No dates have been announced yet, though
Following the launch of the Sonata and Elantra last year, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has now announced that it will carry on with its product offensive this year with another two exciting models, the Palisade and the facelifted Kona.
First introduced in 2018, the Palisade is a flagship three-row SUV that rides on an all-new chassis. Its sheer size means it will be positioned above the Santa Fe in HSDM’s SUV lineup. Mechanical-wise, the Palisade will arrive with an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-litre V6 engine that makes 291 hp at 6,000 rpm and 355 Nm at 5,000 rpm. Channelling the output to wheels is an eight-speed automatic transmission with a multi-plate torque converter.
As for the equipment, we expect the Palisade to feature all the available bells and whistles, such as a Heads-Up Display (HUD), a 12.3-inch fully-digital TFT center instrument cluster, a 10.25 inch touchscreen in widescreen format, captain chairs in the second row and many more.
Meanwhile, the 2021 model year Kona will come with a Smartstream G2.0 Atkinson four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 149 PS at 6,200 rpm and 180 Nm at 4,500 rpm. The naturally-aspirated engine is mated to a CVT.
However, HSDM makes no mention of the turbocharged 1.6-litre powertrain in the accompanying press release. Whether it will continue to be offered as the top-spec variant in the Kona model lineup remains to be seen.
In addition to redesigned front fascia, the facelifted Kona will come with new wheel designs, an upgraded Smartsense safety package as well as a remote starter.
PRESS RELEASE
Fans of Hyundai premium cars can look forward to the launch of more exciting new models this year. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the sole distributor of Hyundai vehicles, will be bringing in the award-winning luxury SUV Palisade and its compact SUV, the 2021 facelifted Kona to Malaysia.
The Palisade is Hyundai’s flagship premium 7-seater SUV that rides on a new SUV chassis. With exceptional roominess for the second and third row seats as well as generous cargo space, the Palisade is positioned as the ultimate family vehicle thanks to its practicality and comfort for daily use. Powered with anAtkinson-cycle 3.8-liter V6, dual CVVT, direct-injected engine, it offers excellent power and efficiency with an estimated 291 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and an estimated 355 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm.
Taking inspiration from aviation technology, the Palisade’s exciting features include a Heads-Up Display (HUD) that projects a virtual image onto the windshield, to help driver road visibility. This feature also uses a system of mirrors combined with a full-color TFT LCD display and features adjustable brightness to ensure excellent day and night-time visibility.
The Palisade also boasts an industry-first, innovative new roof vent diffuser design that provides a focused, partially-diffused or fully-diffused stream of air to rear passengers. This new diffuser vent design provides quieter rear air conditioning airflow, draft-free operation, more uniform distribution of air and the capability for a focused stream of air whenever desired.
Another exciting model to look forward to this year is the facelifted 2021 Kona. According to HSDM’s Managing Director, Mr Low Yuan Lung, the Kona which was launched last year has captured the attention of many who yearn for a distinctively designed compact SUV.
“The public had their first look of our compact SUV, Kona, last year and it was well received despite the stiff competition in the SUV segment. Considering the positive response and reviews received for the newly designed Kona overseas, we are confident we will be able to capture more hearts this time around,” said Mr Low.
Among the exciting highlights of the facelifted Kona are a new Smartstream G2.0Atkinson engine mated to a CVT transmission, a more refined front fascia design, new 17 and 18-inch wheels, an enhanced SmartSense state-of-the-art safety package and a remote starter.
The Two-Wheel Drive KONA Smartstream G2.0 Atkinson four-cylinder petrol engine that is paired with a CVT automatic produces 149 PS of power at 6,200 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. The Smartstream engine offers dynamic performance with a smoother, comfortable driving experience, reduced emissions and better fuel efficiency.
On the exterior, the Kona received an urban sporty styling as part of Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness global design theme. The new exterior design is even more provocative and sensuous than before with a curved bonnet design.
This facelifted version also projects a more sophisticated and progressive look in its interior. The new console area gets a new horizontal layout while the air vents and speakers also get new rings with aluminium finish.
Also included in the new version is an upgraded ambient lighting technology that lights up the cupholder and foot lamps on the front passenger and driver side. New interior colour options, materials and trims are also to be expected. Low said that while the Palisade and the facelifted Kona are among models that HSDM will be launching this year, other new models are also in the pipeline and is bound to excite the market. Fans should continue to follow HSDM’s news to find out when the new models are due for launch.
