It’s been a while since we heard about updates for the Mazda range distributed in Malaysia by Bermaz Motor. The last time was in April for the latest MX-5 RF and Mazda6, and a month earlier, the company also announced that bookings for the new CX-3 were accepted.
Now comes the updated CX-9, flagship of Mazda’s SUV range, which gets cosmetic as well as technical upgrades. The 3-row SUV is available in two variants – 2WD and AWD – both using the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 turbocharged petrol engine with an output of 228 ps/420 Nm and a 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission.
Peninsular Malaysia pricing (without insurance and with 50% exemption on sales tax) is from RM319,847.40 for the 2WD variant and RM336,215.40 for the AWD variant. All new vehicles come with a 5-year warranty (or maximum of 100,000 kms) and also free maintenance service for the first 5 years (or maximum of 100,000 kms).
Mazda SKYACTIV-G engine
The 2021 CX-9 is now available in the ‘Ignite Edition’ which features gloss black door outer mirrors, gloss black for the new front grille design, and 20-inch black metallic aluminium alloy wheels as standard. LED headlights with auto-levelling, LED daytime running lights and taillights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers are also standard. Body colours available are Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Deep Crystal Blue and Jet Black.
The interior features burgundy-coloured leather seats and black interior trim on the dash, door panels and handle bezels. The infotainment system now has wireless Apple CarPlay along with Android Auto capabilities for easier connectivity with smartphones. Also new are a wireless charger (if you have a phone with the capability) and paddle shifters.
Other standard features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, 3-zone automatic climate control, 10 power adjustments for the driver’s seat with memory positioning, interior LED accents, Bluetooth handsfree phone and audio pairing, keyless entry and push-button start.
As the flagship model, the CX-8 gets an advanced package of safety systems which Mazda calls i-Activsense. These help the driver to avoid accidents and can also automatically respond in dangerous situations by applying the brakes. Mazda Radar Cruise Control allows the driver to enjoy long-distance motoring as a safe gap will always be maintained even when a speed has been set for cruising.
Other systems in i-Activesense include Adaptive LED Headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist and Driver Attention Alert.
To know more about the new CX-9 and other Mazda models in Malaysia, visit www.mazda.com.my.
While SUVs are still very popular around the world, the designs have settled on a few common forms, depending on the segment. For Citroen, which has long designed its cars with a degree of uniqueness, looking for a new styling concept was the challenge given to the designers. The new model would have to combine the modernity and appeal of an SUV, the elegance and status of a saloon, and the versatility and practicality of a station wagon.
SUV with alternative design concept
Their proposal is the new C5 X which meets the expectations of customers wanting large tourers and those who are also looking for a more modern and stylish alternative to more traditional SUV’s, saloon and stationwagon models. “With the all-new C5 X, Citroen is revisiting the spirit of touring – the ability to travel in an elegant, refined car and set off to discover the world with complete peace of mind,” said Vincent Cobee, CEO of Citroen.
The bodystyle of the C5 X is muscular with optimised aerodynamics to reduce fuel consumption, with a streamlined profile drawing inspiration from aeronautics. The fluidity of the bodystyle is emphasised by the car’s tight, muscular volume. The extended bonnet, the high beltline and the rear wheel flare give it distinction, dynamism and sturdiness, common among Citroen’s larger vehicles.
The streamlined profile combines with a raised ride height and large diameter alloy wheels to give a more commanding view than would be available in a saloon or stationwagon. Around the wheel arches, vertical surfacing detail enhances the vehicle’s character. They highlight the large-diameter wheels while ensuring that air flows along the length of the body.
Coupe-inspired roofline
The elongated coupe-inspired sloping roofline ends with a ‘floating’ aerodynamic spoiler to further enhance the dynamic silhouette. The impression of a ‘floating roof’ is further enhanced through gloss black a-pillars, door pillar trims and dark tinted rear. As an option, customers choose a bi-tone Perla Nera Black roof for a more stylish appearance.
