Chery Omoda 5 Launched – 1.5T, 156hp/230Nm, RM109k

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Chinese carmaker Chery, the country’s most successful exporting automotive brand, has made a big comeback in Malaysia with two of their most successful models. Those with a slightly better memory may recall Chery being offered in Malaysia previously, with lacklustre models like the Eastar and Maxime MPVs, the QQ supermini, and the Tiggo SUV. 

Chery assures that things are different now – the brand has set up a local subsidiary to handle sales & distribution, unlike previously when it appointed a dealer instead. While the ‘Tiggo’ nameplate has returned for the Tiggo 8 Pro, the brand has also launched its B-segment SUV competitor, in the form of the Omoda 5 priced from RM108,800 for the C variant, and RM118,800 for the H.

Measuring 4,400mm long and 1,830mm wide and riding on a 2,630mm wheelbase, the Omoda 5 is slightly longer and wider than the Honda HR-V and larger in every dimension than the PROTON X50. Its more emotive design also marks a stark departure from the more conventional Honda & PROTON too. There’s no mistaking this for anything else.  

Then there’s the powertrain – while the Omoda 5 also takes the turbocharged route here, with its 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo putting out 156hp and 230Nm. Power goes exclusively to the front wheels via a 9-speed CVT automatic gearbox too. This makes it a little less powerful than the turbocharged Honda HR-V and flagship PROTON X50, but does better than the lower-powered versions of PROTON’s crossover.  

The distinctive looks of the Omoda 5 begin with its face, where a large chrome-pinned grille is flanked above by a set of LED daytime running lights that double-up as scrolling indicators. Beneath those sit a pair of full-LED headlights with automatic high-beam functionality, giving the Omoda 5 a look that very few others dare to offer. 

Rolling stock is handled by 18-inch multi-tone alloys, while the rear of the Omoda 5 takes more Lexus-like cues with a pair of slim full-LED taillights that stretch across the tailgate. The ‘Chery’ script sits up high, while down below you’ll find a pair of (fake) exhaust exits on a heavily-sculpted lower bumper. While certainly a busy design, the Omoda 5’s focus on engaging looks geared towards younger buyers certainly fits the brief, though more conservative buyers will likely prefer what both Honda and PROTON offer instead.

The interior of the Omoda 5 is alot less divisive – derivative, more like. The dashboard takes a very horizontal design to emphasise width, replete with a full-width AC vent design sitting beneath twin 10.25-inch screens that handle infotainment and driver displays. HVAC controls are mounted on a touch panel beneath the centre vents, beneath which sit a pair of wireless phone chargers wrapped in grippy suede-like material. This pairs well with the standard wireless Apple Carplay & Android Auto, and provides a good viewing angle too. 

Ergonomics is a key factor for the marque, as evident by the relatively generous use of tactile buttons and switches to control major functions. We’re made to understand that Chery has engineered the switchgear to provide a “positive sensation” during use according to one of their executives, but we’ll have to refrain from comment until we review the Omoda 5 properly.

A quick aside on the HVAC system, you’ll find a dual-zone climate control system here as standard, though the higher H variant adds ventilated powered front seats, a powered tailgate, and a sunroof. There’s also an 8-speaker Sony audio system for the Omoda 5 H (six in the C), and a 360º camera that replaces the standard reverse camera in the entry-level variant.

Exterior differences between the C and H are limited to just some splashes of red throughout the place, including on inserts in the alloy wheels. The other key differentiator are the indicators – scrolling units are limited to the H, while the C models get ‘conventional’ units instead.  

Safety is managed by a generous list of active and passive safety systems. On the former, the Tiggo 8 Pro offers adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert & assist, blind-spot monitoring with door-open warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also offers hill descent control, tyre-pressure monitoring, and hill-start assist – we’d like to see if anyone would ever off-road an Omoda 5… 

Chery is assuaging customer concerns about reliability and serviceability in two ways: First, it has announced 31 operating showrooms nationwide that can handle sales & aftersales from point of launch, with more expected to open in the near future. Second, all new Chery models will come as standard with a 7-year/150,000km warranty and 5-years free service (with free labour for every alternate service). The first 3,000 Chery customers will also benefit from an industry-leading 10-year/1,000,000km powertrain warranty – for the 3,001st customer onwards, this coverage will set them back an additional RM2,000. 

