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Hyundai i30 – first images of Frankfurt debutant revealed

September 7, 2011 at 4:43 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Hyundai, International News

Hyundai has revealed the first photos of its new-generation i30, which is set to have its world premiere next week in Frankfurt. The shape was previewed in an official sketch last month.

The C-segment offering is designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and the company says that the new-gen i30 represents a further evolution of the unique Hyundai ‘fluidic sculpture’ form language.

The car features the Hyundai family face with its signature hexagonal-shaped front grille and the jewel-like design of the headlamps, together with distinctive daytime running lights. Elsewhere, a strong character line runs over the front and rear wheel arches all the way to the tail lamps, and a softer, lower character line rises up the car’s flank to create a play of light and shadow, a fundamental feature of fluidic sculpture.

No specific info or technical attributes on the new offering as yet, so it’s on to Frankfurt for all the necessary to emerge.
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Toyota Camry definitely has Hyundai’s Sonata in its sights

August 25, 2011 at 2:11 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, International News, Toyota

Well, it’s very much a case of can’t ignore any more, and making no bones about it at that – a report says that Toyota’s new seventh-gen Camry definitely has the Hyundai Sonata very much in its sights as the Japanese carmaker aims to get back on top in the US.

The Camry has been the top-selling passenger vehicle in the US for nine years, with annual sales in the market poised at the 300,000- to 400,000-unit mark over the past decade, a figure good enough to account for around 20% of Toyota’s sales there.

Of course, being the king means only one thing – there’s always going to be a slew of contenders looking to topple you. Among them has been the Sonata, which has emerged as a strong contender over the past year or so, aided by a weak Korean won. Close, but still no cigar.

The March 11 earthquake that hit Japan also hit the Camry, changing the run of play. While in 2009, the Sonata sold just one-third as many units as the Camry did, in May this year it managed to finally outsell the Camry, which suffered supply shortages as a result of the disaster.

Slated to enter the market in October, the new Camry is anticipated to bring the title back to Toyota. Still, the company isn’t hiding the fact that it has responded to the Sonata’s challenge very seriously, the Nikkei report adds.

Toyota’s engineers went over the Sonata with a fine-toothed comb, with one stating that the Hyundai’s “interior offers an outstanding touch of luxury for its price.” Sources within the company added that just before the decision was made to begin production of the new Camry, requests came about for design changes, with the Sonata very much in mind.

The Japanese automaker also had its American engineers evaluate the new North American-based model from the prototype stage. And Toyota president Akio Toyoda even went so far as to test-drive the new Camry again and again. “We’re rolling this out with 100% confidence,” he was quoted as saying. Well, looks like they worked very hard to be absolutely sure about that.

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New Hyundai Safe Drive programme includes 24/7 roadside assist, first year free for cars purchased from June 2011

August 23, 2011 at 1:51 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, Koreans, Local News

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has introduced the Hyundai Safe Drive Programme, which comprises the following features: Hyundai’s 5-year or 300,000 km warranty, 24/7 Roadside Assist, Automotive Insurance and Customer Care Line.

Of the four components, the new one is 24/7 Roadside Assist, supported by MUI Continental Insurance and International SOS, an international healthcare, medical assistance and security services company. Hyundai owners in need of roadside assist can call 1300-13-2000 in the event of an accident (major or minor, doesn’t matter), vehicle breakdown or malfunction.

HSDM says that the programme covers malfunction “due to the owner’s own negligence” as well, although “third party costs shall apply in owner induced breakdowns”. In terms of geography, Malaysia and Singapore is within range. Services include a vehicle for hire or even a nearby hotel stay. Charges apply, of course.

“We offer high-end, high-quality values at a surprisingly accessible price and at values that customers have never experienced or expected. We are constantly thinking of ways of improving our services to satisfy the needs of our customers and there will be more surprises coming up for Hyundai car owners in Malaysia,” said Dennis Ho, MD of HSDM.

24/7 Roadside Assist is given complimentary for the first year to all new Hyundai vehicles purchased from 1 June 2011. The free service will be extended for subsequent years if the owner renews comprehensive vehicle insurance with MUI Continental Insurance via any Hyundai sales outlet.

For more details and info, contact HSDM’s customer careline at 1-300-13-2000 during office hours or visit a Hyundai dealership.