The LED V-shaped lighting signature representing Citroen’s new identity echoes the 3D rear light signature for greater consistency. The upper chevrons highlight the end of the bonnet and stretch right up to the LED daytime running lights, highlighting the width of the front end. The lower chevrons stretch up to the LED headlights and daytime running lights for a high-tech look.
A close look at the lighting signature will reveal real attention to detail. Small light veins create a graphic chevron design in the headlights that highlight the car’s look and reinforce the signature, particularly from the front three-quarter view.
The bonnet is long and horizontal, and positioned fairly low with pair of large scalloped design details, reminiscent of the latest C4 and C5 Aircross SUV. The lower air intake, highlighted by a chrome strip, has a highly geometric design – one that draws inspiration from chevrons – and houses the main radar used for the car’s driving aids.
Stationwagon practicality at the rear
To the rear of C5 X, dual spoilers combine to give a very dynamic look. This, combined with the steeply raked tailgate window design, helps to continue the flowing silhouette. Further details – such as the crisp lines around the lower part of the tailgate and bumper coupled with the lower chevron pattern and the chrome decoration around the reflectors – emphasise the vehicle’s width.
The rear of the car is also designed to be practical and provide more volume for the driver, offering stationwagon levels of modularity. The tailgate provides a wide and functional opening with a low loading sill.
Plug-in hybrid powertrain
The powerful 225 ps plug-in hybrid powertrain is claimed to give a range of up to 55 kms. Combustion engines will still be available but Citroen is not providing information on them yet.
Other technical details available at this time include Citroen’s Advanced Comfort Active Suspension system, with the cabin having a lounge-like interior space and Advanced Comfort seats
Production of the C5 X will start towards the end of this year with first deliveries starting during the first quarter of 2022.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
Casper, the friendly ghost in an animated cartoon series, is the name that Hyundai will use for a new ultra compact SUV that it will introduce during the fourth quarter of this year, starting with the Korean market.
Smallest Hyundai SUV model
The new model will be the carmaker’s smallest SUV, measuring 3595 mm long, 1595 mm wide and 1575 mm tall, with a 2400 mm wheelbase. That makes it even shorter than the old Perodua Kembara and about as large as the old Hyundai i10. The wheelbase is fairly generous though, which should provide maximum interior space.
Creating a new class?
Hyundai describes the Casper as being in ‘an all-new car class that never existed before’ and it will probably be presented as a vehicle for the urban jungle. Details are limited for now but it is expected to have a 1-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine and the ones Hyundai currently offers produce either 66 bhp with natural aspiration or up to 98 bhp with turbocharging. Under consideration is an electric version which could come later on.
While the Casper would be a nice little city car for Europe, it might also be offered as a trendy crossover for emerging markets as it will probably have an affordable pricetag with minimal high-tech. Hopefully, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors will be able to get their principal to consider it for the Malaysian market.
In its domestic market, Hyundai is taking bookings for the model this month and ‘early bird’ customers can get priority delivery, Starbucks gift cards as well as car-sharing test-drives for 8 hours.
Honda’s popular HR-V Sport Hybrid has received updating with revised lighting units front and rear, a new exterior body colour and some interior enhancements. The crossover SUV is priced from RM113,954.82 (excluding insurance) with full exemption of sales tax until the end of this year.
New lights, new colour
The revisions to the lighting units see a change to LEDs which should provide longer service life while drawing less electrical energy. The new exterior colour is Platinum White Pearl (with a surcharge of RM272.72), a distinctive finish which joins the other choices of Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic. The door handles are also finished in chrome for this updated model.
For the interior, the HR-V Sport Hybrid now comes with a 7-inch colour display with large icons for easy management. The infotainment system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so compatible smartphones can be easily connected. There are also two USB ports available for recharging of portable electronic devices, while a 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel is now provided.
8-year warranty for battery pack
The hybrid version of the HR-V, which was first introduced in 2015 and then updated in 2019, uses the i-DCD hybrid powertrain. Developed with Earth Dreams technology, this consists of a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine with Direct Injection combined with 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission and Integrated High Power Motor. Electricity is supplied by a high-power lithium-ion battery pack and the combined system output is 152 ps/190 Nm, which is comparable to a conventional 2-litre engine. The battery pack has a warranty of 8 years and unlimited mileage, 3 years longer than the warranty for the rest of the vehicle (which also has unlimited mileage).
