7th Generation Hyundai Elantra Introduced In Malaysia
The 7th generation Hyundai Elantra has been officially introduced in Malaysia. This all-new model comes fully imported in CBU (completely built-up) form from South Korea. The latest Elantra was only launched in March 2020, so Malaysia is one of the first few countries to get it, especially as a right-hand-drive market. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors, the official distributor in Malaysia, has kept things simple by introducing a lone variant. Market demand however, could determine if another one or two shows up.
Codenamed CN7, the new Elantra is built on the 3rd generation K-platform and bears Hyundai’s new “Parametric Dynamics” design language with liberal use of geometric shapes throughout its sporty fastback body to give the car an edgy look. The air curtain in the lower front bumper helps to improve aerodynamics. While the ‘parametric jewel’ front grille puts the nose lower to the ground for a sportier stance, while the “H” light bar at the rear creates the impression of a wider body. The headlights, tail lights, daytime running lights and positioning lights are an all-LED affair. According to Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors, the Malaysia version is spec’d with the highest lighting system specification.
The interior is also an all-new design and represents one of the rare occasions where Malaysians can choose different interior colours in a non-premium mass market model. Hyundai has taken the adventurous route with the light grey interior option which uses a combination of leather and woven fabric in different tones to delineate the driver’s side for a more cockpit feel. If that is too far left field for you, there is the safe and conventional all-black leather choice. Other notable features in the cabin include heated and ventilated front seats, a wireless charging pad as well as a pair of variable depth cup holders in front.
Furthermore, the driver has a Smart Temperature Comfort Control feature that aids faster cooling down or warming up. Or you can opt to just rely on the dual zone climate control to do the trick. The steering wheel also has a heating function which enhances comfort on long drives, based on personal experience. On the subject of heating, the wing mirrors are also heated to take care of fogging during bad weather.
Other interior appointments are an 8″ infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with multi-device Bluetooth connection for media; 10.25″ colour digital meter and multi-info display; a tyre pressure monitoring system; electric parking brake with auto hold; rear cooling vents; two USB charging ports in addition to one for media; and 60:40 folding rear seats.
The Elantra is powered by a new 1.6L Smartstream engine with dual variable valve timing and dual port injection, paired with an 8-speed Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) which is essentially a chain-driven CVT that improves fuel efficiency by 5%. According to Hyundai, the powertrain produces 121 hp and 154 Nm of torque, and has an average combined fuel economy of 5.6 L/100km. It’s official 0 – 100 km/h time is 10.4 seconds. There are four drive modes to pick i.e. Normal, Smart, Sport, and Eco, in three meter display themes.
The car runs on 17″ wheels and sits on MacPherson strut suspension in front and a coupled torsion beam axle in the rear.
For safety, the Hyundai Elantra has Anti-lock Braking System, Brake Assist System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Traction Control System, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, and Hill-start Assist Control, as well as six airbags.
It is also kitted with the Hyundai Smartsense driving assistance which includes Driver Attention Warning, Lead Vehicle Departure Alert, Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (with Junction feature).
Basically any one of these features with ‘Assist’ in its name will make use of the brakes and/or steering. For example, the Forward Collision Avoidance Assist also works while turning right at junctions to detect oncoming vehicles and stop you from getting into a collision. Besides vehicles, this feature can recognise pedestrians and cyclists. Likewise, the Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist keeps you in your lane if there is a car or motorcycle in your blind spot.
Features with ‘Warning’ or ‘Alert’ will send a visual and/or audible alert e.g. the Safe Exit Warning warns you of approaching vehicles as you step out of the car.
The Hyundai Elantra comes with four exterior colour choices i.e. Polar White, Electric Shadow, Amazon Grey, and Intense Blue. Hyundai-Sime Darby has ready stock available for those who want to take advantage of the PENJANA sales tax exemption on new cars which ends on 31 December 2020. There is however, no official price announced yet.
Given that the Elantra is imported in small volume, with our currency strength, and the associated costs and taxes that go with it, we are probably looking at a price tag in the region of RM160,000 (just pure guesstimation on our part). However, like all new Hyundai vehicles, it is covered by a five-year or 300,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty.
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