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This thread will focus on the upcoming facelift model 2019 Elantra [update on 26 Jun 2018] [update on 12 Jul 2018] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_3Q1YmUX6E

exciting stuff, especially range and specs, premiering soon.. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/17/photos-hyundais-new-electric-crossover-ioniq-5s-sliding-console.html https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/16/22285235/ioniq-5-sliding-universal-island-e-gmp https://hyundai.com.sg/globalnews/196?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=AO&fbclid=IwAR0POL_LzewptkiHXMmqIcOVB5pLqoo2ouZWiaeE-g5T1Klz8x_NfCeLI9o

2021 Hyundai Elantra About to Get Dramatic Redesign Like Sonata Stay tune for more info.

Source: https://www.motor1.com/news/743454/2026-hyundai-palisade/ We've grown accustomed to Hyundai and Kia making drastic design changes to their cars when the next-generation model arrives. Such is the case with the new Palisade since the fullsize SUV is a vast departure from its predecessor. The flagship family hauler with gas engines appears to be boxier and sits on 21-inch wheels that look like a pain to clean, given the plethora of spokes. The segmented lights at both ends of the 2026 Palisade make us think of the pixel theme applied to Hyundai's electric lineup, including the recently unveiled Ioniq 9. The massive rectangles at the front are likely the daytime running lights. Between them and the huge grille are four rectangles, which we're assuming are the main headlights with the low and high beams. A thin LED strip goes across the grille's upper section. Without providing numbers, Hyundai says the front overhang is slightly shorter than before. The wheelbase is longer, so the distance between the axles is longer than the outgoing model's 114.2 inches (2900 millimeters). The greenhouse remains as generous as ever, and there's still a dual sunroof, presumably for the higher-end versions. The rear has a cleaner look as the exhaust is now tucked away underneath the bumper, while the wiper hides beneath the roof spoiler. Contrary to most Hyundai models, the taillights–which strongly resemble the front DRLs–don't extend onto the tailgate. The HTRAC badge is missing, but surely all-wheel drive will be available for the second-gen Palisade. The interior has also been given a complete makeover. There are dual 12.3-inch screens nestled within the dashboard, which still has a wide variety of physical buttons. We can easily see the separate climate controls along with other buttons and knobs for the radio/multimedia, plus shortcuts to certain functions. The gear selector has been relocated from the center console to the steering wheel column. The oversized section between the front seats with 100-watt USB-C charging ports, cupholders, and a wireless charging pad is multifunctional. It can be raised to create a third seat, so the new Hyundai Palisade can carry up to nine people. Images show the version for South Korea, where drivers of the nine-seat variant will be allowed to use the bus lane. The Palisade is the latest Hyundai to drop the H badge on the steering wheel. Instead, the four dots denote the letter "H" in Morse code. It sure looks like the steering wheel has been borrowed from the smaller Santa Fe. Elsewhere, circular door handles remind us of a Chevy HHR, and there's subtle ambient lighting to create a cozy atmosphere. Technical specifications are not available, but it's been extensively reported that Hyundai will finally give the Palisade a hybrid powertrain. Expect full details to be disclosed in the coming weeks.

Hi All Anyone driving this car? Please share experiences here. If there is a telegram chat group will be best!