Over 103,000 units on Malaysian roads
Over 103,000 units of the HR-V have been sold in Malaysia and it has accounted for 18% of Honda sales in this country in 2021. According to Honda Malaysia, it continues to be the leader the non-national compact SUV segment with a 71% market share (as of June 2021).
“The HR-V has remained Malaysians’ favourite Compact SUV with its versatility, spaciousness and stylish exterior appearance. Having considered market feedback and demands, we have introduced exterior upgrades to the hybrid variant. With the overall package and attractive pricing, we believe it will be the preferred choice for customers who are seeking a Compact SUV body type with a thrilling hybrid performance,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.
The Kia Sportage was one of the Korean carmaker’s early SUV models, developed using the platform from a Mazda van. It entered the market in 1993 and over almost 3 decades since then, it has evolved from a basic small SUV to a modern and larger crossover. For all the generations, Kia has had just one design for global markets but soon, there will be a model developed specifically for Europe.
The dedicated model reflects the importance of the European markets to Kia, where sales have been strong. While the latest global version has significantly increased in size, the European version also spiritually succeeds the fourth generation as the fifth generation of the brand’s most popular SUV.
New design language
These are the first official sketches released by Kia Europe show Kia’s new design language – Opposites United – influencing every aspect of its appearance and character. Its design builds on the theme ‘Bold for Nature’ and pays homage to nature’s perfection and simplicity whilst connecting with the brand’s new design direction.
The sketches suggest a sporty, assertive SUV with a daring and intricate front-end design. A closer look shows a detail-orientated black grille graphic spanning the width of the face. A fresh interpretation of Kia’s iconic floating signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille combines with distinctive boomerang-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lamps) and Matrix LED headlamps.
The European version of the new Sportage differs main at the rear where there is a different angle for the roof pillars compared to the global model (shown below).
In profile, a muscular swooping fastback rear creates a strong and distinctive road presence. The interior design of the new Sportage is also said to push styling boundaries, setting the tone for the next-generation Sportage line-up.
New architecture
State-of-the-art connectivity tech, responsive and highly efficient advanced powertrains and the very latest passive, active and ADAS safety features can be expected. Developed on a new architecture, the Sportage has also been tuned to offer optimal drive and handling characteristics for European roads.
Representing another first for the Sportage range, the sketches show a black roof that helps to further accentuate the sporting profile of the all-new SUV, while also highlighting a dynamic C-pillar design treatment. A unique black bumper design is used at the rear end.
With the digitization of car interiors and the continuing addition of more and more electronic systems, the way a driver interacts with the systems and operates or adjusts them has been changing. For decades, mechanical systems used mechanically-actuated knobs and levers or pushbutton and rocker switches and generations of drivers have used them.
No more knobs and levers
With the new generation of cars, those knobs and switches have been disappearing, typically replaced by icons on touchscreens. No longer does a driver have to turn a knob to make the temperature higher or lower – it can be done by touching a display screen, just like on a smartphone. Or physical interaction might not even be necessary as many cars now have intelligent voice command systems.
The dashboard in today’s Nissan Ariya has digital and graphic displays with touchscreens, a big difference from the one in the Nissan Grand Livina of 2011 which had knobs, levers and rotary dials (below).
When developing the latest Nissan Ariya all-electric crossover, its designers and engineers didn’t just consider the ergonomics involved in reaching toward the dashboard. They were determined to create a new look and feel for controls that drivers generally take for granted. This required a rethink of cabin space, touch and positioning.
Controls beneath the surfaces
Taking advantage of an all-electric powertrain layout, the Ariya’s interior was crafted to be open, and spacious, a cabin with a sense of calm and serenity. Part of that design is a dashboard free of traditional buttons. The wood-grained trim bisecting the dashboard comes to life upon starting the Ariya, illuminating a set of environmental controls that reside just beneath the dashboard’s surface.