It’s very clear that Chery, like many Chinese brands, have big ambitions. Malaysia will be a key market for them, having invested in assembly facilities in Kulim, Kedah and rolling out not just the Omoda 5 but the larger Tiggo 8 Pro in CKD-form from the get-go. Brand bosses have committed to Malaysia as their right-hand drive assembly and R&D hub too, eager to add value to the mature Malaysian automotive economy and to create high-value jobs in the sector. 

GALLERY – 2023 CHERY OMODA 5 C 1.5T CVT

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Launched – 2.0 Turbo, 256hp/390Nm, RM160k

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Chinese carmaker Chery, the country’s most successful exporting automotive brand, has made a big comeback in Malaysia with two of their most successful models. Those with a slightly better memory may recall Chery being offered in Malaysia previously, with lacklustre models like the Eastar and Maxime MPVs, the QQ supermini, and the Tiggo SUV. 

Chery assures that things are different now – the brand has set up a local subsidiary to handle sales & distribution, unlike previously when it appointed a dealer instead. All that’s retained is the ‘Tiggo’ name, which makes its return to Malaysia as a prefix to the Tiggo 8 Pro, the marque’s flagship D-segment SUV, priced at RM159,800.

Measuring 4,722mm long and 1,860mm wide and riding on a 2,710mm wheelbase, the Tiggo 8 Pro is only slightly smaller than the recently-launched PROTON X90, though you wouldn’t guess it. The Tiggo 8 Pro’s bold and assertive design makes sure of that, with plenty of presence no matter which angle you take it in from. 

Power in the Tiggo 8 Pro comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine. Outputs are rated at 256hp and 390Nm, with power going to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes are available, but no paddle shifters. This eclipses the 190PS & 300Nm on offer from PROTON’s 48V MHEV system – Chery says this is the “most powerful vehicle in the segment,” though we suspect they’ve overlooked the 2.5-litre turbocharged Mazda CX-8. 

The face of the Tiggo 8 Pro is highlighted by the large ‘galaxy grille,’ replete with diamond-shaped chrome pins that expand from an illuminated badge. On the latter, the Chery logo illuminates when the car unlocks and syncs with the headlights (and taillights) as an element of the car’s ‘welcome’ function. On either side sits full LED headlights, which include a scrolling indicator function and automatic high-beam.

Rolling stock is handled by 19-inch multi-tone alloys, wrapped in 235/55 section tyres. The rear is crowned by a light-bar that stretches across the tailgate, beneath which you’ll find quad exhaust pipes. It’s a very elegant-looking machine, as befits its D-segment SUV positioning – competitors like Mazda’s CX-8 and PROTON’s X90 also go the same route. 

But it’s the interior of the Tiggo 8 Pro that really sets it apart. Emphasising the width of the interior is a broad dash design that incorporates full-spanning elements to make it all feel expansive. At the top you’ll find a pair of 10.25-inch screens, handling driver information and infotainment duties. Graphics are clean and progress is smooth, and features (wired) Apple Carplay & Android Auto as standard. Sound duties are handled by an 8-speaker Sony audio system as standard, hiding behind Burmeister-eque speaker grilles.

Chery has resisted the urge to incorporate everything into the screen by positioning the HVAC controls on a separate (touch-sensitive) panel beneath the centre screen. Ergonomics is a key factor for the marque, as evident by the relatively generous use of tactile buttons and switches to control major functions. We’re made to understand that Chery has engineered the switchgear to provide a “positive sensation” during use according to one of their executives, but we’ll have to refrain from comment until we review the Tiggo 8 Pro properly.

