A week after previewing the all-new 2021 Hyundai Elantra in Malaysia, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motor (HSDM) has launched the new C-segment here. Introductory prices start from RM 158,888 for the sole 1.6 variant.

Now in its seventh-generation, the all-new Hyundai Elantra competes against rival C-segment sedans such as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3 Sedan, and Toyota Corolla Altis. The all-new Hyundai Elantra is now imported (CBU) from Korea.

Compared to its rivals, the Hyundai Elantra is priced closer to the CBU Japan Mazda 3, which tops out at RM 154k. Keep in mind that the introductory price mentioned here is with the sales tax exemption and is valid till 31-December, after which prices should increase.

Built upon Hyundai’s equally-new K3 platform (not to be confused with the Kia Cerato K3), the all-new Hyundai Elantra gets a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated SmartStream petrol engine that outputs 123 PS and 154 Nm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via Hyundai’s new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT; Hyundai's term for a CVT) with eight virtual ratios.

It also comes with selectable drive modes, which alters the steering, engine, and gearbox response. The full-digital meter cluster also responds to the various drive modes accordingly.

Standard equipment on the sole Elantra 1.6 variant include:

• LED projector headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• LED tail lights
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Black or Light Grey interior upholstery
• 8-way power-adjustable driver seat with 2-way lumbar support
• Automatic dual-zone air-conditioning
• Rear air-conditioning vents
• 8-inch infotainment display
• Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Qi wireless charger
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Safety equipment on the all-new Hyundai Elantra is rather extensive. On top of the customary six airbags, stability control, traction control, and ISOFIX child seat anchor points, the all-new Hyundai Elantra also gets the full SmartSense ADAS suite that encompasses:

• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop and Go
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) – Vehicle, Pedestrian, Cyclist
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist – Junction (FCA-JT)
• Blindspot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
• Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)

Design wise, this Korean sedan is a lot more flamboyant than its Japanese rivals. Safety equipment is on par with the Honda Civic, while the interior looks as premium as the Mazda 3, but cabin space is a lot more spacious and more practical than the Mazda.

Four body colours are available, namely Polar White, Electric Shadow, Amazon Grey, and Intense Blue.

HSDM is also offering two interior colours with the all-new Elantra - Black and Light Grey, which can be seen below.

As with most modern Hyundai models, HSDM is backing the all-new Elantra with a 5-year/300,000-km warranty.