Haptic feedback, like a smartphone
Utilizing a new generation of haptic feedback controls, these subtly integrated buttons open a world of possibilities in the relationship between function and design. In the same way that we interact with a smartphone display to navigate and engage with apps, haptic feedback buttons in the Ariya react to touch, communicating through fingertip vibrations. When adjusting the Ariya’s climate controls and drive modes, for example, the driver will interact with a familiar set of icons. Yet, because the points of interaction are felt and heard, they can remain focused on the road.
The design team’s decision to integrate haptic feedback into the Ariya follows the car’s underlying design concept of ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism’, which takes a distinctive Japanese approach to design, conveying a simple yet powerfully modern impression.
“We created a clean space by blending the haptic controls with the grain of the interior’s woodgrain finish. We did this in a way that didn’t affect the performance of the controls, allowing us to achieve both functionality and an attractive appearance,” said a Senior Designer at Nissan, Hideki Tago.
“By applying a woodgrain pattern to the plastic panels with a hydro-printing process, we gave them a very realistic wood-like feeling. At the same time, this allowed transparent icons to come to life when illuminated,” he explained.
Integrating technology into design
With the Ariya design team’s final goal laid out, it was the engineering team’s responsibility to make this sci-fi concept a reality. The process began with an exhaustive breakdown of the technology itself. Haptic feedback buttons are grouped into two specific areas in the Ariya — on the main dashboard and on the adjustable centre armrest. The goal was to not only integrate the technology into the cabin design as a means of wowing passengers, but also to give the technology a natural and responsive feel for a wide variety of drivers.
Following extensive testing, the team settled on electrostatic buttons that are not only bigger than traditional haptic controls, but also more broadly spaced. This allows for a realistic and intuitive feeling for users, and also generates a kind of air pressure ‘kick’. This amplifies the tactile feedback with the click sensation of a traditional mechanical button, despite no traditional physical button being involved.
Then came the fine-tuning of the vibrations and sounds. That’s right — sounds. “Vibration and sound are inseparable,” explained Tomotaka Igarashi, the engineer in charge of the Ariya’s interior HMI (Human-Machine Interface) development. “It may seem obvious, but this challenged our team to develop a unique sound that would match the expectations of the driver while also designing it to be as pleasant as possible.”
Such attention to detail in an all-electric crossover is a necessity as the minimal sound emitted by the electric powertrain means that the sounds developed by the team will be clearly heard while driving. The development of the haptic controls required that every possible scenario be tested repeatedly to ensure easy use for a wide range of drivers, especially since the Ariya will sell in different regions of the world. That meant extensive testing by people with different size fingers and fingernail lengths, and with different button-pressure strengths and engagement angles. Gloved hands were also tested to ensure button activation.
While the market remains in a depressed mood, Proton has introduced a new variant of its popular X70 SUV to cheer things up a bit. The new variant is the X70 Special Edition (SE) and only 2,000 units will be available from the plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak.
It is priced from RM123,800 (without insurance) and until the end of the year, sales tax is also exempted in full. At this time, as visits to showrooms are not allowed by the government, bookings have to be done online and this can be done with as little as RM99. Customers gets a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage, 5 free labour services and a 5-year data package (T&C applicable).
The exclusiveness starts with the two-tone exterior colour scheme, with a choice of either Ocean Blue (a new addition to the colour palette) or Ruby Red. The roof, rear spoiler and door mirror covers are finished in black, while the 19-inch lightweight sports rims have a new design.
Mechanically, the X70 SE has similar specifications to the 2WD variant with the 1.8-litre TGDi petrol engine and 7-speed dual clutch transmission as the powertrain. The engine produces ps/300 Nm, which can take the SUV up to almost 200 km/h while using fuel at a rate of up to 13.2 kms/litre, it is claimed.
Inside, there’s black Nappa leather for the upholstery and for extra comfort, the front seats have internal ventilation. In these times when we are all concerned about air quality and cleanliness, the standard fitment of the Proton Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS) will certainly be appreciated. This system combines the benefits of an N95 cabin filter and air purifier system, offering protection against airborne pollutants and contaminants to improve cabin air quality.