A quick aside on the HVAC system, you’ll find a dual-zone climate control system here, as well as heated and cooled front seats. This should ensure that even with the sun beating down through the panoramic sunroof, everyone should remain comfortable.

The seating layout is in a 2-3-2 setup, with Chery themselves describing the Tiggo 8 Pro as a 5+2. Indeed the third row is a little cramped compared to the PROTON X90 and Mazda CX-8, but if they’re for occasional use only (as tends to be the case with SUVs in this class), all should remain well. 

Other standard features of the Tiggo 8 Pro include keyless entry and go (including a nifty walk-away lock), multi-colour ambient lighting, electric tailgate, wireless smartphone charging, an electronic parking brake, and a standard 360º camera. 

Safety is managed by a generous list of active and passive safety systems. On the former, the Tiggo 8 Pro offers adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert & assist, blind-spot monitoring with door-open warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. And on the passive side, the Tiggo 8 Pro offers more airbags than any other competitor in the segment. 

Chery is assuaging customer concerns about reliability and serviceability in two ways: First, it has announced 31 operating showrooms nationwide that can handle sales & aftersales from point of launch, with more expected to open in the near future. Second, all new Chery models will come as standard with a 7-year/150,000km warranty and 5-years free service (with free labour for every alternate service). The first 3,000 Chery customers will also benefit from an industry-leading 10-year/1,000,000km powertrain warranty – for the 3,001st customer onwards, this coverage will set them back an additional RM2,000. 

It’s very clear that Chery, like many Chinese brands, have big ambitions. Malaysia will be a key market for them, having invested in assembly facilities in Kulim, Kedah and rolling out not just the Tiggo 8 Pro but the smaller Omoda 5 in CKD-form from the get-go. Brand bosses have committed to Malaysia as their right-hand drive assembly and R&D hub too, eager to add value to the mature Malaysian automotive economy and to create high-value jobs in the sector. 

GALLERY – 2023 CHERY TIGGO 8 PRO LUXURY

Volkswagen Updates Tiguan Allspace with IQ.Drive – Level 2 ADAS Features Standard

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Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) seems to have taken to heart years of criticism of their lacklustre fitment of active safety features. After updating the Golf GTi and Arteon to feature their IQ.Drive suite of technology, the marque has taken to their volume-seller Tiguan Allspace and done the same across all three models.

Available as the Allspace Life, Allspace Elegance and Allspace R-Line, the Tiguan has served as VPCM’s most profitable current model in the local lineup. By offering IQ.Drive advanced driver assist systems as standard on all variants, VPCM has effectively ensured the continued success of the Tiguan Allspace locally. 

IQ.Drive is Volkswagen’s moniker for their active safety features. Beneath the IQ.Drive umbrella are features like autonomous emergency braking (forward facing, with cyclist & pedestrian detection), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with Side Assist (actively intervening if a driver manoeuvres into a vehicle in their blind spot), rear cross-traffic alert, and Lane Assist (or lane-keep assist). 

In addition to IQ.Drive, the 2023 Tiguan Allspace lineup also gains a wireless smartphone charger as standard, working perfectly with the wireless Apple Carplay & Android Auto that the Tiguan Allspace has always offered. 

The updated Tiguan Allspace lineup now starts at RM174,590 for the Allspace Life, rising to RM203,590 for the Allspace Elegance. The range-topping Allspace R-Line will set you back RM257,073.60 for its larger engine, all-wheel drive and improved specification, and all prices include Volkswagen’s Assurance Package (5-years unlimited-mileage warranty, 3-years scheduled servicing, 5-years roadside assistance), though all cars can be had with the standard 2-year warranty for added flexibility and savings.

Prior to the inclusion of IQ.Drive, we were among the first in the country to sample the facelifted Tiguan Allspace lineup locally, and you can watch our video review here. 

