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Back in July 2011, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd (HSDM) introduced its facelift version of Hyundai i10 5-door hatchback subcompact. This supermini is locally assembled (CKD) in Kulim – Malaysia, and the car is also known as Inokom i10. The Hyundai i10/Inokom i10 offered in 3 variants – 1.1 Standard Spec (1.1 Epsilon), 1.25 Standard Spec (1.25 Kappa CVVT), and 1.25 High Spec (1.25 Kappa CVVT).

We heard many amazing feedback on the i10, varies from styling, driving experience and most importantly – fuel efficiency by the 1.25-litre Kappa CVVT engine.  Overall, the build, concept & design of Hyundai i10 is incredibly apart from its predecessor – Hyundai Atoz/Inokom Atoz.

The astonishing feedback has triggered our team to proof it with our own hands. Therefore, we received a Hyundai i10 1.25 Kappa CVVT High Spec in auto transmission for this purpose.

In a nutshell, the facelift i10 come with a new front grille, front bumper, clear headlights, redesigned alloy wheels w/ 165 60 R14 tyres, side mirror indicator repeaters, fog lamps*, revised instruments cluster, tail lamps and rear roof spoiler* (*for 1.25L high spec model only).

First impression, the ride of the Hyundai i10 is comfy, controlled and notably quieter than its other rivals.

Outside of the i10 is not just stylish, the interior is also sensibly designed. The cabin is impressively spacious for such a supermini car. The front passenger seat comes with under-seat tray. The rear boot space come with an organised under tray compartment as well.

Inversely, the sound of the in-car entertainment system is not so noteworthy although it comes with four speakers and an audio head-unit with FM/AM, MP3, USB, AUX and a remote controller.

The information cluster comes with blue LED backlights and digital indicator.  The digital display indicates the gear, fuel gauge and odometer with trip. The blue LED backlights are extended to the gear-shifter, audio head-unit, power-window and aircond switches.

In terms of engine specifications, the impressive i10 offers in the same 1.1-litre Epsilon (69PS @ 5,500rpm with torque of 10.1 kg.m @ 4,500rpm) and a revised 1.25-litre Kappa with Constantly Variable Valve Technology (CVVT). The new 1248cc Kappa with CVVT is now producing 87 PS @ 6,000rpm with torque of 12.2 kg.m @ 4,000rpm. Both engines are paired with 4-speed automatic transmission. Based on the test unit with 1.25-litre High Spec, the power is well delivered and reasonably responsive.

About Fuel efficiency, we are able to clocked 340km/h per tank (35-litre capacity) of RON95 fuel. Based on my driving pattern, this works out an average of 13.0km/litre. This is good figure for a non-hybrid powered car.

Although there is no CO2 emissions regulation in Malaysia, but it is respectable to highlight that both engine not only offers exceptional fuel economy and also emits really low CO2 emissions. For example, the 1.25-litre Kappa CVVT engine emits only 127 grams/km of CO2.

Due to fuel efficiency and logistical benefits with simplified components, many automakers are favouring electric power steering (EPS) and this is not exempted for the Hyundai i10 as well. Instead to name it as EPS, Hyundai promotes it as Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS). Thanks to the MDPS, the steering force management is based on vehicle speed, which helps on maneuvering the car at low speed and provides more driving confidence at high speed.

With a rigid and tough body structure of i10, the car awarded with 4-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. The i10 1.25-litre Kappa CVVT engine High Spec comes exclusively with 4-channel ABS with EBD, and dual front airbags. The reverse parking sensor comes standard in all i10 variants.

About the quality & reliability of the i10, based on what we observed from this test-drive unit with 9,000km. I would say the built quality of the car is reasonably tremendous because most of the demo units that we received with this mileage are usually in a dreadful condition. But this i10 is still very pleasing, lovely and intact.

Anyway, I just can’t imagine what others did to them. Whatever it is, the 5-years or 300,000km warranty with 24/7 roadside assist by HSDM says it all.