The X70 has the maximum 5-star rating from ASEAN NCAP so the occupants will be well protected in the event of an accident, with the comprehensive list of safety features including 6 SRS airbags around the cabin. Advanced Driver Assistance System help the driver avoid an accident while a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System can alert him or her of potential tyre deflation.
“By adding the Proton X70 Special Edition to our model range, Proton has expanded the upper tier of our target market. While it is a limited production model, we feel strongly that it will appeal to buyers accustomed to vehicles with luxury features who are looking for a new SUV at a great price,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.
Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand, presented its all-new QX60 crossover SUV via a short, branded-film entitled “INFINITI Presents: Conquer Life in Style with All-New QX60“, starring Kate Hudson, Golden Globe-winner and Academy Award-nominated actress, producer, entrepreneur, and mother. The association with the filmstar was said to be a ‘natural fit to bring to life the qualities of the target customer for QX60’, according to Infiniti.
The QX60, originally badged as ‘JX’, has been around for 9 years and has been made in the USA, available only in LHD form. However, the new generation will also be produced in China, only for that market.
Previewed by Monograph concept last year
The revised styling follows that seen in the Monograph concept shown last year with a more muscular appearance than before. Fine details have embedded and unique, yet subtle, Japanese essence: kimono folds in the headlamps, with the intricate folds of traditional Japanese origami. Chrome frames the signature grille and reaches up toward the corners into the signature piano key LED headlights.
An understated character line runs the length of the QX60, bisecting its two-tone roof from its lower body. The black roof — a first for the brand — visually reaches toward the rear wheels and is emphasized with chrome accents that frame the expansive greenhouse.
At the rear, digital piano key lighting — also previewed on the Monograph design study — creates an unmistakable look at night to identify the QX60. The rear taillight signature echoes the distinctive front LED headlamp display, combining powerful athleticism with harmony and simplicity, a new hallmark in Infiniti’s design language.
One engine choice only
The powertrain has a 3.5-litre V6 engine with new 9-speed automatic transmission. The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system is significantly enhanced with an all-new direct coupling which almost instantly engages when it detects wheelslip. In some cases, it can proactively engage for better grip in slippery conditions and up to 50% of the available power can be sent to the rear wheels for increased grip. Active Brake Limited Slip functionality can brake individual wheels to redirect torque to the wheels with grip almost instantly.
Active safety features include Rear Automatic Braking, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, and Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection as well as Adaptive Front Lighting and Auto-Levelling Headlights.
An enhanced ProPILOT Assist system also debuts in the QX60 and draws information from the onboard navigation system to assist the driver. The ProPILOT Assist with Navi Link system can proactively slow the car for sharp bends or off-ramps and can automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed when engaged. In stop-and-go traffic, the system can slow the QX60 to a stop and restart travel after up to 30 seconds stationary.
The new QX60 shares the same platform as the latest Nissan Pathfinder with no change in wheelbase and a slightly shorter body. Its 3-row cabin has helped make it a popular choice in markets like North America, where it has one of the brand’s bestsellers.
Cabin with theatre-style seating
The spacious cabin has premium soft-touch materials throughout with ambient interior lighting bathes the cabin with soft but expressive illumination on entry and exit. The standard panoramic moonroof opens up the airy cabin further to let in natural light.
The front seats are Nissan’s well known, ergonomically designed ‘Zero Gravity’ seats with a structure that attempts to replicate the experience felt by astronauts in zero-gravity conditions. Developed in a joint study with Yamazaki Laboratory at Keio University, the seats more closely follow the natural curvatures of the human spine and reduce pressure on the hips, so driver and passengers arrive at their destinations feeling refreshed.
For additional comfort, seat massagers are available along with the front seats having their own climate control. Customers can choose Captain’s Chairs for the second row with theatre-style seating from front to rear. In such a seating layout, each row behind the driver and front passenger rises in without significantly impacting headroom.