2023 Kia Niro EV Arrives In Malaysia – 460km WLTP, 201hp/255Nm, RM256k

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BERMAZ has today introduced a new electric vehicle under its Kia brand, with the Niro crossover set to take the fight along to the very hotly-contested sub-RM300k compact electric crossover segment. Combining bold styling, cutting-edge technology and practical flourishes, the Kia Niro EV will go head-to-head with cars like the Hyundai Kona EV and even the Ioniq 5, as well as the Mercedes-Benz EQA and BMW iX1. 

At RM255,800, the new Kia Niro EV is not the most affordable B-segment crossover. In fact this pricing puts it right alongside the more premium players on the market, which has certainly raised eyebrows. We’re not entirely sure what Kia Malaysia’s strategy is with this, but we’ll take it at face value.

With a 64.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Niro EV offers a maximum 460km rated range on the WLTP cycle. Motive force comes from a 201hp/255Nm motor mounted between the front wheels, which can propel the Niro from rest to 100km/h in just 7.8-seconds. “Effortless and smooth progress in all conditions,” or so Kia promises. 

AC charging is rated to as high as 11kW, allowing the car to charge from 10%-100% in about six and a half hours. DC fast-charging however is rated at a maximum of just 80kW, requiring 49mins to do the 10%-80% charge that most EV drivers look for when travelling. It’ll also come as standard only with a 3-pin plug – so if you want that faster 11kW AC charging, you’ll have to shell out for your own cable. 

The new Niro marries Kia’s typically-bold styling with an eye for technological detail, as evident from the very distinctive front-end. The upper-fascia is framed by ‘heartbeat’ LED daytime running lights that double-up duties as indicators, within which also sit a set of full-LED headlights replete with automatic high beam functionality. Kia is keen to point out that the large lower grille incorporates active aerodynamics to reduce drag when the vehicle doesn’t require cooling, which work together with the aerodynamic trickery at the rear incorporated into the boomerang taillights in the C-pillars.

The interior of the Niro takes inspiration from the larger EV6, with a multi-level dash design that separates instrumentation & infotainment from the HVAC & shortcut-keys beneath. There are 10.25-inch displays handling instruments and infotainment, which feature Kia’s usual straightforward and intuitive UX. The AC controls sit on their own touch-sensitive panel beneath the AC vents on the centre stack – these alternate between AC controls and infotainment shortcut keys, reducing the number of buttons in the cabin for a clean look. 

Further south you’ll find the centre console, where a rotary gear selector is flanked by buttons for the heated & ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, parking sensors & camera system, as well as the electronic parking brake & auto hold function. You’ll also find a wireless smartphone charger – unfortunately the Apple Carplay & Android Auto that come as standard on the Niro are wired, so we doubt many users will be utilising this feature. 

The seat design is of particular note – lightweight and fully-powered in the front, the seats are similar to what was found from the Kia EV6. This means they should be very comfortable and supportive over longer journeys. The front passenger seat also incorporates the ‘premium relaxion’ function which allows the front passenger to sit in a ‘zero-gravity’ posture that promises great comfort. This is a feature we first saw in the Kia Carnival 7-Seater, which we tested out in a chauffeur test here. 

As standard, the Niro will offer faux leather upholstery for the seats, along with cabin panels and fixtures made out of recycled materials. The headliner is made of recycled wallpaper apparently, while the cars’ doors are painted with BTX-free paint to minimise its environmental impact. 

Practicality is handled by a 475L boot with the seats up, while with the rear seats folded you can access up to 1,392L of space. There’s also a 20L front boot which is perfect to store charging cables and the standard vehicle-to-load adaptor, which is just inches away from the Niro’s nose-mounted charging port (just like the Hyundai Kona EV – what are the odds). 

Kia has not shied away from filling the Niro will its full gamut of safety features. There are 8-airbags as well as two ISOFIX mounts at the rear, which work together with the Rear Occupant Alert system as to prevent parents from forgetting their kids in the back. Active safety is dealt with by things like high-beam assist, blind-spot monitoring with collision assist, rear cross-traffic alert and braking, lane-keep assist, forward autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian & cyclist detection), as well as lane-follow assist and adaptive cruise control. 

