13/07/2025

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2025 Commanding presence Hyundai launches new Santa Fe with powerful options, practical upgrades

HYUNDAI MOTOR MALAYSIA has officially launched the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, following a preview last month. The latest iteration of the brand’s D/E segment SUV makes a commanding entrance with a striking, boxy silhouette and a host of modern enhancements, underscoring Hyundai’s ambition to rede fine the premium SUV experience for Malaysian drivers. The Santa Fe’s redesigned exterior intro duces a more upright and muscular profile. A wide stance, high-set bonnet and flared fenders lend it a rugged appeal, while sophisticated design elements such as the dark chrome-finished grille, a hidden rear wiper, and the signature H-shaped LED lighting give it a futuristic edge. The SUV’s bold styling is matched by a practical mindset, as seen in the new wider tailgate opening that simplifies loading and unloading – an advantage well-suited for The latest iteration features new col our options, expanded in-car technol ogy via an over-the-air (OTA) software update, and a revised sales policy aimed at improving the overall electric vehicle ownership experience. The latest OTA update brings mean ingful advancements to the e.MAS 7, introducing support for Apple CarPlay – both wired and wireless – alongside the integration of additional third-party applications. Among the new apps now sup ported through the Flyme Auto operat ing system are Zoom for Cars, izi.Travel, and the Vivaldi Browser, offering a more connected and intuitive driving environ ment. Although Apple users can now enjoy seamless integration, Android Auto compatibility is expected to roll out later in the year. This update also enhances the EV’s safety and personalisation features. One key upgrade includes an expanded selection of tones for the low-speed pedestrian alert system. In addition to the Classical setting, two new sound profiles – Galactic Note and Space Walk – have been added, allow ing drivers to select the audio cue that best suits their environ ment or taste. Once chosen, the preferred sound will be saved and activated each time the vehicle starts.

families and adventure seekers alike. Hyundai has tailored the Santa Fe’s powertrain offerings to appeal to a wide spectrum of drivers, launching three distinct variants in the local market. The Prime and Prestige trims feature hybrid powertrains built around a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Mated to a six-speed automatic trans mission and driving the front wheels, these variants generate 235PS at 5,500rpm and 367Nm of torque between 1,000 and 4,000rpm. This setup delivers a balanced blend of efficiency and performance, making it ideal for daily commutes and long-distance travel. At the top of the range is the Calligraphy variant, which takes performance up a notc with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine. Producing 281PS at 5,800rpm and As part of the vehicle refresh, Pro Net has introduced a striking new exte rior colour, Obsidian Black, catering to customer demand for a more timeless and premium appearance. The update also includes the debut of an exclusive Alabaster White interior, available solely on the Quartz Rose and Turquoise Green Premium variants. Each of these configurations will be limited to just 250 units, underlining Proton’s focus on offering a more tai lored and luxurious experience. To further incentivise buyers, Pro-Net has launched a new “Power Pack+” package that adds substantial value to each purchase. Buyers trading in their old vehicles will also receive a RM5,000 rebate, sub ject to inspection approval under Power Exchange. Additionally, the e.MAS 7 now comes standard with a tonneau cover for increased prac ticality.

wheelbase. While the Prime and Prestige variants stand at 1,770mm in height, the Calligraphy reaches a slightly taller

422Nm of torque from 1,700 to 4,000 rpm, it offers a more dynamic driving experience. This variant comes equipped with an 8 speed dual-clutch transmission and fea tures all-wheel drive as standard. Designed as a 6-seater configuration, the Calligraphy model combines athletic performance with an added layer of com fort and luxury, aimed at discerning buyers who prioritise refinement alongside capa bility. In terms of size, the new Santa Fe is designed to command attention on the road while providing generous interior space. Measuring 4,830mm in length and 1,900mm in width, it sits on a 2,815mm

1,780mm. Despite its sizeable proportions, the new Santa Fe remains more compact than some of its key rivals, such as the Ford Everest Wildtrak, making it easier to manoeuvre in urban settings while retaining a strong vis ual presence. For the pricing, the HEV Prime variant is priced at RM225,000, the HEV Prestige at RM245,000 and the 2.5T Calligraphy at RM270,000. For all customers, the SUV comes with an eight-year, 160,000km vehicle warranty. Exclusive for the first 100 customers is an eight-time free service for parts and labour.

Proton rolls out updated e.MAS 7 PROTON New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (Pro-Net), a subsidiary of Proton, has officially introduced new variants of the Proton e.MAS 7, Malaysia’s best-sell ing electric vehicle, now enhanced with a host of upgrades driven by customer feedback.

BMW MALAYSIA has formally intro duced the New BMW 218 Gran Coupe Sport to its showroom floors across the country, following its recent unveiling at MY BMW World 2025. Priced at RM218,800 (on-the-road, without insurance), this latest iteration of the compact four-door coupe marks a bold step forward in the evolution of the 2 Series, combining contemporary styl ing, cutting-edge technology, and refined driving dynamics aimed at deliv ering a premium yet personalised expe rience. The New BMW 218 Gran Coupe Sport builds upon the legacy of its 2020 predecessor by offering a more expressive exterior and a comprehensively upgraded interior, now centred around a fully digital cockpit. It features a completely reengi neered chassis, promising a more immersive and responsive drive tai lored for the demands of the modern motorist. In conjunction with the model’s launch, BMW Group Malaysia reaf firmed its commitment to redefining premium ownership through its “Relax. We Care” initiative. This comprehensive aftersales pro BMW 218 Gran Coupe Sport prices at RM218,800

gramme encompasses a 360° suite of services designed to ensure uninter rupted driving pleasure and peace of mind for all BMW owners. Through the BMW Service Promise, customers benefit from expert maintenance and transparent servic ing protocols, supported by a dedicated customer care team. A key element of this approach is BMW Proactive Care, which leverages real-time sensor data to identify and alert drivers of potential issues before they manifest, via the My BMW App or iDrive interface. This proactive maintenance model is further enhanced by BMW ConnectedDrive, a platform enabling seamless over-the-air updates and vehi cle management in real time. All New BMW 218 Gran Coupe Sport owners are also covered under the BMW Service; Repair Inclusive (BSRI) programme, which provides five years of unlimited mileage warranty and five years or 100,000km of service cover age. For electric vehicles, the service package is extended to six years with unlimited mileage, and includes an eight year warranty for the high-voltage bat tery.