Latest Infiniti InTouch system
A new Infiniti InTouch 12.3-inch Interactive Display touchscreen for infotainment is standard and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and USB-based Android Auto compatibility software. A 12.3-inch Dynamic Meter Display in front of the driver presents information such as speed, navigation information and more, and can be paired with a sharp 10.8-inch Head-Up Display (HUD). The sharp HUD is significantly enhanced from earlier displays with a dual free-form mirror that provides a crisp readout from more viewing angles than before.
Just as motorcars from the time of Gottlieb Daimler evolved over the decades to be varied in purpose, design and performance, electric vehicles have also a variety of types. Initially, constrained by technology, ‘performance’, as enthusiasts know it, was not highlighted much even though an electric motor provides a lot of torque right from moving off for brisk acceleration. But with EV technology pushing the edge of the envelope more and more, ‘high performance’ can also be used with electrically-powered vehicles.
Volkswagen is now heading into the new segment with the ID.4 GTX unveiled at a digital world premier recently. A member of the brand’s electric range, it is the first fully electric high-performance model that is said to add a new dimension to sportiness and dynamics. Just as ‘GTI’ has been used to identify Volkswagen’s performance models, ‘GTX’ will do likewise with the electric vehicles.
“The most emotional member of the ID. family to date shows that electric mobility and top sporty performance are not mutually exclusive. The full torque of the electric powertrain is immediately available and you can feel the excellent vehicle handling in every bend,” said Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Board of Management for Development.
Two motors for all-wheel drive
The ID.4 GTX is the first model based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) to feature dual-motor all-wheel drive. There is one electric motor installed on the front and the rear axle. Together, both motors can generate maximum electrical output of 220 kW (299 hp) and can work together to give all-wheel drive.
Putting one motor at the front and one at the back to get all-wheel drive is actually an idea that goes back to the 1980s. Volkswagen engineers put two 1.8-litre engines in a Golf (Mark 2) that was entered in the Pikes Peak Hillclimb event in America. The prototype completed the course in 1985 and 1986 but suspension failure prevented it from finishing in 1987 and after that, the project did not continue after that.
The AWD system in the ID.4 GTX operates with greater efficiency as the motors are managed by computer, so optimum output will be generated on each axle according to conditions. Volkswagen claims that acceleration from 0 to 60 km/h can be done in 3.2 seconds, with 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. Not exceptionally quick but can be considered high performance for an e-SUV. The top speed will be limited to 180 km/h.
Sportier character emphasised
The ID.4 is the 2021 World Car of the Year and the GTX shares the overall design with the other versions but gets differentiation to emphasise its sportier character. The familiar light strip has been combined with dynamic elements, in particular, the three honeycomb elements that form the daytime running lights. Besides conveying the sporty character, this styling element establishes a connection to the Golf GTI. Alongside the different bumpers are distinctive elements at the rear include the 3D LED tail light cluster with brake lights that form an X.
Visual connection to Golf GTI
The body colour is more dominant than on rear-wheel drive versions. The roof and rear spoiler are black, while the roof frame bar is a high-gloss anthracite. The interior also has a different colour scheme with the upper section of the dashboard and leatherette inserts in the doors in a dark shade called ‘X-Blue’. Red contrasting seams – a classic symbol for sportiness and strength – add accents to the seats. The GTX logo appears on the steering wheel, sill panel trims and – in perforated form – at the top of the front seat backrests.
The ID.4 line has been available in Europe, North America and China since last year, and the GTX will go on sale in Europe after June this year. The lowest priced ID.4 GTX will be 50,415 euros (about RM249,000) but buyers can apply for an EV grant of 7,500 euros (about RM37,000) to offset the cost.
The standard ID.4 which is now on sales in Europe, North America and China.
Will we see such EVs in Malaysia?
As more and more EVs are launched, Malaysians must wonder if we will see them in the showrooms. In neighbouring countries, government policies are already in place to give a big push to switching to EVs but Malaysia seems to show little initiative. There is a plan which will allow 10,000 EVs to be imported tax-free but unless there are assured long-term incentives to make it worthwhile for companies, we will see the same thing happening as before when there was tax exemption for a few years for hybrids and EVs. When the exemption ended and prices went back up, sales died altogether except for a few companies that decided to include electrified models in their locally-assembled line-up.