The Kia Niro EV will be available in 3 hues, being Cityscape Green, Mineral Blue, and Snow White Pearl. Prices will start from RM255,888 and include a 5-year/150,000km warranty for the entire car, whereas the battery pack is warrantied for 8-years and 160,000km. BERMAZ thus far has remained mum on its 5-year free-service packages that it normally bundles with its ICE vehicles, but we expect an update on the matter in due course. 

GALLERY

BYD Delivers Its First 100 Malaysian Cars

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With 500 more units on the way.

Chinese new-energy vehicle brand BYD, distributed and represented in Malaysia by Sime Darby Motors, has delivered the first 100 units of its Atto 3 electric crossover to customers at a special event to mark the occasion. This marks a major milestone for the brand, which was launched in our market just last month. 

“With the delivery of the first BYD Atto 3 vehicles to our market, we look forard to maintaining our momentum with more units slated to reach Malaysia soon. [Sime Darby Motors] strives to cater to the growing demand for environmentally-friendly options among Malaysians, fuelling aspirations towards low-carbon mobility.”

Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director (Retail & Distribution), Sime Darby Motors

Having collected some 1,000 bookings in just 10-days following the launch, BYD’s Malaysian customers were convinced by the marque’s performance in its home market of China as well as across the globe. 

Offering competitive levels of safety and convenience technology coupled with a battery range that goes as far as 450km in real-world conditions on a single charge (for the Extended Range models; 400km is to be expected from the Standard Range variant), the BYD Atto 3 is available from just RM149,800 for the Standard, and topping out at RM167,800 for the Extended. 

You can check out our video coverage of the BYD Atto 3 launch here, and see what it’s like to drive here. 

Porsche Centre Johor Bharu Opens For Southern Customers

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‘Destination Porsche’ 4S Centre offers Porsche Classic Partner services too.

Sime Darby Auto Performance today unveiled its newest dealership, taking root in the southern city of Johor Bharu. The new state-of-the-art facility also debuts the new ‘Destination Porsche’ corporate identity within the full 4S centre, which is the first Porsche facility in the country to offer body & paint services for the marque. 

“It has been quite a year for our partnership with Porsche in Malaysia, with the first locally-assembled Cayenne rolling out of our plant in Kedah earlier this year, and now the addition of the first 4S Porsche Centre in Malaysia in Johor Bharu. The setup of this new dealership forms part of our plan to provide world-class standards of customer experience, for both Porsche and Sime Darby Motors.”

– Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson, Chief Executive Officer, Sime Darby Group Berhad

The 5,412-square metre facility necessitated an RM28-million investment on the part of Sime Darby Motors, and aims to offer southern fans of the Stuttgart brand a new place to call home. The interior demonstrates a clear focus on customer-centric brand experiences featuring multiple ‘experience modules’ such as E-Performance, Porsche Classic, the Fitting Lounge, Delivery Bay, and an area for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. Customers will be entertained throughout the facility by highly-trained Porsche staff while also providing space for Porsche fans to gather and host events. 

The Johor Bharu Porsche Centre (PCJB) is equipped with a 175kW high-performance DC charger as well as 22kW AC chargers for Taycan customers. With the addition of PCJB, this completes Porsche’s intended corridor to allow Porsche Taycan customers seamless travel from north to south, pairing with Porsche Centres in Ara Damansara, Sg. Besi, and Penang. 

On a special note, PCJB is now the first-in-Malaysia Porsche Classic Partner, offering services to owners of Porsche cars from their heritage range. This gives enthusiasts the ability to tap into Porsche specialist knowledge on maintenance, repair and restoration of their cars.

With a full-range of services catering to every Porsche customer available in Johor Bharu, this signals Sime Darby’s continued commitment to the Porsche brand but also the potential to upgrade and enhance existing Porsche facilities throughout the country. 

Perodua Offers Assistance to Flood-Affected Customers

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Malaysian automotive heavyweight Perodua has today announced assistance for its customers affected by the flooding throughout the country.

