Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd (HSDM) has received 5,000 bookings for its MD Elantra since the launch on 8 April 2012. To date, 1,570 units of the MD Elantra are already on Malaysian roads. According to Mr Lau Yit Mun, the Managing Director of HSDM, the launch of the MD Elantra was another success for the company following the successful launch of the LM Tucson and YF Sonata in 2010.
The MD Elantra was also named the ‘Car of The Year’ by Asian Auto at the recent Asian Auto Allianz Auto Industry 2012 Awards ceremony that was held at Saujana Hotel, Subang. The Asian Auto ALLIANZ Auto Industry Awards 2012 is one of the biggest automotive industry awards in Malaysia with Vehicle Certification Association (VCA) UK as its partner in the evaluation and judging criteria. The judging criteria takes into account the total package of the car, which includes space, engineering, warranty, after sales service, showroom appeal to customers and affordability of the car to the middle class Malaysian.
“The MD Elantra speaks of the success of Hyundai’s bold design and great fuel economy. The MD Elantra is what everyone wants of a car. Dynamic compact design, premium touch, high fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and low maintenance cost with an exceptionally accessible pricing,” said Mr Lau.
Among the highlights of the MD Elantra are:
Dynamic Design with a Sleek and Sporty Profile
With its lower roofline and low rear deck lid, the MD Elantra exudes a sleeker and sportier profile, reducing wind resistance and thereby improving fuel economy. The design concept called “Wind Craft” (based on the ‘fluidic sculpture’ design principles) is applied to the car design, evoking a piece of sculpture literally crafted from the wind.
Class-leading Performance
The MD Elantra will be available in two engine choices – 1.8-litre Nu MPI and 1.6-litre Gamma MPI D-CVVT. The 1.8-liter Nu MIP is capable of up to 150ps of horsepower at 6,500rpm while producing 178Nm (18.2kg.m) of peak torque at 4,700rpm. Whereas the 1.6-liter Gamma MPI is equipped with D-CVVT to boost horsepower output of 130ps at 6,300rpm and allow lower exhaust emissions while delivering best-in-class fuel-economy. Peak torque measures 157Nm (16.0kg.m) at 4,850rpm. Both engines are mated to six-speed transmissions, which deliver impressively more horsepower while consuming less fuel and producing lower emissions than the powertrains they replace. Hyundai is one of only three global car manufacturers with its own unique in-house made six-speed automatic transmissions.
Modern, Sophisticated Interior
Inside the MD Elantra, one will be impressed with Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, lighting, leading-edge design and craftsmanship. This approach is visible in the clarity of the instruments and the tilt and available telescopic steering wheel (1.6 AT High Spec & 1.8 AT Premium only). Other features of the Elantra include the smart key that allows keyless entry and a engine start/stop button (except 1.6 MT Standard), a 10-way driver power seat (only for the 1.8 AT premium), and a Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) which not only improves the steering quality but also enhances the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
Low Maintenance Cost
The MD Elantra is fitted with a maintenance-free silent timing chain system to enhance durability and improve its Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH). It also comes with a maintenance-free transmission (under normal usage condition). HSDM offers a 5-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) extended warranty on all its new passenger vehicles. Hyundai’s extended warranty is in accordance to its manufacturing warranty. A 24-hour road assist service is also now available to new and existing Hyundai vehicles which the car insurance purchased from HSDM panel of insurance.
