Verdict
The Hyundai Elantra CN7 is the more complete new-versus-outgoing step: RM53,560 more buys a 474-litre boot, 17-inch wheels, LED projector headlamps, six airbags, blind-spot information, a reverse camera and wireless phone integration. It is also markedly thriftier at 5.4 L/100 km against 7.0 L/100 km. The MD Facelift still makes a strong cost-led case at RM86,328, with 128 hp and 157 Nm versus the CN7’s 121 hp and 154 Nm, plus a larger 55-litre tank and full-size spare. For most Malaysian buyers, though, the CN7’s safety and daily-use gains justify its newer-car premium.
Pick the Hyundai Elantra MD Facelift if RM86,328, slightly stronger 128 hp/157 Nm output, a 55-litre tank and a full-size spare matter more than newer safety and cabin equipment.
Pick the Hyundai Elantra CN7 if you can stretch to RM139,888 for six airbags, blind-spot information, a reverse camera, better 5.4 L/100 km economy and substantially more equipment.
Key differences
- Price: MD Facelift RM86,328; CN7 RM139,888 — a RM53,560 gap.
- Output: MD Facelift 128 hp and 157 Nm; CN7 121 hp and 154 Nm.
- Rated fuel economy: MD Facelift 7.0 L/100 km; CN7 5.4 L/100 km.
- Dimensions and boot: MD Facelift 4,550 mm long with a 420-litre boot; CN7 4,675 mm long with a 474-litre boot.
- Safety: MD Facelift has driver and front-passenger airbags; CN7 adds front side and front/rear curtain airbags.
- Wheels and tyres: MD Facelift uses 16-inch alloys with 205/55R16 tyres; CN7 gets 17-inch two-tone alloys with 225/45R17 tyres.
MD Facelift
- RM53,560 cheaper to buy.
- Slightly higher 128 hp and 157 Nm outputs.
- 55-litre fuel tank and full-size spare tyre.
- Only two airbags against the CN7’s six.
- No blind-spot information, front parking sensors or reverse camera.
- 7.0 L/100 km rated economy and a 420-litre boot trail the CN7.
CN7
- Six airbags, blind-spot information and a reverse camera.
- 5.4 L/100 km rated economy.
- 474-litre boot, dual-zone climate control and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Costs RM53,560 more.
- 121 hp and 154 Nm are lower than the MD Facelift’s 128 hp and 157 Nm.
- 47-litre tank and space-saver spare are less useful than the MD Facelift’s 55-litre tank and full-size spare.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM86,328✓ | RM139,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally aspirated with variable intake and exhaust valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,591 cc | 1,598 cc |
| Horsepower | 128 hp✓ | 121 hp |
| Torque | 157 Nm✓ | 154 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 77 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5 | 11.2 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6 Speed Automatic | Intelligent Variable Transmission |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | —✓ | 10.4 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 7 L/100 km | 5.4 L/100 km✓ |
| Top Speed | — | 195 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 163 g/km | 124 g/km✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,550 mm | 4,675 mm |
| Width | 1,775 mm | 1,825 mm |
| Height | 1,445 mm | 1,430 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,720 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,210 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | 47 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 420 litres | 474 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 205/55R16 | 225/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/55R16 | 225/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear Eagle NCT 5 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Korea (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16” Alloy | 17" Two-tone Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16” Alloy | 17" Two-tone Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-Point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjust | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-Folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-Con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunvisor with Illuminated Vanity Mirror | — |
| Audio | Integrated radio with CD/WMA/MP3 playback, AUX-in, USB, iPod connectivity and 6 speakers | 8" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down only | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Operation | Remote Control Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Foot-operated | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | 4.2" Colour LCD Super Vision Meter Cluster |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 300,000 km | 300,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
MD Facelift vs CN7 FAQ
Is the Hyundai Elantra MD Facelift or Hyundai Elantra CN7 better?
The CN7 is better equipped and safer, with six airbags, blind-spot information, a reverse camera and 5.4 L/100 km rated economy. The MD Facelift is the better budget choice, costing RM53,560 less and producing slightly more power and torque.
What is the price difference?
The Hyundai Elantra CN7 costs RM139,888, compared with RM86,328 for the MD Facelift. The difference is RM53,560.
Which Elantra has the bigger boot and better fuel economy?
The CN7 wins both measures: its boot holds 474 litres versus 420 litres in the MD Facelift, while rated fuel economy is 5.4 L/100 km against 7.0 L/100 km.