Bookings are also now open for this new Hyundai compact sedan that is slated to arrive by the end of this year.
Hyundai Sime Darby Motor, the official distributor of Hyundai cars locally, has recently announced that the latest iteration of the Hyundai Elantra will be making its local debut before the year end. Estimated to cost slightly more than RM 100k, bookings for this fully-imported compact sedan is currently now open with a fee of RM777.
Only launched globally earlier this year, this new Elantra follows on from the new Sonata with its Sensuous Sportiness design identity. Starting from the front, the wide front grille is flanked by angled LED headlights, which are then complemented by the sharply creased front bumper.
These sharp creases then continue down the side profile of the compact sedan, before culminating in the chiseled full-width LED light bar that highlights the rear end aesthetic. While it may not be to everyone’s taste, there is no doubt that the exterior aesthetic is nothing short of striking.
Stepping inside, the new Elantra continues on with the striking design details as part of its “immersive cocoon” interior aesthetic. Twin screens are to be standard, with a 10.25-inch Supervision TFT digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch floating central infotainment touchscreen display with integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Standard too look to be Hyundai’s SmartSense active safety suite. Bringing with it Forward Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist, Blind-spot Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Driver Attention Warning and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
Under the hood of this local Elantra is to be a 1.6 litre naturally aspirated Smartstream G1.6 MPi petrol engine that supposedly outputs a respectable 123 PS and 154 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels by an 8-speed Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).
Incidentally, the arrival of the Elantra here marks the second Hyundai sedan launch in 2020, following on from the Sonata which made its local debut a few months prior. Much like its larger sedan sibling however, it has to be said that the starting price for this compact sedan is a little bit on the high side. A point that is brought into sharp relief considering that the newly launched locally-assembled Honda City and Nissan Almera both start at over RM 20k less than this fully-imported car.
So, even if it does turn out to be quite a good car alá Sonata, it is a sad but reasonable assumption to make that there will not be many people out there who would drop that kind of cash for this small a car, especially considering the fact that it wears a Hyundai badge. A shame then, as feature-rich, fully imported compact sedan has been well received everywhere else in the world.
PRESS RELEASE: The fully transformed all-new 7th generation Elantra, which is slated for launch before the year end, is expected to excite the market with a distinctive and unconventional design that has not been seen before in an automobile. The new Elantra is designed for a new generation of car owners who dare to be different, sporty, trendy and are always ahead of the game.
Design highlights of the new Elantra are a dramatic look which the Hyundai designers call the “Futuristic Parametric Dynamics” and a chic exterior feature of three-dimensional design that is carefully crafted like a well-cut jewel with wide stark side lines.
The latest Elantra, which is positioned to be a trendsetter for C-segment cars, is also the first Hyundai model to be fitted with an intelligent transmission that offers class-leading performance and fuel economy. Paired with the Smartstream G1.6 MPi petrol engine, the new Elantra is capable of producing 123PS of power at 6,300rpm and a peak torque of 154Nm at 4,500rpm.
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) Managing Director, Mr Low Yuan Lung said the 7th Generation Elantra with its differentiating design will thrill the market. He added that the new look, which takes inspiration from geometric crystals’ cut body surfaces, is expected to wow customers due to its uniqueness.
“Not only does the car exude sophistication and sportiness, it also offers a fulfilling driving experience. The Elantra provides exciting driving dynamics with the new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Hyundai’s new IVT boasts superior fuel efficiency, improved performance and highly responsive gear change with the incorporation of a gear shift response strategy.”
“It is fun to drive a car that is loaded with a host of safety and convenient features, for instance, parking distance warning and wireless phone charging,” he added.
Apart from the striking design, the interior has an “immersive cocoon” interior that envelops the driver in a technologically-advanced sophisticated cabin that is akin to entering an airplane cockpit. A large interface consisting of two harmoniously connected 10.25-inch Supervision TFT and an 8-inch floating display enhances the futuristic feel of the car. The interior gives the driver access to the latest technology and also the most progressive in-car experience in its class.
The Elantra is another of Hyundai’s products that demonstrates HSDM’s new tagline ‘Geared for Distinction’ which encapsulates the essence of the Hyundai brand in Malaysia. It reflects Hyundai’s transition over the years to a stand-out brand of consequence. From inception to the final product, every Hyundai vehicle is engineered to perform and is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology, a few of which are not even offered in the luxury segment, size for size.
The new Elantra which will be sold at an estimated price of RM1XX,888 is now open for booking with a fee of RM777. Customers can visit www.hyundai.com.my for more information or walk in to at any Hyundai showroom nationwide to secure their bookings.
