This model is another new model launched this year by Oriental-Hyundai Sdn Bhd which now boasts of a completely new range for all their main models. With the marketing arm, Kah Bintang Sdn Bhd, these models in separate but key segments of the industry are poised to capture a bigger slice of the non-national part of the automotive industry. Backed by the many years of hand-on experience in handling a number of marques previously, goes a long way in making their presence felt. One obvious example is the number of units already on the road presently. As all the three models are assembled CKD in Malaysia, they are very competitively priced and quite a value proposition.

This global model was first introduced locally in 2001 and throughout the world it has exceeded sales of more than 800,000 units particularly in China, India, USA and Eastern Europe. It now appears to be a norm for the Hyundai brand that every time a new model is launched, it is packed with bigger space, better design, better safety and more all round as offerings for the customers. Compared to its predecessor, this Elantra has set new milestones for the other models in its class. It takes a major shift and truly can be called a new model in every sense of the word compared to the ‘repacking’ jobs some makes have been following.

The flagship new showroom in the densely populated area of Puchong goes to show the commitment and confidence in the brand besides the ease in getting access to after sales services. With the network of 48 sales outlets and 42 authorised service outlets all around Peninsular and East Malaysia, fleet customers will not have much difficulty in locating proper after sales attention.

A glance at this new Elantra will besides being very different from the previous model is its sportiness and freshness compared to those available in the market. The sizeable head lamps and the subtle ‘S’ that flows from the bonnet to the boot makes an impression immediately. Both the A and C pillars have been raised in order to deliver and a side profile that enhances its sportiness even further. In addition to be being sporty, the appeal of this design will tug the hearts of many of the younger motorist as the package has mass appeal. As a corporate vehicle, this model will be ideal for middle/ senior management, businessmen and operators of commercial fleet like taxis and also car rental businesses.

The cabin of most cars these days is an area where just about all marques pay much attention and in this department, the Elantra is more than above par. The darker brown colour of the dash matched with the beige colour of the rest of the interior including the seats makes it spacious and roomy. With the integrated centre facia having almost like a brush aluminum finish and also the area around the hand shift, the appeal of the cabin is impressive. All the dials, lighted buttons, instrument panel lighting, radio system lighting and the air-con dials are bathed in singular blue colour illumination to make it pleasing to the eye. The space available is 98 ft³ which is apparently more than the most of the other models in its class. For steering ease, the steering wheel has the tilt and telescopic feature and is electronically controlled with a motor driven power steering system. The entertainment system breathes through 6 speakers with 2 tweeters and is capable of delivering 200 Watt of music. This unit is a radio CD, CD R/RW, MP3, WMA compatible with a 3.5 mm jack for direct connection to devices like the iPod and the tech oriented creatures will be more than pleased with these features. Besides this, many other useful storage places available but the highlight must be the compartment on top of the dash which will be handy indeed. Another useful feature is the ski pod which will make storing long items in the boot easy and is a feature usually found in most continental makes.

This Elantra is powered by the 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC CVVT chain driven 2-litre engine that is recorded to produce the peak power of 143PS at 6000 rpm and the max. torque of 19 kg.m at 4600 rpm. It also has a power to weight ratio of 110.8PS per metric ton. For the transmission, a 4-speed automatic is in place with grade logic and VFS or Variable Force Solenoid technology that leads to improvement in fuel efficiency. During the one week duration of our test, we noted its good and handling characteristic coupled with a firm feel. At 110 km/h we recorded 2500 rpm, 140 km/h at 3000 rpm and 160 km/h at 3500 rpm. This goes to underline reasonable fuel consumption of this vehicle besides offering a quite ride for the occupants.

In the safety department, it has scored five stars for both the driver and front passenger in frontal crash test according to the US NHTSA crash test results. The body shell is reinforced with impact absorbing crumple zones and the steering wheel is collapsible. Other than this, there are two SRS airbags, load limiters, seatbelt pretensioners and ABS with EBD. For the stopping, all four wheels come with disc brakes. The other features available are the central locking, keyless entry burglar alarm.

The warranty offered for this New HD Elantra is 100,000 km or 3 years whichever comes first with 3 free service excluding materials. A typical service cost after the 3 years service period is RM226.70 inclusive of semi-synthetic motor oil change and RM349.70 for fully-synthetic oil. The service maintenance package includes inter-alia engine oil, filter and drain nut washer replacement, plus various inspections including Engine & Auto Transmission data scanning.

The insurers on the panel are Asia Insurance and Lonpac. The motor coverage comes with 100% money back guarantee on the sum insured together with Hyundai’s 24 hours assistance which includes assistance in auto, travel, medical, home and other services. Amongst the other services are free roadside repair, emergency towing services, car replacement service, arrangement for hotel accommodation, information transmission during emergency and emergency travel assistance. There is now even a car replacement scheme of 100% on the sum insured for the first and second years.

Price wise, the Elantra 2.0L costs RM94,641.50 on-the-road including insurance for company registration in Peninsular Malaysia and RM95,372.70 in East Malaysia. The colours offered are Sapphire Silver, Sunbeam Silver and Knight Black.

For further enquiries, call 1 800 88 6822.

All prices quoted valid as per 27 March 2008.