Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has introduced the Ioniq 6 into the Malaysian market. It is the second model sold under the Ioniq sub-brand, which is geared towards selling electric cars, and the fourth model made using the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
The streamlined Ioniq 6 design was influenced by Hyundai’s Prophecy Concept EV, which made its debut in March 2020 and, according to Hyundai, it has the lowest drag coefficient of 0.21. A large wheelbase of 2,950mm results from the stretched-out front and rear points. The Ioniq 6 measures in at 4,855mm in length, 1,880mm in width, 1,495mm in height.
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.
Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP platform with the battery pack in the middle.
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.
The first batch of IONIQ 5 owners in Malaysia recently received their BEVs.
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.
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has officially launched the 2019 Hyundai Elantra facelifted with a more modern yet aggressive design and other enhancements in and out. Just by the looks alone, we feel that this new Elantra should be cool-looking enough to capture the hearts of the younger generation with ease. (more…)
Para pengunjung yang telah atau ingin hadiri Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS 2018) boleh melihat kenderaan SUV terkini dari Hyundai yang telah dilancarkan buat pertama kali di Malaysia iaitu Hyundai Santa Fe 2019. (more…)
Hyundai Motor has been ranked among the highest valued brands in the world once again, according to the latest rankings published by global brand specialist Interbrand. Hyundai’s global brand value grows 3% since 2017 to a company record high of US $13.5 billion. This result successfully places the company in a Top 40 Best Global Brandsposition for the fourth year in a row. The company is ranked the world’s 36th most valuable brand in challenging conditions of many global markets.
“Hyundai Motor is an innovative and creative brand that continually develops and implements new vehicle functions that our customers want, providing them with seamless automotive experiences, so we are thrilled to see the company’s brand value increase continuously year over year,” said Wonhong Cho, Chief Marketing Officer, Hyundai Motor Company. “Recent developments in the automotive industry, such as electrification, connectivity and autonomous driving, present huge opportunities for Hyundai to be a leading force in the future of global mobility.” Hyundai Motor maintains sixth position in the global automotive rankings. This follows a period of exponential growth for the company, which has seen a four-fold increase in brand value since 2005.
“The continuous growth of Hyundai’s brand value is the result of Hyundai’s investments in future mobility initiatives, as well as its commitment to continuously enhance the strength of its brand. The launch of NEXO, based on advanced fuel cell technology, as well as its new high performance brand N have showcased Hyundai’s technological credentials and laid the foundations for a more differentiated positioning for the Hyundai brand. Brands that truly internalize their values and respond rapidly to market changes always add value for their businesses,”Mike Rocha, Global Director of Brand Valuation for Interbrand said.
Hyundai has achieved a significant number of major automotive industry milestones, including creating the world’s first dedicated hydrogen-powered SUV, NEXO. Hyundai’s eco-car line-up also includes the All-new Kona Electric, and the IONIQ, which showcases the company’s pioneering spirit in the field of future mobility. With its progressive models Hyundai offers the broadest range of eco-powertrains in the industry.
On the local front…
Meanwhile in Malaysia, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is expanding its sales and service network in Peninsular Malaysia by adding on five more sales and service outlets at various locations namely Seri Kembangan, Alor Setar, Sungai Petani, Muar and Menglembu to improve access to its products and service.
“We are opening up more sales and service centres particularly in the suburbs to make it more accessible for Hyundai owners living outside the city areas, and also for those who are passing by when travelling from one district to another. We have covered most of the city and town areas in all states, so naturally, our next move is to expand to the suburbs to offer convenience to Hyundai owners living in those areas,” said Mr Dennis Ho, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors (Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan).
In the central region of the Peninsular, a spanking new sales showroom has opened up at Taman Equine in Seri Kembangan. The showroom is operated by Millennium Automart Sdn Bhd, which has vast experience in managing premium auto brands, and is committed to offering the highest standards in service to all its customers. Up north in Kedah, GS Smart Auto Gallery has opened its sales outlet and a service centre at Kompleks Perniagaan Bawal in Alor Setar. In Sungai Petani, Lee Cheng Motor Services Sdn Bhd has opened a service centre in Kawasan Miel Phase II, offering maintenance services for all Hyundai models, while in Muar, Ang Trading & Motor Credit Sdn Bhd has opened a service centre along Jalan Sulaiman. Both the Muar and Alor Setar service centres are authorised IONIQ Hybrid service centre.
In Menglembu, Perak, Vong Auto Service Centre will be opening its service centre on the 1st of November at Kawasan Perusahaan Menglembu, offering service maintenance for all Hyundai models. With these new sales and service centres, Hyundai has a total of 69 outlets (including all 3S centres, sales outlet and service centres) nationwide. For more information, customers can log on to www.hyundai.com.my or call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.
The 2018 redesigned Tucson has been launched at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide. Unveiled with futuristic new exterior and interior designs, the facelifted Tucson is available in two variants i.e the 2.0L Elegance and the 1.6L Turbo which are priced at *RM123,888 and *RM143,888 respectively. (*Price excludes insurance and only applies to Peninsular Malaysia.)
