Hyundai Archives

Hyundai Kona to be launched in Malaysia in next quarter of this year

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.”

Sime Darby Auto Hyundai will bring new models to you for a test-drive

Hyundai’s Head of Design talks about the Vision T Concept (w/VIDEO)

In the fourth quarter of year, Hyundai Motor displayed the Vision T concept, first revealed at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The model gave a preview of some of the styling ideas that the Korean carmaker is exploring and recently, the Head of Hyundai Design, SangYup Lee, presented a deeper look at the concept.

In the video, he explains the key characteristics of the car’s design: dynamic architecture, sharp edges and straight lines, and geometric design features called ‘parametric dynamics’.

He first draws attention to Vision T’s sporty stance, which can be seen in its low bonnet, short front overhang and wide wheelbase. He then goes on to explain the parametric dynamics: a chiselled surface, a combination of soft surfaces and hard lines, and sharp, geometric edges. The car’s architecture is compared to a mineral or a crystal which has been struck by a hard object and then shattered.

Geometric patterns in the front grille, including hidden headlamps, give a jewel-like quality. When the car is in motion, the air intake flaps actually move, so the vehicle almost seems more like a living animal rather than a static machine.

The integrated architecture ensures a continuity throughout all elements of the vehicle, such as the hidden headlamp design which is repeated in the taillights.

“We really wanted to create Vision T as the most avant-garde, the sportiest, freshest CUV. The most dynamic CUV as a vision that we wanted to introduce,” he says.

Vision T represents one step in the evolution of Sensuous Sportiness, Hyundai’s signature design identity. Hyundai concept cars do not stand alone – they inform the design direction of future Hyundai models, which encompasses both concept and production cars.

Aspects of Vision T such as the sharp angles and straight lines can clearly be seen in 45, an earlier concept car. While the connection to Prophecy, the company’s most recent concept car, is less apparent, all three models are united under the Sensuous Sportiness design identity.

7th Generation Hyundai Elantra makes its global debut online from Hollywood

Revised prices of 2020 Hyundai models

2020 Hyundai prices — *Note: Only 2020 models qualify for Sales Tax exemption. Prices shown do not include insurance premiums.*

Sime Darby Auto Hyundai will bring new models to you for a test-drive

Sime Darby Motors offers multiple brands under corporate programme

Sime Darby Motors has a wide range of brands in its retail and distribution portfolio for the Malaysian market. These Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Hyundai, BMW, MINI, Motorrad and Volvo. To cater to the needs of corporate clients, the company is having an ‘Unbelievable Deals’ campaign. a corporate programme providing special privileges with very attractive cost of ownership and exceptional benefits.

This campaign is applicable across all the brands to suit different requirements. “This programme is specially curated to reward our loyal customers across Sime Darby Motors Malaysia. As exhilarating as it is rewarding, we aim to offer our customers with irresistible deals whilst ensuring their sales and aftersales needs are cared for by our passionate professionals who are dedicated in providing world-class services that exceed expectations,” said Jeffrey Gan, MD of Retail & Distribution, Malaysia.

Ford showroom — *The different brands represented by Sime Darby Motors offer a variety of vehicle types from Ford pick-ups to premium sedans like the Jaguar XF (below)*

“The automotive industry is moving towards a more digital environment to fit with the needs of our consumers. Our operating units are continuously innovating to find new ways of digitalising the car-buying process; from digital showrooms and door-step test drives to contactless servicing and eventually delivering customers’ cars to their doorsteps. The digital transformation in the automotive industry is certainly opening up new opportunities for us,” he explained.

On the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Gan said the company takes the current situation very seriously. “We stand guided by the government’s policy, with the safety and health of our employees, customers and business partners being our utmost priority,” he explained.

More information on the corporate programme is available at the individual websites of the respective brands.

Sime Darby Auto Hyundai will bring new models to you for a test-drive

Car-buyers today are luckier than those in the 1980s and earlier because car companies readily offer them a chance to test-drive a new model. In earlier days, companies were less accommodating as they were not willing to register the new cars unless they were being sold and besides, it was a ‘sellers market’ then. The growth of the market created high demand so if a customer insisted on trying a car, his request could be rejected because the salesman knew there were another 5 other customers waiting to buy it anyway.

But all that changed in the 1990s as the market got more competitive. And with cars looking the ‘same’ on paper, the emphasis switched to the ‘driving experience’ to highlight the difference. Each brand would proudly boast of a superior driving experience and in contrast to the past, would try their best to get customers behind the wheel. Many companies held test-drive campaigns, inviting the public to come and try their latest models. At motorshows in recent years, test-drives have been an important activity for the exhibitors.