Weakness wise (only minor) – Firstly, I think the annoying part will be the digital odometer as the indicator will automatically switch back to total distance on every engine start-up even it was previously set to trip A or B. Secondly, the digital clock on the audio head-unit requires you to press the ‘clock’ button to show the time when the audio head-unit is on. Lastly, the engine gets a bit noisy when cruising at high speed on the freeway.

The i10 is offered with five colours for 1.1 models – Champagne Gold, Stone Black, Ice Silver, Alpine Blue.  And four colours for 1.25 models – Alpine Blue, Ice Silver, Crystal White and Oyster Grey.

The closest rivals of the awards winning new Hyundai i10 in Malaysia are like Suzuki Atos, Perodua Myvi, Perodua Viva, and the upcoming Honda Brio.

If you preferred the top-of-the-range Hyundai i10 1.25 Kappa CVVT High Spec Auto just like the one we tested, the selling price will be RM 54,988.00 on-the-road inclusive 1-year comprehensive insurance. For the rest, the i10 1.25 Standard Spec is selling at RM 50,688.00 and the 1.1 Standard Spec goes at RM 47,988.00.

Photo Gallery: Hyundai i10 / Inokom i10 1.25 Kappa CVVT High Spec in Malaysia

Hyundai Malaysia (Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd) has revised the new Hyundai Grand Starex Royale, given customers more luxurious yet practical goodies making it a perfect MPV for all occasion.

The exterior enhancement would be a new front grille, daytime LED lights fitted to the side mirrors, better looking front and back bumper and a rear spoiler with 3rd brake light.

Not only the Grand Starex Royale is better looking, the interior has been wrapped with Nappa leather for the seats, swivel seats on the second row allows passenger to rotate their seats for to face other passenger whether for business or leisure chats. Power sliding door can be upgraded as a optional package.

The new 2011 Grand Starex Royale also comes with a GPS navigation system as standard, along with that you get a new designed dashboard with a trip computer for fuel consumption information. Added into The New Hyundai Grand Starex Royale 2011 for safety aspect would be the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) to help driver counter under-steer or over-steer.However the engine remains a 2.5L turbo diesel engine pushing 170ps and 392Nm of torque for good pickup. With this power figure, the manufacturer claim for fuel consumption is 9.6l/100km.

The Grand Starex Royale 2.5GLS Diesel (A) Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT)  comes in four colours – Crystal White, Stone Black, Sleek Silver and Carbon Grey. Priced at RM153, 888 (OTR) and premium package at RM165, 888(OTR) inWest Malaysia, it’s quite a good deal considering Hyundai Malaysia is also throwing in a 5 years warranty or 300,000km warranty.

 You can head to Hyundai showrooms from today, to view the all new Grand Starex Royale 2011.

- CIMB Autoworld Car of The Year Awards 2010 for the Best MPV (large category)
- Asian Auto Fuel Efficiency Award 2010 for the Luxury MPV category
 

Hyundai as a car brand name isn’t that strong as the Japanese’s Toyota & Honda. This applies strongly to Malaysians, but not the rest of the World. Many will be reluctant to buy Korean cars brand such as Hyundai and Kia but once you view those car personally and have a look and feel to it, your impression will changed  - especially in these recent years. Hyundai Malaysia ( Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors ) , is set to launch the 6th Generation All-New Fully Imported from Korea – Hyundai Sonata on July 2nd and they did a preview of the Sonata from last Friday until Tuesday (June 29) in their Glenmarie Showroom. We went to review the new Hyundai Sonata and did a test drive on a 2.0 liter model as well as a 2.4 liter model.

Normally with the same car name we should be able to see some inheritance from the car’s previous version. However, the new Hyundai Sonata is completely redesigned when compare to it’s predecessor.  Designed in California , the all-new Hyundai Sonata is to take on it’s competitor such as Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. With inspiration by an Orchid , we agree that the Hyundai designer team did put quite a few more daring design cue on the car’s front. As i was referring the Hyundai Sonata as the Korean CLS , aside from it’s similar bodyline and low back roof, the headlights too looks inspired by the Mercedes Benz CLS too. With projector headlight for all 3 variants available in Malaysia, which is the 2.0 low spec, the 2.0 high spec and the 2.4 high spec. Only the 2.4L model Hyundai Sonata comes with HID with auto-leveling.