Source: https://www.motor1.com/photo/6722889/hyundai-ioniq-6-design-debut-with-plane/ The Hyundai Ioniq 6 finally reveals its uncamouflaged body and interior in detail. For now, the company is only highlighting the upcoming electric sedan's design. Technical info reportedly arrives on July 14. Hyundai's teasers for the Ioniq 6 pitched the vehicle as an "electrified streamliner," and the company wasn't lying. The body has an arched shape that makes it look like the car would glide through the air. The design relationship with the earlier Prophecy concept is clear. At this time, we have no details about the model's drag coefficient to know how aerodynamic it really is. The front end has clean, minimalist styling. The lower fascia includes vertical portions on each side. The hood is smooth, and the raised sections for the headlights lead to the A-pillars. Along the sides, the arching beltline along the doors accentuates the roof's curvature. There's some subtle sculpting along the lower section of the doors. The vehicle in these pictures has rear-facing cameras instead of mirrors. The wheels have a complex, asymmetrical spoke pattern. The Ioniq 6 has a sporty rear end. There's a spoiler at the base of the back window. Below it, there's a subtle ducktail spoiler that incorporates into the tail's sculpting. The full-width taillights have square, pixel-like elements that lend a vaguely retro-futuristic aesthetic to the design. The lower fascia has a pair of vertical elements with red and white reflectors in small, square elements, which matches the other rear lamps. Hyundai also isn't providing any technical details about the interior, but we can learn a lot just by looking at the pictures. Separate screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment share a single bezel. On the outer edges, the dashboard arches upward to create space for the displays that show the side camera video feed. A panel below the dash has an array of capacitive buttons for operating the HVAC system. There's a two-spoke steering wheel with capacitive buttons on each side. Four, square lights are in the center of the wheel. It's not clear whether this is purely decorative or serves some function. These photos of the cabin show a strip of purple accent lights on the dashboard and blue illumination coming from the lower door panels. We don't know whether owners can change these colors because the bright shades might not be to everyone's taste. The Ioniq 6 rides on the E-GMP platform that is also underneath the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. The sedan will reportedly come with a 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack. With two electric motors, expect an output of around 300 horsepower (224 kilowatts). Single-motor and more performance-focused versions are possible, too.

I wish to find out if the Hyundai Accent 1.4 has any aftermarket exhaust system legally available in Singapore ? I remember Remus use to be designing exhaust systems for the older generation Hyundai models. Any info ?

Nice? wait until u see his abang (Genesis 2015) When the Genesis will reach our shore?

Source: https://www.motor1.com/news/741171/hyundai-new-ceo-jose-munoz/ Beginning on January 1, 2025, the Hyundai Motor Company will have a new CEO. Jose Munoz was appointed as the new head of the Korean automaker, succeeding current President and CEO Jaehoon Chang. Chang will be promoted to the Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group's automotive division. Munoz is a Spanish businessman who previously served as the CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. Prior to that, he was the Chief Performance Officer for Nissan Motor Corporation and the Chairman of Nissan China and North America for over 15 years. Munoz joined Hyundai in 2019 and helped grow the portfolio with products like the Ioniq 5, and focused on expanding the brand’s footprint nationwide. Under his leadership, Hyundai invested $12.6 billion toward a new “Metaplant” and two new joint battery ventures in Georgia. Munoz will wrap up his tenure as CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America with the debut of the new Ioniq 9 electric SUV at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show. Like the smaller Ioniq 5, the Ioniq 9 was developed under Munoz as part of his plan to expand the automaker’s electric portfolio.

Just saw advertisement about the 2024 Santa Fe coming up, anyone registered interest for the sneak preview too? On the other hand, heard from KIA SA that the Sorento may be coming out this June/july.