Now, with concerns about the pandemic, car-shopping has to change again. Apart from reluctance of some customers to visit showrooms, there is also social distancing to observe and other procedures to adhere to. So what Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) is doing is to go to the customer instead. The company recently began its ‘Test Drive to You’ campaign which brings the latest Hyundai models to the customer’s doorstep to try out.

It’s actually good for the customer, not only because of the convenience but also because the test-drive can be done on familiar roads in the area around the home.

Personalised service
“The ‘Test Drive to You’ campaign is an exclusive personalised service by Sime Darby Auto Hyundai to reach out to our customers wherever they are. We have a total of six sales outlets in Peninsular Malaysia which are offering this service. Interested parties just need to register their interest and we will arrange for a test drive session from the customer’s home,” said Low Yuan Lung, MD of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors.

Hyundai showroom — *Instead of going to the showroom to get a test-drive, a request can be made to send a model over to the home for the session.*

SOPs for protection of customers
SDAH is committed to customers’ safety by having Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which are in accordance with requirements by the Health Ministry. These include sanitisation of test-drive vehicles before and after every session, and the wearing of face masks by the customer as well as the sales consultant. The latter will be seated at the rear to observe social distancing practice.

As a precaution, thermal scanning will be done prior to the test drive. Should the customer’s body temperature exceed 37.5ᵒC, the test-drive session will have to be cancelled. Additionally, customers are required to sanitise their hands with the hand sanitiser provided.

Hyundai models in Malaysia — *Hyundai models available in Malaysia*

Customers who wish to request for a test-drive from their homes can register at the SDAH website and an appointment will be arranged. The six showrooms are located in Kuala Lumpur (2), Selangor (1), Perak (1), Prai (1) and Johor (1). The website also has information about the promotions, the latest being cash rebates of up to RM13,000 on selected models.

Click here for other news and articles about Hyundai.

The Story of N – Hyundai N (w/VIDEO)

All-new 7th generation Hyundai Elantra to be revealed next week

Hyundai Motor is lucky they didn’t plan on using the 2020 New York Auto Show for the world premiere of the new generation of one of their popular models. Due to concerns about the widening COVID-19 epidemic which have led to one area of the city being turned into a ‘containment zone’, the event is being postponed to late August this year. That’s at least better than the Geneva International Motor Show which has been cancelled.

The Korean carmaker is using Hollywood on the west coast of America for its event on March 17 which will see the all-new Hyundai Elantra being unveiled. The model is Hyundai’s bestseller worldwide, with over 13.8 million units (it is also known as the Avante in some markets) sold since its introduction in 1990.

1991 Hyundai Elantra — *First generation of the Elantra, introduced in 1990.*

For the new generation, which will be the seventh, the Elantra returns to its sport sedan roots with an ambitious ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design theme. It sits on a new platform that places the longer and wider 4-door sedan lower to the road to enhance the sporty looks.

The edgy and aggressive look is based on parametric shapes and textures, which reflects Hyundai’s new design identity. Cutting edge engineering solutions and design innovations actualized the polyhedral appearance.

Essentially, advanced digital design technology brought the Parametric Dynamics design language to life. Having three lines meet at one point is the main element of Parametric Dynamics. This formation is said to be a daring challenge, which has been avoided in car design, ‘marking Elantra’s disrupter-spirit’.

The ‘Immersive Cocoon’ interior layout creates a driver-focused user experience. Low and wide structures go from the door and connect all the way to the centre console, while the large interface consisting of two harmoniously integrated displays elevates the racing-inspired feel of the car.

More will be known next Tuesday (Wednesday morning in Malaysia) and as some carmakers have done, the launch event will be livestreamed globally.

The Story of N – Hyundai N (w/VIDEO)

Hyundai Kona Electric gets listed in Guinness World Records for altitude achievement

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has gained the brand a listing in the Guinness World Records with an altitude achievement by the Hyundai Kona Electric. The first fully Made-in-India electric SUV was driven to an altitude of 5,731 metres at the Sawula Pass in Tibet, breaking the previous record of 5,715.28 metres set by any electric car.

During the entire drive, the Kona Electric was charged every night using portable chargers that are provided as standard with the e-SUV. The crew reported that there were no performance issues while climbing the peaks. When descending on the steep gradients, the smart power regeneration system in the vehicle helped to improve the driving range.

With this achievement, the Kona Electric has proven its reliability, even in extreme operating conditions. During the journey, it performed as a true SUV and coped with harsh weather conditions like low temperatures, continuous snowfall and icy terrain. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system helped the driver to maintain control as it ensured the stability of the vehicle in all road conditions.

‘Emission Impossible Mission’
Commenting on this achievement, S.S. Kim, MD & CEO of Hyundai Motor India said: “Hyundai KONA Electric making to the prestigious Guinness World Records feat is a very proud moment for everyone and remarkable feat for HMIL. KONA Electric has brought Electric Revolution by demolishing various myths about electric vehicles and is a true expression of Hyundai’s spirit of staying ahead of the curve. Under the ‘Emission Impossible Mission’, KONA Electric has proved its mettle in the world’s toughest terrains without compromising its performance.”