The signature elements of the Hyundai cascading grille and modern-day surfacing found in the rear view create shadowy, dramatic impressions that represent the Hyundai DNA. The new 17-inch rims as well as LED headlights and rear lights (applicable for the Turbo variant) offer a new dynamic stance of this redesigned version. The 1.6L Turbo is offered with a Chrome Garnish grille, Chrome Coated door handles with pocket lighting as well as LED headlights with Positioning Lamp and Low Beam Assist-Static Lights. The 2.0L Elegance comes with the Metallic Silver grille and Halogen Bulbs with Positioning Lamp.
The cockpit is redesigned featuring Hyundai’s latest 7-inch floating display that comes with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™; a new front panel air-conditioner vent design, new cluster, and a new leather seat design. The 1.6L Turbo comes with more advanced features such as the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), Electro-Chromic Mirror (ECM), 8-way power seat for the driver with 2-Way Lumbar Support, 4.2-inch TFT LCD Super Vision and a leather garnish for the front panel.
The 1.6L Turbo maintains the T-GDI engine that produces 177PS of horsepower and delivers a maximum torque of 265Nm from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm while the 2.0L Elegance maintains the Nu MPi engine that produces 155PS of horsepower at 6,200 rpm and a maximum torque of 192Nm at 4,000 rpm.
Safety features such as the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist System (BAS) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) come as standard for both the variants. The 1.6L Turbo variant comes with six airbags, smart tailgate system, as well as Front and Rear Parking Distance Warning while the 2.0L Elegance variant only comes with two airbags and Rear Parking Distance Warning.
“The response for the Tucson has been encouraging since we opened our order books about two weeks ago. The new design is appealing to many SUV enthusiasts because it is modern, futuristic and chic. I am confident that the Tucson will be the choice for many young urban dwellers,” said Mr Dennis Ho, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors (Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan).
The Tucson is entitled to 50,000km free service with 3 years’ validity and a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty. For more information or to place a booking, interested parties can head to the nearest sales outlet or call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has opened their order books for the new facelifted Tucson, which is slated to be launched by the end of this month. Updated with a new cascading grille flanked by reshaped headlights, this version has much more to offer than just a styling makeover. Exterior updates are mainly on the front of the vehicle, leaving the side profile largely unchanged while the rear is updated with a new bumper and refined tailgate lines. Other exterior upgrades include new 17-inch rims as well as LED front lamp and rear lamp (applicable for the Turbo variant). Customers can expect major upgrades in the interior along with its exterior.
“The Tucson is more appealing than before with the new makeover and it remains one of the popular Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in Malaysia. We expect good response for this version as it fulfills every aspect of customers’ expectations of an SUV. It’s visually appealing, safe, powerful, packed with advanced features and offers comfort to both the driver and passengers,” said Mr Dennis Ho, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors (Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan).
HSDM will be launching two variants for this facelifted model namely the 1.6L Turbo and the 2.0L Elegance. The 1.6L T-GDI produces 177PS of horsepower and delivers a maximum torque of 265Nm from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm while the Nu 2.0L MPi produces 155PS of horsepower at 6,200 rpm and a maximum torque of 192Nm at 4,000 rpm. The selling price is expected to be from RM123,888 (Price indicated is only applicable to Peninsular Malaysia and excludes insurance).
The facelifted Tucson is entitled to 50,000km free service with 3 years’ validity and a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty. For more information or to place a booking, interested parties can head to the nearest sales outlet or call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.
Customers who have made bookings for the Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid and the Tucson (*applicable only for the Turbo and Elegance variant) can be rest assured that as long as the booking is made by or on 31 August 2018, they need not worry about paying the sales and service tax (SST), even if their vehicle is delivered after 1st September 2018. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) said it would honour the selling price of these two vehicles with zero-rated GST while stocks last for a limited time only.
According to Mr Dennis Ho, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors (Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan), the sales of Hyundai vehicles have increased during the tax holiday period, especially for the IONIQ Hybrid and Tucson models as customers take the opportunity to enjoy greater savings. “With our stock for the IONIQ Hybrid and *Tucson fast depleting, we will need time to replenish the stock in order to fulfill customers’ demands. It is only fair that HSDM absorbs the SST for orders placed by 31 August 2018, even for vehicles delivered after the SST takes effect,” said Ho. HSDM is inviting the public to visit Hyundai’s authorised showrooms to learn about the ongoing promotions.
The **current selling price for the IONIQ and Tucson models with zero-rated GST are as follows:
IONIQ Hybrid HEV – RM94,788
IONIQ Hybrid HEV Plus – RM109,988
Tucson Elegance – RM119,188
Tucson Turbo – RM137,488
**Price indicated is only applicable to Peninsular Malaysia and excludes insurance.
HSDM offers a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty on all its new passenger vehicles. In addition, the IONIQ is entitled to 60,000km free service while the Tucson is entitled to 50,000km free service, both with a three-year validity. A 24-hour road assist service is also available now for new and existing Hyundai vehicles. For more information or to place bookings, head to the nearest sales outlet or call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.
