KUALA LUMPUR: Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) held its first official event before divulging its future plans that will look to locally assemble up to seven models over the next five years.
The company's president, Eric Lee, made the announcement at the Astana Grand Ballroom in Bamboo Hills earlier today, before adding that its future models will focus on the use of internal combustion engines.
HMY is now the dealer principal for the South Korean brand, with Sime Darby Auto Hyundai becoming one of its official dealers.
Thus, vehicle claims and warranties are still maintained for those who have recently purchased a Hyundai vehicle.
Also maintained is the Inokom plant in Kulim that will continue to produce Hyundai vehicles with possible future export plans.
The plan now, as outlined by HMY's managing director Jahabarnisa Haja Mohideen, who intends to "position Malaysia as the key hub for the (ASEAN) region", along with 25 dealership locations nationwide by 2030.
As part of its incoming line-up, three vehicles were showcased, although there were no mention of pricing.
As part of the incoming line-up, the updated Staria multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and Tucson - Australia's top-selling B-segment sports utility vehicle (SUV), as well as the all-new Santa Fe, were shown to members of the media.
Among the updates that's said to be exclusive to the range-topping Prestige variant, which replaces the outgoing Premium variant, the seven-seater MPV will receive Brass Chrome Application that can be found on its exterior, such as the radiator grille, front and rear lower bumper mouldings, the H-logo on the hood, exterior mirrors and door handles.
Furthermore, the seven-seater will utilise LEDs for the projector headlights, daytime running lights, turn-signals and the rear Parametric Pixel cluster lamps.
Inside, the cabin now sports a 10.25-inch digital cluster display that's been repositioned higher on the dashboard to the benefit of the driver, along with premium relaxation seats for second-row occupants and an 8.0-inch infotainment unit that powers the 12-speaker Bose surround sound system, while providing Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity.
Powering the front wheels will be the usual 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel mill that produces 177PS at 3,800rpm and 430Nm of torque from 1,500 to 2,500rpm - all managed by a familiar eight-speed automatic transmission (8AT).
For the current fourth-generation Tucson, its updates include the front Parametric dual lighting system, rear lower bumper silver garnish, an extended rear wiper reach, repositioned reverse lamp to the lower section of the rear bumper and an embedded rear H-logo into the rear windscreen.
The Tucson's cabin's biggest upgrade can be found within its infotainment interface, while the driver's space has been revamped to provide a more spacious feel.
There's now a new three-spoke steering wheel that's been integrated with the Tucson's shift-by-wire system that frees up room for a floating-type console, while a multi-tray now exists on the dashboard above the glove box.
A redesigned panoramic curved display now sits upon the dashboard, which integrates a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster with a 6.6-inch screen for the climate controls.
For power, it will come with three engine options starting with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 156PS and 192Nm to 281PS/422Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged powerplant that's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
A 1.6-litre turbocharged mill, producing 180PS and 265Nm, with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and a new 235PS/367Nm 1.6-litre hybrid powertrain with a 6AT round out the options.
Lastly, the all-new Santa-Fe will be making its debut on July 2, and promises to be larger with a longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs.
For the interior, it will be fitted with the brand's latest Calligraphy trim for added sophistication for the range-topper.
Propulsion will come from a 281PS/422Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged powerplant that's mated to an eight-speed DCT or a 235PS/367Nm hybrid 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with a 6AT.
"Hyundai is directly entering the Malaysian market with full confidence, and we are here to stay by bringing innovation together with competitive pricing to meet the needs and demands of our customers," said HMY product head Sean Yeo.
Photo gallery: Hyundai Staria
