2021 Hyundai Palisade, Kona facelift coming to Malaysia this year

KUALA LUMPUR: The sole distributor of Hyundai cars in Malaysia, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), today confirmed the launch of two new vehicles in the country, the all-new Hyundai Palisade and the redesigned Hyundai Kona. The company recently revealed the details of the upcoming iterations, let’s check out that.

The first on the list is Hyundai’s premium 7-seater SUV, the Palisade, which rides on a new chassis and is powered by an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-litre V6, dual CVVT, direct-injected mill. The engine generates a maximum power of 291 hp at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 355 Nm at 5,000 rpm. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, sending power either to the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on the trim.

The upcoming Hyundai SUV features an industry-first, innovative new roof vent diffuser design providing “quieter rear air conditioning airflow, more uniform distribution of air and the capability for a focused stream of air whenever desired”. Other confirmed highlights are a heads-up display projecting a virtual image onto the windshield and a full-color TFT LCD with adjustable brightness functionality.

Next on the list is the facelift version of the Hyundai Kona that made its Malaysian debut in October 2020. “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 Yuan Lung, HSDM’s Managing Director.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona will have a new Smartstream G2.0 Atkinson engine on board generating 149 PS of power at 6,200 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. It will be mated to a CVT transmission for sending power to the front wheels.

Other than technical changes, the new Kona will boast a more refined front fascia design, new 17 and 18-inch wheels, an enhanced SmartSense safety package, and a remote starter. The more sophisticated cabin of the facelifted Kona will have a new console area with a new horizontal layout and aluminium finish. Upgraded ambient lighting for the cupholder and foot lamps on the front passenger and driver side will also be there. Customers can also expect new interior colour options, materials, and trims.

The new Hyundai Palisade and Kona are set to launch later this year in Malaysia; for all the latest updates on the upcoming models, stay tuned with us.

Also read: All-new 2021 Hyundai Kona N revealed