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Frankfurt: New Hyundai i30 is now Fluidicly Sculptured

August 11, 2011 at 11:10 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, International News, Koreans


Click to enlarge image

We’re a month away from the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show, and carmakers are starting to roll out their previews. Subaru will debut the production XV, Audi will be bringing a unique concept, and Hyundai will unwrap its new i30. This is the first official sketch released of the C-segment hatchback.

Launched in 2007, the i30 has done well for Hyundai in Europe, where VW Golf class hatchbacks and superminis are the staple car. But it’s beginning to look slightly old next to Hyundai’s latest breed of cars, so this new one wears the brand’s Fluidic Sculpture styling and hexagonal shaped front grille. The car was designed and engineered at Hyundai’s technical centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany.


Launched in 2007, current i30 didn’t really catch on here, but is successful in Europe

“When designing the new i30, we used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a car which looks athletic while exuding a sense of constant motion, even when stationary. From the rendering, you can see how we managed to give the car a bold stance, transmitting a confident attitude through sporty characteristics and dynamic proportions,” said Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer, Hyundai Motor Europe.

“In this way, the car is very close to the recently unveiled i40, and we want people to recognise the Hyundai design DNA on those two models,” he added.

To view the new i30′s Euro siblings, click here for the i40 and here for the sleek i40 Tourer.

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Service rebate, prizes for Hyundai-Sime Darby customers

August 1, 2011 at 9:36 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, Koreans, Local News


Click to enlarge

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) recently beat 180 other distributors to win the Distributor of the Year 2010 award from Hyundai Motor Company, and to celebrate the success, the company is giving customers service rebates and a chance to win prizes.

From now till 31 October 2011, HSDM customers who send their car to authorised centres for service will be given a RM30 rebate for an engine oil/oil filter change, redeemable on the spot. They will also be in the running to win two iPad 2s and a Plasma TV – one prize for each month till October.

To participate, customers need to fill a contest form and attach the original (or certified true copy) of the service receipt and drop it into the contest box. The next step is to send an SMS to activate the registration. All details can be obtained from the registration form. For more info, contact HSDM’s Customer Care Line at 1300-13-2000 during office hours.

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2011 Hyundai Grand Starex Royale – more kit and plush

July 27, 2011 at 1:25 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, Local News

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has introduced the 2011 Hyundai Grand Starex Royale, and this one offers more in the way of luxury and features.

External changes lead the way on this 12-seater, and the revisions include a new front chrome grille, LED daytime running lights on the wing mirrors, side skirting, new front and back bumpers and a new rear spoiler with built-in stop light.

Meanwhile, the interior gets upgraded with more plush and comfort, and among these are swivel seats on the second row and optional Nappa leather seats. There’s also a new optional power sliding near-side door on the upgraded Starex Royale, operable through push button.

Also new to the Starex Royale is a newly-designed instrument cluster incorporating a trip computer, as well as Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). A GPS navigation system is also fitted as standard.

The Grand Starex Royale continues on with the 2.5 litre CRDi turbodiesel, unchanged in output numbers, these being 170 PS at 3,800 rpm and 392 Nm at 2,000-2,500 rpm.

The vehicle comes in four colours – Crystal White, Stone Black, Sleek Silver and Carbon Grey – and is priced at RM153,888 on the road. Opting for the premium package on the Grand Starex Royale takes this to RM165,888.

More photos after the jump.
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2011 Hyundai Sonata facelift – subtle changes all around

July 22, 2011 at 12:04 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, Koreans

Because of its radical styling, the Hyundai Sonata still looks as new as ever, but time flies and it’s already time for it to receive its mid-life facelift.


Top – facelifted grille, bottom – original grille

Hyundai has elected not to change much with the facelift, with minor updates to the front grille, wing mirrors and tail lamp design.

As even we had trouble looking for the differences at first, we’ve inserted comparison shots into this post to help you identify the old from the new. We’ve actually already seen a variation of this new tail lamp design as it was first used on the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

The Sonata has also received some equipment changes which include the 2.4 litre being replaced with a 2.0 litre inline-4 turbo GDI engine, but we are guessing these changes are market specific and we’re unlikely to see it implemented in Malaysia.

