Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just dropped a giant teaser for its upcoming model launches here in Malaysia, right as we’re about to wrap up the year. In a short video posted on its social media channels, the company teased four models that are “coming soon” to our shores, including the Ioniq 6 EV fast back sedan, as well as some of its SUV stablemates such as the Creta, updated Santa Fe, and the Palisade facelift.
That’s a huge list, but the (only) real surprise is the Ioniq 6. Taking the form of a fully-electric “streamliner” sedan, the Ioniq 6 looks wildly different to the Ioniq 5 that made its Malaysian debut earlier this year, thanks to the marque’s “Hyundai Look” design strategy that gives each model a unique appearance to appeal to a wide range of customers’ tastes.
The unique curvy shape also gives the Hyundai Ioniq 6 a drag coefficient of just 0.21 Cd, making it one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in production, which also helps in achieving a rated electric driving range of over 610 km from its 77.4 kWh battery pack.
The all-new Hyundai Ioniq 6 will be offered in both single- and dual-motor set-ups, with the most powerful variant making up to 239 kW (320 hp) and 650 Nm of torque, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.1 seconds.
Thanks to the e-GMP platform, the Ioniq 6 will support both 400V and 800V charging without any additional equipment. The latter allows for DC fast charging up to speeds of 350 kW, which means you’ll be able to top up from 10 to 80% charge in just 18 minutes.
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Aside from the Ioniq 6, the rest of the models teased are somewhat already expected to make their appearances here in Malaysia. The Hyundai Creta has already been spotted carrying out road tests, while the Santa Fe and Palisade are existing models here in Malaysia, so a facelift update is likely.
The Creta is the most interesting one of the lot, as it’s a model that was never introduced in Malaysia before. Designed as a compact crossover competing against the Proton X50, Honda HR-V, and Mazda CX-3, the Hyundai Creta features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine underneath its bonnet, outputting 115 hp and 144 Nm which, unfortunately, is quite a bit lower than its chief rivals in the segment. Power is sent to the front wheels via Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission.
Based on the teaser image, the Hyundai Creta will most likely be introduced here with the facelift model (unlike what happened with the Kona), which made its global debut at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) last year.
The model is priced from IDR279 million (approx. RM79k) to IDR400 million (approx. RM113k) in the Archipelago, which crucially undercuts the Honda HR-V. In Thailand meanwhile, the compact crossover is priced from THB949,000 (approx. RM121k) to THB999,000 (approx. RM128k).
With Hyundai Sime Darby Motors stating that these models will be “coming soon”, we expect them to be unveiled across 2023… which is now only three days away. Keep your eyes peeled!
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