For the uninitiated, flooding has wrought havoc across large swathes of the country owing to higher-than-usual rainfall. As a result, some of Perodua’s service centre operations have been affected, but the company and its distributors are working as swiftly as possible to resume normal service.

“Our customers are very important to us, and these value-added services are provided to help relieve some of the burden our customers have to face during this disaster,” said Perodua’s president & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

On the matter of “value-added services,” Perodua is offering various forms of assistance to affected customers. This comes in the form of towing service rebates (worth up to RM100 to bring your Perodua to the nearest service centre), free inspection for flood-affected vehicles, and discounts on selected original spare parts.

Spare parts will be offered with a 20% discount for customers whose cars have been damaged by the floods. “Our genuine spare parts come with a manufacturer’s warranty we ask our customers to not use imitation parts that may affect vehicle performance,” said Dato’ Zainal. These parts include all electronic items, engine overhaul gaskets, seats, door trims, and carpets.

Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & CEO, Perodua

As of 19th December 2021, parts of Selangor, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang are facing devastating flooding. The Malaysian Meteorological Department warns that the rainfall may continue and move towards other parts of the country, and has issued weather warnings.

For Perodua customers affected by the flooding with damaged vehicles, they can contact Perodua’s toll-free customer care line at 1-800-88-5555 to arrange for towing assistance (subject to terms & conditions).

Perodua On-Track To Hit 240,000 Sales Target This Year

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Local automotive heavyweight Perodua, which has managed to sell 96,281 vehicles through the first five months of 2021, is staying strong with its 240,000 targeted sales for the full year despite the challenging market conditions and the shortage of semiconductors. 

“While Perodua’s year-to-date May sales of 96,281 units marks an 82% increase than the 52,920 units sold in the same period last year, this achievement is distorted as the first Movement Control Order was in place from March to May last year.”

– Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & CEO, Perodua

Dato’ Zainal went on to say that a fairer comparison would be against its year-to-date May sales from 2019, where the company managed to sell some 105,745 cars. This represents an 8.9% decrease in its sales performance. 

The impact rom the semiconductor shortage can be seen in the reduction in sales from April to May, from 20,339 units to 17,973 units, a decrease of 12%.

“Despite these challenges and barring further uncertainties moving forwards, we believe we will be able to meet our 240,000-unit sales target for 2021, as demand remains strong for all our models. We thank the Government for extending the sales exemption to end-2021, which will bolster our strong demand, encourage economic activity and help sustain the Malaysian automotive ecosystem.”

– Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & CEO, Perodua

On the matter of service centre operations throughout the MCO period, Dato’ Zainal has advised that its customers contact their nearest service outlet for the latest information. And as for new-car handovers, the Perodua boss thanks their valued customers for their “understanding & patience in waiting for their Perodua vehicles,” as showrooms & sales activities remain halted throughout the MCO period. 

It is clear that the semiconductor shortage remains a serious issue among local manufacturers, and being Malaysia’s largest automotive manufacturer, Perodua would naturally be the first to be hit, and be hit most seriously. It is understood that the Rawang company is working as best it can to meet manufacturing demands as customers continue to stream in from every corner of the country, and this statement of confidence signals that they remain committed to fulfilling its sales obligations in the most timely manner possible. 

Perodua Targets 240,000 Sales In 2021, 9% Increase Over 2020

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Malaysian automotive heavyweight Perodua has set their sights high this year, with a targeted annual sales number of 240,000 cars before the year is up. This marks a meagre 9% increase over the 220,163 cars that they sold in 2020, with demand spiking as a result of the sales tax exemption offered by the Government. 

In 2019, Perodua sold 240,341 cars and set an initial target of 240,000 sales in 2020. But as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sg. Choh company revised its targets to 210,000 sales for 2020, which it comfortably exceeded by some 10,163 vehicles. 

Last year’s numbers were contributed most by the Perodua Myvi, with some 66,330 cars sold. This was followed closely by 59,651 Perodua Axias, 56,996 Perodua Bezzas, 22,494 Perodua Aruz SUVs, and 14,691 Perodua Alzas. Against a total industry volume (TIV) of 529,434 units, Perodua netted a marketshare of 41.6%.

