It appears Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is gearing up to launch the 2021 Hyundai Elantra here in Malaysia very soon. Compared to its predecessor, the new C-segment sedan sports a much more aggressive design language; it definitely stands out against its segment rivals.
HSDM started teasing the local availability of the seventh generation Elantra on its Facebook page. Unfortunately, the teaser image doesn’t reveal any estimated launch date or pricing for the new sedan, though the post does seem to suggest that the new sedan will be arriving here in the near future.
The teaser posted by HSDM
As mentioned, the 2021 Elantra’s unique, aggressive styling is one of its standout features. It wears the “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity, with a wide, cascading grille on the front and sharp lines throughout the exterior. The interior is quite modern-looking too, and the 10.25-inch infotainment screen – or an 8-inch display for the base model – supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well, which is said to be a segment-first.
Under the hood of the new Elantra is a 2.0L MPI Atkinson Cycle engine that produces 147hp and 179Nm of torque. It’s paired to the Korean carmaker’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), its own version of a CVT gearbox. IVT is said to provide “superior efficiency and simulates gear shifts” like conventional automatic transmissions.
There’s also the Elantra Hybrid, which has a smaller 1.6L GDI Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that delivers 43hp (32kW), giving a combined output of 139hp and 264Nm of torque. This engine is mated to Hyundai’s six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
No details yet on exactly when the 2021 Hyundai Elantra will be launched in Malaysia, but given that HSDM has started teasing the new C-segment sedan, it should arrive here very soon. That being said, the government’s sales tax exemption – which is ending next month – is unlikely to be applicable to the new Elantra.