Look after the jump for a full gallery of the Sonata facelift.
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Hyundai Grand Avega hatchback debuts at IIMS 2011

July 22, 2011 at 11:27 am By Paul Tan Filed Under 2011 Indonesian International Motor Show, Cars, Hyundai, International News


UPDATE: Full gallery added after the jump.

Remember the Hyundai Verna hatchback we saw at the Guangzhou Auto Show last year? It had its own unique China-only styling and looked like a smaller and sportier Hyundai i30.

Now we see the debut of a similar car with different styling at the 2011 Indonesia International Motor Show called the Hyundai Grand Avega.

It’s essentially a 5-door hatchback version of the B-segment Hyundai Accent. Basically the car we saw at Guangzhou but with Hyundai’s Euro face styling.

In Indonesia, the Grand Avega is equipped with a 1.4 litre engine mated to a choice of either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

Look after the jump for a live gallery from the motorshow.
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Facelifted Inokom i10 launched, RM47,988 to RM53,988

July 8, 2011 at 3:37 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, Inokom, Koreans, Local News

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has launched the facelifted Inokom i10. Besides Hyundai’s new corporate face, the latest i10 also comes with an improved 1.25-litre Kappa engine. The range now consists of three variants, an entry level 1.1L, 1.25 standard spec and 1.25 high spec, priced at RM47,988, RM50,688 and RM53,988, respectively.

The 1.25 Kappa engine’s main improvement is the addition of Continuously Variable Valve Timing, or CVVT. Power and torque figures are also up on the previous non-CVVT unit – 86 hp and 120 Nm versus 79 hp and 112 Nm. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 5.3 litres per 100 km. There are no changes to the 1.1 Epsilon engine, which churns out 65 hp.

Both engines are paired to a four-speed automatic gearbox. The i10 uses Hyundai’s Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS, another name for EPS), which helps with fuel economy.

Besides the new face dominated by that trapezoid grille, the i10 1.25 also spots a new rear spoiler and rear bumper plus elongated combination lamps. The bigger engined variants also come with new wing mirrors with LED indicators. There are also new design alloy wheels.

Inside, the instrument panel is now illuminated in blue (used to be green), with the addition of a digital display. It shows a digital fuel gauge and gear position, things that were previously not available. The audio system has MP3, USB and AUX input, as well as a remote control.

Spec wise, equipment exclusive to the 1.25 high spec are ABS with EBD, dual front airbags and fog lamps.


New meter panel (bottom) compared to the old one. Ignore the MPH reading, ESP light

The i10 1.25 Kappa CVVT is available in four colours – Alpine Blue, Ice Silver, Crystal White and Oyster Grey. The 1.1 can be had in the same shades, except for Oyster Grey, but with the added choice of Stone Black and Champagne Gold.

The i10 is one of our favourite small cars; read the review of the pre-facelift i10 Kappa here. More pictures after the jump.
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Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors wins Distributor of the Year 2010 Award, giving away service vouchers in celebration

July 6, 2011 at 10:25 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, Koreans, Local News

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has been named Distributor of the Year 2010 by Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) at the recent 2011 Global Distributors Convention held in Banff, Canada. The award, according to a HMC spokesman, is well-deserved as HSDM has demonstrated its ability to increase Hyundai’s market share in Malaysia within a short period of time through its innovative services and creative marketing activities.

The award was presented to Dato’ Lawrence Lee, Sime Darby’s Executive VP, Motors Division and Dennis Ho, MD of HSDM by Vice Chairman of HMC, Eui-Sun Chung.

“I am very proud of the team at HSDM and the milestones that the company has achieved through its efforts to change the brand value and positioning of the Hyundai brand,” said Dato’ Lee, who noted that the consolidation of Hyundai operations in Malaysia and the 2010 launch of the new Sonata and Tucson were milestone events that contributed to the “dramatic sales growth”.

MAA figures show that Hyundai sales had increased by more than 38% from 2009 to 2010. For the period from January to May 2011, more than 5,400 Hyundais have been sold, representing a 36.7% year-on-year growth. Currently, HSDM has a network of over 100 dealerships across Malaysia and more than 10 3S centres. The company aims to expand the network further.

In conjunction with the award win, HSDM is giving out service discount vouchers with a minimum spend when customers visit an authorised Hyundai service centre from 1 August till 31 October 2011. Call HSDM’s Customer Care Line at 1300-13-2000 for more info.

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