“With the extension of the sales tax exemption to end-June 2021, recent COVID-19 vaccine developments and all our models continuing to be in demand, we believe 2021 to be the year of recovery.”

– Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & Chief Executive Officer, Perodua

Dato’ Zainal added that Perodua and the Malaysian automotive ecosystem as a whole appreciates the support for the industry, and will extend its full cooperation to the government in ensuring that tall standard operating procedures (SOPs) are followed, with regards to COVID-19. Dato’ Zainal also said that with the estimated recovery of Perodua’s sales volume, the carmaker is expected to hit make a record RM6.5-billion in component purchases from the local automotive ecosystem in 2021. 

“With 2020 ending better than previously expected for Perodua and the industry, we are looking to increase our stock by boosting our production target to 272,000 vehicles this year – the highest in our history. This increase [in production targets] will replenish our stock to ensure brisk delivery this year. We thank all Malaysians for making us the nation’s best-selling carmaker for 15 successive years.”

– Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & Chief Executive Officer, Perodua

On the after sales side, Perodua expects to see service intakes grow some 20% from the 2-million units seen in 2020 to 2.4-million units in 2021, comprising both new and current customers. Perodua will continue its efforts to transform its approach in every aspect, “be it in customer engagement, values, or even our operations, especially in our sales arm,” said Dato’ Zainal.

This approach will be dubbed ‘Perodua Smart Build,’ and will “revolutionise Perodua’s offerings while further improving the compact car company’s operational capabilities.” More information and impact of Perodua Smart Build will be announced in the “near future.”

2020 Hyundai Elantra Launched – 7th-Generation, Smartstream 1.6, RM158,888

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Hyundai Sime Darby Motors, the official distributor for Hyundai vehicles in Malaysia, today launched the new Hyundai Elantra in our market. Now in its 7th generation, the Elantra represents Hyundai’s entrant into the highly-competitive C-segment saloon space, where it will inevitably do battle with the Honda Civic, and the Toyota Corolla among others.

Hyundai’s decision to bring in the Elantra is a commendable one – amidst an environment that clearly favours SUVs, for a relatively small company to offer a relatively-niche product now is certainly a bold & brave decision, though there’s more to it than that. We will get to that a little bit later. 

Compared to the competition, the Elantra fares favourably. For one thing, spec-for-spec, it is now on par with the Japanese stalwarts. Every conceivable modern convenience feature is available – from active safety systems to keyless entry and go, the new Elantra will not be another compromised product from the Korean marque. However, it does dispense of one of Hyundai’s key brand strengths that it’s had for some time: At RM158,888, the new Elantra disposes of the traditional price advantage that we’ve come to expect from the brand, and positions itself as a premium left-field option.

Fortune favours the bold as they say, and ‘bold’ is definitely the word we’d use to describe the new Elantra. Wearing the new Parametric Dynamics design language proudly, the new Elantra offers cuts, creases, and complex surfacing resulting in a truly dramatic design that’s sure to turn heads. The face is dominated by the huge ‘Cascading Grille,’ which is of a size we’ve never seen before on the Elantra, framed by a pair of full-LED headlights and a remarkably-complex bumper design that is somehow not all that fussy when taken in as a whole, despite its integration of the air curtain at the lower corners.

This is evident down the side, where the complex surfacing results in a truly masterful execution of metal origami. It’s clear that Hyundai’s embracing its desire to be bold and different with the Elantra, and it’s likely going to appeal to buyers who want to be seen as a bit left of field. The Elantra rides on 17” alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish, which admittedly looks a little bit like what we’ve seen on the Honda Civic…

At the rear however, there’s no question what this is and what it represents. The most distinctive rear element is by far are the taillights, with their full-width elements that emphasise the width of the Elantra and make it look more squat. Thanks to the sloping roofline, the rear windscreen tapers off neatly towards the tail, with a little ‘ducktail spoiler’ integrated into the bootlid. The bumper in comparison looks rather plain but to be fair, if it had been as complex as the rest of the design, it may have been too much to take in.