Much less futuristic as compared to its cousin (EV9). Using the same E-GMP electric platform as its Kia cousin, the new Ioniq 9 promises loads of space, lavish amenities, and lots of range - over 480 km on every trim. Powering the Ioniq 9 is a 110.3-kilowatt-hour (net) battery pack. The base Long Range model gets a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, while Hyundai offers a dual-motor Long Range variant and a dual-motor Performance model. The Long Range single-motor model makes 215 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. The dual-motor Long Range version makes 310 hp and 603 Nm, while the Performance model packs an impressive 430 hp and 698 Nm. The quickest Ioniq 9 gets to 100 km per hour in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 193 km per hour. Hyundai doesn't have range figures for the dual-motor models yet, but the company says every version of the Ioniq 9 will have over 480 km of range. The base single-motor model is estimated to get 539 km per charge. Plug into a 350-kilowatt-capable DC fast charger and it’ll recharge the Ioniq from 10 to 80% in just 24 minutes. The Ioniq 9 even has a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kg. With enough space for six or seven people inside, depending on the configuration, passengers in the second row will be able to experience Hyundai's new Relaxation Seats, which have a Dynamic Touch Massage function. The first and second rows also lay completely flat, and the second row swivels so you can come face-to-face with passengers in the third row (but only when the vehicle is stationary). Eco-friendly upholstery covers the seats and interior panels. The materials range from sustainably sourced leather to recycled polyethylene terephthalate fabric, and even wool. The driver and front passenger have access to dual 12.0-inch screens—one central touchscreen and a secondary digital instrument cluster. And an eight-speaker audio system comes standard while a Bose 14-speaker system is available as an option. With a 3,129 mm wheelbase and a total length of 5,060 mm, the Ioniq 9 is plenty roomy. It has 1,900 mm of headroom and 2,050 mm of legroom with the second and third rows combined. The battery configuration also means that the Ioniq 9 has a completely flat floor all the way to the third row. The rear cargo hold has 617 liters of space. Fold the third row flat and that number grows to 1,322 liters. The Ioniq 9 also has a frunk—or front trunk—that can carry 88 liters worth of cargo on the rear-wheel drive model or 51 liters on all-wheel-drive models. The ‘aerosthetic' exterior design combines futuristic elements like eight-bit headlights and taillights with aerodynamic efficiency. That yields a drag coefficient of just 0.259 Cd with the optional digital side mirrors (which likely aren't available in the US). By comparison, the Tesla Model X has a drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd. In keeping with the eco-friendly theme, the Ioniq 9 uses a new paint compound made from recycled tire waste. Buyers can choose from 16 different colors, with a few new hues made specifically for the Ioniq 9: Celadon Gray Matte, Celadon, Gray Metallic, Ionosphere Green Pearl, Sunset Brown Pearl, and Cosmic Blue Pearl.

Another new Paris Motor Show launch from Hyundai-Kia, this time the 3rd-generation Hyundai i30. Like the Kia Rio, the 2nd-generation i30 was only sold locally for a few months before Komoco pulled the plug and brought in the Accent instead, which I think is a pity. The interior looks particularly pleasing, taking cues from their Ioniq hybrid. Hope this gets brought in to compete with VW Golf and Opel's latest Astra. Source: https://www.netcarshow.com/hyundai/2017-i30/ Launched in Korea as well, engine choices includes 140PS 1.4-litre GDI Turbo, 204PS 1.6-litre GDI Turbo and 136PS 1.6-litre diesel. http://www.hyundai.com/kr/showroom.do?carCd1=RD008

Is all new model. So I create a new thread for everyone to comment and discuss. If COE drop below $20k(although very unlikely). Will this become best selling model again?

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is now available to order. No major announcements or details yet by the company as of 7th July but we shall see. Road tax is priced at $6964 per year. Retail price is apparently $360,000 (as at 3 July 2024, needs confirmation), slightly below the estimated price from Straits Times of $380,000. Let's not forget the power that comes with the price. 640bhp, 3.5 seconds 0-100 century sprint. Fully electric but mimics Internal Combustion Engine cars with artificial active "exhaust" sound, artificial rev limiting, virtual gears and more.

315km range 49 kw battery funky and roomy... like! Will this come to SG and give BYD a run for the money?