From the side view, the Hyundai Sonata is sculpted with 2 body lines, one chromed, from the head lights to the rear door windows. The other body line, drews from the rear lights back to the front across the door handles. Focus on the Sonata’s rear, the sleek rear curves give the sedan a coupe-ish like the VW Passat CC and of course the Mercedes Benz CLS. With the black top by the panaroma roof, it improves the sportiness look of the new Hyundai Sonata. As the rear lights turned on, immediately the uniquely designed rear lights of this new Sonata shines. We are a big fan of the Audi A4 or R8, and a big part of it is due to it’s front headlights. Looking at the Hyundai Sonata rear lights, i can’t help to relate it as a reversed version of the Audi A4 /R8 head lights but in red.  The volcanic lava colour line surrounding main rear lights portraying the “rear eyes of the Sonata” stares at you with anger when you’re tailgating one.v

The interior of the Hyundai Sonata continues the sweepy lines of exterior of the vehicle. The centre console builds together with simplicity and futuristic looking. The humanoid icon act as a guide line to see your air condition directions, an idea which ripped from Volvo. Only the 2.4 Liter Sonata gets the auto climate air conditioning system. As the interior lights turn on, the blue illuminance is everywhere giving you a futuristic ambiance. The controls are easy to use and understand, unlike the huge buttons with wordings on the latest Honda Accord. Although with great designs, the Hyundai Sonata central dash feel lacking of built quality. The air-con dials and controls does not feels that solid as compare to it’s competitors.  Audio systems are standard with cd player and mp3 capabilities. There’s a also ipod integration with USB and AUX-in too.  There’s holes on both sides of the audio inputs, one for cigarette lighter, and amother bluish one mainly for in car changers. The steering is integrate with standard audio controls too.

More Details On Hyundai Sonata Malaysia Test Drive with Detail Review Here !

Update 2nd July 2010 : Hyundai Sonata Launched, and we test drive and review it ! Read it there !

It’s confirmed now, Hyundai Malaysia has announced that the Hyundai Sonata YF Malaysia will be launch on 2nd of July.

As our sources reported earlier it will be launching in June. There were some slight delay – but however Hyundai Malaysia is organizing Hyundai Sonata YF Preview to Public from 25 and 29 of June 2010 in Hyundai Glemarie Showroom. The Preview of the all-new Hyundai Sonata it’s Open to Public and for those who are eager to see the Hyundai Sonata YF – the preview will be from 2pm until 9pm on All Days and 2pm to 7pm on Sunday.

Else, you will be able to view the Korean CLS from 2nd July onwards in Hyundai Showrooms.

Update 2nd July 2010 : Hyundai Sonata Launched, and we test drive and review it ! Read it there !

Click here to read our Article earlier for some overview of Hyundai Sonata YF Malaysia ( Tons of Photos too!!).

You probably have seen some spied shots about Hyundai Sonata in Malaysia. Hyundai Sonata rumored to launch earlier in Malaysia has no news until now.  We have the latest update for you. We’ve check with personnel from Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd, they only indicated the Hyundai Sonata Malaysia will be launch somewhere in June. However the actual dates are not announced by their management yet.

Some of you might heard how good is the Hyundai Sonata as compare to the Honda Accord & Mazda 6. However we would like to share our thoughts with you along with some photos no Hyundai Sonata which is already launch in other countries. We look any many photos of the Hyundai Sonata and only come to a conclusion. Black. Yes, what i meant is, if you are planning to get the Hyundai Sonata 2011, get a black one.

If you’ve been following my post, you might already know that most of the time, the car colour that i favour would be white. But in this case, the Hyundai Sonata 2011 looks nicest in black – in my opinion. What do you think? leave your comment below.

The all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata give us some of the Mercedes Benz CLS  curve line on the top part of the car. They even market the Hyundai Sonata as a 4-door coupe’.

Click here to read-more the upcoming Hyundai Sonata 2011 in Malaysia