The new Hyundai Elantra is powered by a new powertrain option, the Smartstream G1.6. As the name suggests, the Smartstream mill here is a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine, producing 123PS and 154Nm, with power going to the front wheels via a Smartstream ‘Intelligent Variable Transmission.’ The IVT is essentially a continuously-variable transmission with 8 simulated ratios, which makes use of a chain-type transmission belt over a more conventional metal belt, improving performance efficiency by 5%. The IVT is also so-named because of its more natural transmission nature, integrating shift points that change depending on the drive mode selected. All the power efficiency, and no shift-shock.

On the subject of drive modes, the Elantra will provide drivers with a choice between Normal, Eco, and Sport, while the fourth is a ‘Smart’ mode. The first three are self-explanatory, but the fourth mode uses the vehicle’s sensors to detect the driving style employed by the driver and adjusts various parameters around the car accordingly. 

The new Elantra certainly doesn’t skimp on cabin space – with a longer and wider body sat on a longer wheelbase, it feels absolutely cavernous inside. If you feel the Elantra looks sleeker and slinkier than before, that’s owing to the lower roofline – as a result, the new Elantra looks like a much more lithe and agile machine than before.

But it doesn’t sacrifice practicality, not even in the slightest. The boot now measures 474L before folding the rear seats down, which then opens up even more room for the most ambitious IKEA shoppers. And with the seats up, you’ll find plenty of space for four, or five in a pinch. You’ll find two ISOFIX mounts in the rear as well as rear air conditioning vents, but it’s a shame there isn’t a USB port at the rear. 

Up front though you’ll find the biggest demonstration of Hyundai’s new-found maturity – there’s a clear visual separation between driver and front passenger, emphasised further in the light-grey cabin. The driver’s seat is powered while the passenger’s is manual, but both benefit from ventilation and heating (yes, heating). The steering wheel & door mirrors are heated too – when asked, Hyundai Sime Darby explained that as they wanted ventilation for our market, the heating for the seats, steering wheel and mirrors came as part of a singular package, so they had little choice in the matter.

One area where HSDM had plenty of choice, and made the right ones, were in the way of safety. The standard features are all there, with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-Assist Control, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring, along with 6-airbags dotted around the cabin. 

Where the Elantra really pushes the boat out is in terms of active safety: Hyundai SmartSense comes as standard on the new Elantra, and offers things like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keep Assist with Follow (effectively offering Level 2 autonomy), Forward Collision Avoidance (with vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist detection), Junction-Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot Monitoring with Collision Avoidance Assistance, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Rear AEB, Safe Exit Warning, Driver Drowsiness Alert, and Forward Departure Alert. There’s also Rear Occupant Alert too, to avoid those tragic incidences where children & pets are accidentally left in cars. 

It’s clear with the new Elantra that Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors is charting a new course for the brand. No longer a budget alternative to the Japanese institutions, Hyundai is wholeheartedly embracing its image as a brand for the bold and left-of-field, and now its cars fit the description too. Save for the Grand Starex, the Hyundai we see before us is almost entirely reinvented, with its new lineup indicative of their ambition as they move into the future. 

However, there’s no doubt that the Elantra will face quite the uphill battle – at RM158,888, the new Elantra is pegged against more established rivals like the Mazda 3 (RM154,680), and well above competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla which top out at RM139,600 and RM139,888 respectively. That said, Hyundai Sime Darby is targeting a sales figure of around about 2,000 annually, so it’s pretty clear that they understand that it won’t be a walk in the park for them.

The new Hyundai Elantra will be available in 4 colours, namely Polar White, Electric Shadow, Amazon Grey, and Intense Blue. All new Hyundai models come with a 5-year/300,000km warranty, and is available for viewing at showrooms nationwide. 

So what do you think of the new Elantra? Let us know in the comments below.