Source: https://www.motor1.com/news/686396/2024-hyundai-konda-electric-debut/ Hyundai today released additional details about the 2024 Kona Electric, including preliminary range estimates, specifications, and US availability. The current generation is among the few affordable electric vehicles in the US starting at under $35,000. The next generation is imminent and seems like a significant upgrade, at least on paper. The Korean carmaker had shared powertrain and production details early this year, but now we a few more details on the US-spec model. Design The Kona Electric’s nose is more aerodynamic with cleaner surfacing, and it continues to feature a split headlamp design, although the LED DRL is now full-width. Designers have also attempted to embed the parametric design theme from the Ioniq 5 with the creases on the side profile, and sculpted wheel arches, although reminiscence to its bigger sibling is little to none. It’s also more slippery, with a drag coefficient of 0.27, a slight improvement over the previous figure of 0.29. It also features active grill shutters to improve airflow when closed and cool the battery when open. The EV is longer, wider, and has an enlarged wheelbase compared to its predecessor. It measures 171.5 inches long (+5.9 inches), 71.9 inches wide (+1 inch), and 62.2 inches tall. Boot space is rated at 25.5 cubic feet, while the frunk only offers nine-tenths of a cubic foot (27 liters) of space. Battery, Range The Chevrolet Bolt EV competitor features a marginally larger battery pack, but the range estimates are nearly identical. The current Kona Electric draws power from a 64-kilowatt-hour pack, while the 2024 model will feature a 64.8 kWh battery capacity. Hyundai’s preliminary internal testing has indicated a 260-mile range, just two miles more than the current generation's 258-mile EPA range. The standard battery variant is estimated to have 197 miles of range. Charging times have improved slightly. Ten to 80 percent state of charge (SoC) can be achieved in 43 minutes with 400V Level 3 DC fast charging. Customers living in the colder US regions can also opt for battery pre-conditioning. Power output remains identical, with the long-range version’s front axle-mounted electric motor delivering 201 horsepower and 188 pound-foot of torque, while the standard range variant is rated for 133 hp and 188 lb-ft. More Features New features include vehicle-to-load functionality, with 1.7 kilowatts of maximum power output. There's also a new Smart Regenerative system which can alter the brake energy regeneration strength based on real-time traffic, an improved interior with ambient lighting, body-colored interior accents, and dual 12.3-inch panoramic screens for the gauge cluster and infotainment among other items.

A video of a Hyundai i30 nearly driving into a cam car has been uploaded on Facebook. But who really is at fault? Watch the video to decide. Watch the video of how the incident unfolded here: In the video, the cam car is casually driving straight down Eunos Road, when the Hyundai i30 seen dashes out, almost causing himself a massive T-bone. Luckily the cam car driver was quick enough to jam brake. The cam car driver then turns to the right lane, and according to him, proceeds to get hounded by the Hyundai i30 by getting tailgated. Extra irritation and frustration was caused to the cam car driver due to the Hyundai i30's loud exhaust. From the video, it really looks like the Hyundai i30 driver was at fault. But what if I told you there was another side to the story? According to this facebook user who was at the incident, he claims that the cam car had signalled left, therefore it was the cam car's fault that he proceeded to go straight instead. He also goes on to accuse the cam car (who was apparently driving a Mitsubishi Attrage) of having 'offended him in the past'. A bold claim if true. It certainly brings another perspective to the saga. Another commenter made a fine point against the cam car driver. He pointed out how the cam car driver was also being reckless by suddenly swerving to the right, most likely not having checked his mirror doing so. So it seems that this case might be an ambiguous one. Although it seems like the Hyundai i30 is clearly at fault in the video, the netizen, if his claims are true, would paint the cam car driver might not turn out to be the saint that he is. Regardless of who is most at fault in this incident, we feel that the Hyundai i30 driver could have waited for the cam car driver to turn into the left lane (if he was actually signalling left), before coming out of the side road. This is an extra step of precaution that would make things safer for everyone. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

Calling all potential MPV buyers, in the sea of SUVs and Crossover, MPV is not dead yet... @Ct3833 @Atrecord @Enye @Hamburger @Heartlander @fitto77 @Fat_slayer @mersaylee Hyundai Motor Offers First Peek at STARIA, New MPV with Premium and Futuristic Design Hyundai’s new MPV model is equipped with futuristic design cues and space innovation providing premium in-car experience SEOUL, March 11, 2021 - Hyundai Motor Company today unveiled the teaser images of STARIA, the brand’s new multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) lineup. The images show the STARIA Premium, a high-end variant of STARIA standard model. The STARIA name combines ‘star’ and ‘ria’ , in reference to the vehicle’s future-oriented product values and streamlined design characteristics defined by one curve gesture silhouettes as well as clean and pure body volume. STARIA reflects Hyundai’s commitment to lead the future mobility industry as a Smart Mobility Solution Provider, under the brand’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity.’ STARIA is equipped with various driver-centric features and futuristic design elements that deliver new experiences for drivers and passengers that make time in transit more productive and worthwhile. STARIA offers a strikingly futuristic and mysterious exterior, resembling a spaceship. The front is highlighted by a long, horizontal daytime running light and headlamps positioned underneath. The spaceship vibe is echoed by its expansive panoramic windows and lower belt lines, underscoring the openness of the interior. The height of the cabin is also optimized for premium comfort and convenience, making it ideal for both business and family use. “STARIA is Hyundai’s new MPV lineup that opens up a new mobility era,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Hyundai Design. “STARIA will provide a completely new experience and value proposition for customers through its unprecedented design features.” STARIA Premium, which will be available in select markets, takes mobility to the next level, sporting premium features and variant-exclusive finishes for a more luxurious look and feel. Hyundai Motor will unveil more details regarding design features of STARIA and STARIA Premium in the coming weeks.