The Hyundai Kona made its global debut in 2017 but it was only in late October 2020 that the small SUV finally appeared in Malaysia. Now, just five months later, an updated version is being launched with a new powertrain and cosmetic changes for the 2021 model year.
The new powertrain is from the Smartstream family and is a bigger version of the engine found in the latest Elantra that was launched in Malaysia in December last year. The Smartstream G2.0 Atkinson 4-cylinder engine replaces the Nu 2.0 and Gamma 1.6 engines (the latter being turbocharged) that powered the 2020 Kona. Without turbocharging but with advanced technology that promotes efficiency, the output is 149 ps/180 Nm.
There are other powertrain choices (hybrid and full electric) but it could be that the high demand for the Kona, especially in Europe, makes it hard for Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) to get allocation at this time.
Hyundai Smartstream G2.0 engine and Smartstream, IVT (below).
Power goes only to the front wheels via a Smartstream IVT which was developed by the Hyundai Motor Group. It’s said to be better than a CVT while having the benefits of the CVT. The shifting patterns is more like a conventional transmission’s and the engineers have managed to eliminate the ‘rubber band feel’ of CVTs. 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.
Active and Standard versions, one engine only
HSDM is importing the Kona in Standard and Active versions, priced (without insurance) at RM119,888 and RM136,888, respectively, with 50% of sales tax exempted until June 30, 2021. The 2021 model has restyled front and rear ends which sharpen the profile, making it visually sleeker, especially with the extra 40 mm of overall length.
The 2021 Kona, which is 40 mm longer, has noticeable changes to the front end when compared to the 2020 model (below).
Stronger visual features
The Cascading Grille is a strong visual feature which extends to both corners, while the same LED lighting units are maintained (the slim lights at the top of each corner are the signal lights). To emphasise the SUV image are protective panels and a skid plate on the lower bumper. Integrated into the bumper corners are vertically oriented aerodynamic inlets that improve airflow.
At the rear, the new taillights feature horizontally stretched graphics. These mirror the front-end lighting theme. The new rear bumper, which continues the protective armour concept of the front and sides, also uses a contrasting coloured material. Depending on the variant, the alloy wheels are 17 inches or 18-inches in diameter with new designs.
Colour choices for the Kona Standard are Chalk White, Galactic Grey, Surfy Blue and Pulse Red, while those who buy the Kona Active variant have the option of Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju, Ignite Flame, Dark Knight, and Misty Jungle.
Upscale and progressive interior
Packaging of a small SUV can be challenging for the interior designers as spaciousness is expected, being a SUV. Nevertheless, intelligent use of space provides the space and for the latest model, a number of revisions give a more upscale and progressive look. There are new colours and materials with seat cover options that include a black woven houndstooth design, cloth seats with black and grey embossing or perforated leather seats in black or beige.
The redesigned console area is separated from the instrument panel to emphasize the horizontal layout. The dashboard appears wide and airy, contributing to the spacious ambience. New for the Kona Active is a 10.25-inch digital cluster, in addition to an 8-inch AVN screen with multiple connectivity options. Wireless Android Auto and Apple are also available allowing apps like Waze and Spotify to be embedded in the infotainment system.
For convenience and space-saving, the parking brake is now electrically-actuated and has an auto-hold function. demand. Additionally, the new Kona now has a remote engine start function from the smart key.
Hyundai Smartsense
Like other models in the market, the best safety features are only available in the most expensive version, in the case the Kona Active. This gets a range of SmartSense driver assistance systems such as Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist with Safe Exit Warning. The latter is particularly valuable not only to detect (and warn the driver) vehicles approaching from either side when reversing out but also detects oncoming vehicles from the rear and then displays a visual and audio warning to alert the passenger exiting the vehicle.
Other safety features include Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Rear Occupant Alert and High Beam Assist. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) has also been upgraded with pedestrian and vehicle detection, and will activate Automatic Emergency Braking if the driver does not act correctly or in time to prevent an accident.
HSDM sells the new Kona with a 5-year or 300,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty and during the first 3 years (or maximum of 50,000 kms), the customer won’t have to pay anything for scheduled maintenance services.