The Kona Electric, priced at Rs 23.71 lakh (around RM135,500) is the First Long Range Green SUV in India with a certified range of 452 kms on a fully charged battery pack. To avoid any range anxiety, customers are provided with two chargers along with the car – a portable charger and an AC Wall Box Charger.

Additionally, in certain Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai, a Special Kona Electric fleet (KONA Electric to KONA Electric) fitted with power converter will provide emergency charging support to owners. All Hyundai dealerships which sell the Kona Electric have 7.2 kW AC Charger stations which are available to customers.

2020 Hyundai IONIQ gets better electric performance

VR technology enhances vehicle development processes for Hyundai and Kia

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation have debuted a new virtual reality (VR) design evaluation system at the brands’ global design headquarters. The new system, introduced to the Namyang Research and Development Centre in South Korea, demonstrates a heightened focus on enhancing vehicle development processes through the implementation of VR technology.

The technology uses several development applications, enabling teams of designers and engineers to carry out vehicle design quality assessments and development verification processes. It is part of the 15 billion won (about RM53 million) investment in the Namyang Research and Development Centre announced by Hyundai and Kia in March 2019.

Faster development times, reduced costs
Through the complete implementation of the virtual development processes throughout R&D and pre-production stages, Hyundai and Kia anticipate a 20% reduction in vehicle development times and a 15% reduction in annual development costs. In addition, these new virtual technologies are expected to increase profitability and trigger a cycle of continuously increasing R&D investment for Hyundai and Kia.

“The virtual development process is a necessary step for responding quickly and reacting with agility to the needs of customers and paradigm shifts within the automotive industry,” said Albert Biermann, Head of Research and Development Division for Hyundai Motor Group. “Through reinforced virtual processes, we will enhance quality and profitability, ultimately increasing investment in R&D to secure competitiveness in future mobility.”

20 simultaneous users
VR headsets allow the brands’ vehicle designers and engineers to virtually enter developmental simulations, with 36 motion tracking sensors detecting and tracking the locations and movement of all users, enabling each to participate accurately in real time. The new VR design evaluation system can currently support up to 20 simultaneous users, enabling greater cross-team collaboration than ever before.

As a result, the new cutting-edge facility allows the designers to more efficiently review a multitude of design concepts earlier in the developmental process and in ways that were previously physically impossible. The system simulates interior and exterior design elements, lighting, colours and materials, and even virtual environments.

Testing individual components
VR also enables development teams to simulate operations of individual vehicle components, such as doors, bootlids, bonnets, and windshield wipers. Furthermore, the system enables testing of vehicle ergonomics and aerodynamics more efficiently.

Hyundai first used this system during the design assessment stages of the HDC-6 NEPTUNE Concept Class 8 heavy-duty truck that was revealed in October. Kia also plans to expand the design assessment capabilities of the facility for developmental use on future models.

Additionally, plans to establish remote VR design assessment capabilities will enable real-time virtual collaboration between each brand’s design centres in Europe, America, China and India, along with an enhanced virtual development process through the implementation of AR (Augmented Reality), among other technology. There are also plans to introduce VR technologies in production and assembly lines to create more ergonomic, efficient and safe working environments.

Kia’s Futuron concept is inspired by UFOs and flying saucers! (w/VIDEO)

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Hyundai

Hyundai Kona to be launched in Malaysia in next quarter of this year

Hyundai’s Head of Design talks about the Vision T Concept (w/VIDEO)

Revised prices of 2020 Hyundai models

Sime Darby Motors offers multiple brands under corporate programme

Sime Darby Auto Hyundai will bring new models to you for a test-drive

All-new 7th generation Hyundai Elantra to be revealed next week

Hyundai Kona Electric gets listed in Guinness World Records for altitude achievement

VR technology enhances vehicle development processes for Hyundai and Kia

2020 Hyundai i30 N for sale on Lazada! 20 units only – RM298,888

Hyundai to open first manufacturing plant in Indonesia

Hyundai Kona to be launched in Malaysia in next quarter of this year

Hyundai’s Head of Design talks about the Vision T Concept (w/VIDEO)

Revised prices of 2020 Hyundai models

Sime Darby Motors offers multiple brands under corporate programme

Sime Darby Auto Hyundai will bring new models to you for a test-drive

All-new 7th generation Hyundai Elantra to be revealed next week

Hyundai Kona Electric gets listed in Guinness World Records for altitude achievement

VR technology enhances vehicle development processes for Hyundai and Kia

2020 Hyundai i30 N for sale on Lazada! 20 units only – RM298,888

Hyundai to open first manufacturing plant in Indonesia

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