Hyundai has quietly published the first images of its mildly updated Elantra on its website in South Korea where the compact sedan is sold as the Avante. The styling revisions come quite early in the life cycle considering the seventh generation was unveiled in March 2020 before going on sale later that year. The bulk of the changes is noticeable at the front where the 2024 Avante gets flatter headlights flanking a newly added metallic bar stretching across the entire width of the grille. Speaking of which, Hyundai has decided to split the grille into two by adding a body-colored element in the center. It makes the grille less in your face, and we'd argue that’s for the better. Faux air intakes at the corners of the bumper lend the front fascia a sportier appearance. There's not much going on at the rear where the Elantra's taillights have been seemingly carried over. We do notice the bumper has a different look with a pseudo diffuser and a wide U-shaped silver element extending from one corner to the other. We're getting the impression there are more glossy black surfaces than before while the red horizontal reflectors appear to be slightly wider. With this being only a facelift, the side profile has been carried over nearly unchanged, although those two-tone wheels seem to be a new variation of an existing set. In addition, the plastic panel at the C-pillar has a more intricate pattern now while the chrome beltline is slightly thicker at the end. Inside, a new Sage Green theme with eco-friendly material is the only novelty announced thus far.

Anybody knows when is this new SUV coming to town? https://www.hyundaiusa.com/all-new-tucson/

Imagine seeing a whole VAN lane split better than motorcycles. Get this driver into teaching ASAP. What happened? A Malaysian-registered Hyundai Starex on the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) was presented ‘the bird’ by 2 motorcyclists passing by, and proceeded to take off and chase after the offenders. The original FB post implies that the bikes were also Malaysian-registered, due to the quote “chase down fellow countrymen on bikes”, but the plate numbers are too small to make anything of it. There is no context to why the bikers flipped off the Hyundai, if there was any motive at all behind it. What we do know is that the Hyundai did not take it lying down. Without missing a beat they chased after the bikes, weaving between vehicles and somehow avoided any damage, as the FB post also said “Almost scratching whole line of vehicles”. Bro was HIM. Bro taught the Fast and Furious cast how to drive. The amount of focus to keep from touching others with such a big vehicle though… Online chatter Many were impressed at the van’s skills. As impressive as it was, some still noted that the driver posed a danger to others and wanted them to face consequences. Starexes seem to have a bad reputation too... ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

