan dengan harga RM115,000 untuk pasaran Malaysia.
