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.

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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.

Related: Hyundai SmartStream powertrain for new Elantra

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.

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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 7^th 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.

Smartstream powertrain
HSDM aims to position the new Elantra as a trendsetter for C-segment cars. It will come with a 1.6-litre Smartstream powertrain which includes an Intelligent Variable Transmission. The efficient engine new is capable of producing 123 ps/154 Nm.

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.

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