Strong hints of Audi (Q7) and maybe even the current Civic Sedan. And the extended LED DRL, which combined with the long chrome stripe across the entire bonnet is a board move... Let see Hyundai will become the trend setter this time... Hyundai Motor revealed first images of its next-generation Sonata, showcasing a sporty four-door-coupe look. The eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata embodies Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design concept. It is a fully transformed vehicle following the release of the seventh-generation Sonata in March 2017. "Sonata celebrates innovative coupe-like silhouette," said Sang Yup Lee, senior vice president and head of the Hyundai Design Center. "A short overhang, sloping roofline and low deck lid create a balanced feel, and Hyundai's signature chrome accent now goes all the way into the hood, making it look even longer. It also has LED lighting built in. These cues bring the Sensuous Sportiness design to life." The all-new Sonata takes its inspiration from the award-winning Le Fil Rouge concept, which debuted at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. Like the concept car, the production Sonata attracts immediate attention with its Sensuous Sportiness design. Sensuous Sportiness is defined by the harmony between four fundamental elements in vehicle design: proportion, architecture, styling and technology. Sonata has a distinct tension on the side using a harmonious blend of layered crisp body lines and pure volumes. Concave and convex forms are also carefully orchestrated to provide a sexy, coupe-like character. The new Hyundai Sonata has a much sportier look than its predecessor, with a 30 mm lower height and a width extended by 25 mm. Its wheelbase is enlarged by 35 mm, and its whole length by 45 mm. The new Sonata's frontal section is defined by two elements: a bold, voluminous shape evoking a smooth sphere and a cleanly demarcated hood. Furthermore, the Digital Pulse Cascading Grille, which resembles the grille of a sports car with its rhythmic visuals, is sleekly connected to the hood, strengthening the overall perception of the front. In particular, the Daytime Running Lights, embedded with Hidden Lighting Lamps-the first for a Hyundai vehicle-are a chief design innovation that incorporates state-of-the-art lighting technology, forming the Sonata's light architecture. The Hidden Lighting Lamps appear to be of a chromic material when switched off and become dramatically lit when turned on. The light architecture was initially revealed through Hyundai's HDC-2 concept car at the Busan Motor Show in June last year. It was created by fleshing out the form of the lamp and making it into a powerful design element. Along with the Sensuous Sportiness concept, the light architecture defines the design identity of future Hyundai cars. The side sections of the Sonata are accentuated by the light architecture, which connects two chromic lines seamlessly linking the windows and daytime running lights. Through these two characteristic lines, the Sonata effuses an athletic and elegant charm. The all-new Hyundai Sonata has a wide, layered long hood, a very low stance and a sleek roofline. The feeling of width is also achieved with ultra-wide taillights. The light architecture is also applied to the interior space with the ambient mood lamp illuminating dashboard and doors. In the interior, the instrument panel is rich and modern, and the recognizable winged shape is inspired by a Stealth aircraft. This shape almost levitates or floats when looked at, and this philosophy carries into the long armrests. Satin chrome accents enhance this effect. Designers compressed the height of the dashboard and HVAC vents as much as possible to aid the light-weight feeling, while modern, light fabric colors and leathers provide a fresh and freeing ambience for the driver. The clean and sleek design is carried through the center-gauge cluster display. Designers aimed to alleviate the distracting large screens featured in many luxury cars today and instead threaded the two displays together on the 2020 Sonata, using a unique S curve. These displays are seamless, with no parting lines, and have capacitive touch buttons. Additional features include a satin chrome accent on the steering wheel, which looks like an aircraft yoke, and shift-by-wire transmission controls to free up storage space.

Hyundai Kona debuts with a bigger body and buyers will be able to get the new Kona as an EV, hybrid, combustion engine only, and a sporty N Line model. Hyundai's designers started by creating the new Kona EV and then applied the look to the other versions. In front, all of them share a distinctive light bar along the hood's edge. The headlights are below this strip on the outer corners. The lower fascia's styling is the primary differentiating factor among the 2024 Kona models. The EV has pixel-like elements there, and the styling shares some cues with Hyundai's Ioniq vehicles. The standard ICE vehicle has a rectangular opening in this space. The N Line has a more aggressive appearance by using a trapezoidal element. From the side, the 2024 Kona models share a similar look. The hybrid- and combustion-powered variants have body cladding on the fenders. The EV and N Line keep this section in the body color. The N Line has a rear spoiler, silver side skirts, and available black pieces for the mirror caps and roof. The rear matches the front by having a light bar stretch across the hatchback. Like the headlights, the tail lamps are in the lower corners. The N Line gets dual exhaust outlets. The new Kona EV is 4,355 millimeters long, which is 150 millimeters longrr than the existing model. The wheelbase increases by 60 millimeters while the width is wider by 25 millimeters. Inside, the new Kona has a pair of 12.3-inch screens that share a single bezel. The gearshift is now on the column behind the steering wheel. Below the big displays, the center stack includes a pair of vents and the controls for the HVAC system. In the second row, there's a simple rear bench. The company's announcement says that it follows the rest of the new Kona's "21st-century urban design aesthetic." The automaker isn't yet disclosing powertrain specifications or pricing details for the new Kona. Hyundai will release that info in the coming months.

There has been a series of remarkable reviews on Hyundai's first serious attempt at a hot hatch. It is apparently an even better all-rounder than the exalted Golf GTi. If it is priced correctly, say at $140k at today's COE prices, it may just kick off a revolution in the local car market - the next Beng-favorite - the modern incarnation of the Civic VTi! Taken from AutoCar UK. What is it? The i30N is the first hot hatch from a marque with a full works entry in the World Rally Championship, and therefore something to be taken very seriously indeed. That Hyundai’s aim has been to cram in as much performance for the least possible cost to buyers should also have your ears pricked up. Why now? Well, the brand is on something of a roll, recording an 87% increase in European sales in the past five years. To build on that success and translate rally podiums into profit, it’s now launching a performance arm – N. Enter Albert Biermann, long-time boss of BMW’s performance arm – M. He’s the type of man who expects the ‘ESC off’ button in a car to actually mean ‘off’ (in the i30N, it does) and yet recognises that, in 2017, a five-door hot hatch needs to be usable to be a hit in showrooms. This machine is very much his baby and the German’s presence is a major reason for optimism about its ability to entertain. The fundamental i30N package is nothing out of the ordinary – it’s a five-door hatch with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine driving the front wheels. What is rather unusual is the level of hardware on offer for modest outlay, with the £24,995 base model getting 247bhp, an electronic limited-slip differential and three-way adaptive suspension. An optional Performance Package sees those figures increase to £27,995 and 271bhp. As for pace, the standard car hits 62mph from rest in 6.4sec, while the Performance model shaves 0.3sec from that time. Both will hit 155mph and manage around 40mpg combined, says Hyundai. The five-door bodyshell is the same as that used for the standard i30, with Hyundai claiming it to be already adequately stiff (the N gets underbody strut braces, nevertheless). Wider wheel arches have been grafted on and the N car sits up to 8mm lower. Aggressive bumpers with deep intakes at the front, a red pinstripe on the splitter and a triangular brake light sat within the gloss-black rear spoiler are other identifiers, although perhaps none are as conspicuous as the N’s rather lovely, and unique, signature colour – Performance Blue. There’s also a choice of 18in wheels (shod in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres) or 19in options (bespoke Pirelli P Zero). Components for the car’s upgraded brakes, fettled engine, toughened-up six-speed gearbox, reinforced clutch and sophisticated suspension are all either built in-house or supplied by Korean firms with whom Hyundai has a close relationship. It might have been developed at the Nürburgring, but the i30N’s physical form is refreshingly home-grown, and that’s helped it undercut the competition. The car is also highly configurable, with settings for the e-differential, engine map, exhaust, suspension, steering and ESC. All in all, there are 1944 combinations, although by default they’re grouped into Eco, Normal, Sport and a hardcore N mode. There’s also an N Custom mode, with which you can deploy your favourite settings at the touch of a button. Inside, the i30N gets either a 5.0in display atop the dash or an optional 8.0in unit. You get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as readouts for power, torque, turbo boost pressure, lap times and – sure to go down well with the local constabulary – acceleration. Performance Pack models also get a removable brace that stretches across the boot floor – how about that for intent? What's it like? Extremely impressive. Surprisingly so, given that in just 30 months the project has gone from being an entry on the Hyundai board’s wish list to a product you can buy from dealerships complete with five-year warranty. Perhaps most impressive is that the i30N gets the fundamentals right. The seats are decently low and supportive, and there’s plenty of adjustability in the steering column. That’s a big tick in the box in this segment. In our left-hand-drive test car, the pedals were slightly offset to the right but still well spaced for heel-and-toe shifts (if you’d prefer not to use the admittedly excellent rev-matching function). Factor in the quick, tactile throw of the gearstick and the short-travel clutch and you’d swear Hyundai had been building this kind of car for generations. The i30N also feels robust to its core, although material quality is a league below what you’d get in a Golf GTI. On the move, the 2.0-litre engine is supple enough to take a higher gear and carry eye-widening speed through corners by leaning hard on the superbly damped chassis. Alternatively, drop a cog or two and get familiar with the engine’s 6000rpm sweet spot. Either way, throttle response really is refreshingly crisp for a turbocharged unit, and while there’s no great climax to be had as engine speed rises, there’s plenty of character here – particularly with the off-throttle pops and bangs from the exhaust (as is de rigueur) in N mode. The Performance Package car also features an overboost function that delivers 279lb ft for up to eight seconds at a time. It’s difficult to overstate what a brilliant job Hyundai has done with this car’s chassis. The most severe mode, Sport+, is usable – preferable, even – on most roads, although the Sport setting beneath it quells flares of wheelspin that rougher surfaces precipitate. Normal mode, meanwhile, calms proceedings to the extent that you might forget you’re at the wheel of such a potent hatch. The burly engine and commendably feelsome steering are merely the supporting cast. Qualms? There aren’t many. The i30N is not a car that’ll suck you into an apex regardless of your entry speed in the style of, say, a Vauxhall Corsa VXR packing a Drexler diff. Neither does it change direction with the brusque conviction of certain French rivals; in fact, it can feel quite nose heavy if you’re even a little bit too ambitious on turn-in. The ABS also seems a tad sensitive, although that could be a consequence of the blistered Italian rat-runs. First impressions suggest that trackday regulars – whom Hyundai is attempting to woo with the i30N – might also want for a more mobile rear axle. Biermann admits a Renault Sport Mégane is the sharper tool in this regard, but insists the i30N is the more versatile proposition and better device for learning. He’s probably right, too. As for aesthetics, call them ‘tame’ if you like but Hyundai prefers to use the word ‘timeless’. We’ll give it the benefit of the doubt on this one – there’s a refreshing lack of chintz to the i30N that imbues it with an elegance reminiscent of the Clio 197 and original Focus RS. No bad thing. Should I buy one? The hot hatch market has never been so competitive, but newcomer Hyundai has two things to help it hit the ground running: top-level motorsport experience and the right personnel. So has that worked out? On the evidence of this first drive, you’d have to say it has. Hyundai has pulled off some feat in delivering a car that feels so intuitive and enjoyable – not to mention heroically fast when the moment arises – and yet will happily play shopping cart when necessary. Moreover, at £27,995, even the higher-spec Performance Pack N-car undercuts the likes of the Honda Civic Type R and, remarkably given the kit on offer, the entry-level Golf GTI. That it’s arguably the better all-rounder than either should guarantee it your time and, at the very least, your consideration.

Hello, I'm posting a new topic to ask questions as I can't find any information about this in this forum. Hope I'm posting it in the right place. I am planning a road trip to Malaysia with extended family. There will be 7 of us. My car, being a sedan, can only take 5 at most. 7 includes 4 adults and 3 kids - for the 3 kids present, need one infant child seat (less than a year old), one toddler's child seat (2+ years old), and one full sized child seat for a 5 year old. So quite obviously I need something substantially bigger than my Sonata. So I am looking for a cost effective way to take a road trip up north - hence looking to rent a large MPV. I have in the mind the MY Hyundai Starex which I rented from Hertz MY a long time ago. In that occasion, it was rented from KLIA cos my sister's family took a flight into MY. This time, I intend to start from home here in SG. I see many of these MY Hyundai Starex coming into SG to pick up passengers into JB for day trips. Just wanted to ask if anyone here has tried something like that. I intend to rent the car for two weeks in MY. I need the car to come out to SG to pick up my family plus fit all the child seats and return us to SG. Looking to do Melaka, Ipoh, Cameron Highlands, KL & Penang. I have done this before in my own car. Any price/charges indication would be quite helpful. Also any other considerations? Insurance, legal matters, accident claims, and word of advice? I have driven the car before (the 2011 model) in the previous trip where I picked up the car at KLIA. I have also looked at some advertisements for such car rentals in Carousell. Not sure if anyone has used them before and have any experience to share? One such advertisement rent the car for S$135 for weekday, and S$145 for weekends, plus S$110 for one way shuttle to pick up from SG. Thank you very much!