Following the announcement of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade in Malaysia, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motor (HSDM) has also confirmed that the updated 2021 Hyundai Kona facelift will be introduced here as well.

At launch, HSDM will offer the Kona facelift with a new powertrain, namely the Smartstream G2.0 Atkinson cycle naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. The new SmartStream engine is good for 149 PS and 180 Nm, mated to a CVT-type automatic that sends drive to the front wheels.

The turbocharged engine that is currently available on the pre-facelift model isn’t available at launch, though HSDM might offer it at a later date.

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Apart from the new powertrain, HSDM also confirmed that the new Kona facelift will get new 17- and 18-inch wheels, hinting that at least two variants will be offered.

Managing Director of HSDM, Low Yuan Lung said, “The public had their first look of our compact SUV, Kona, last year and it was well received despite the stiff competition in the SUV segment. Considering the positive response and reviews received for the newly designed Kona overseas, we are confident we will be able to capture more hearts this time around.”

To recap, the facelifted Hyundai Kona made its global debut back in September 2020. Apart from getting a completely redesigned exterior, Hyundai also gave its B-segment SUV a restyled interior and improved ADAS features.

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In fact, the model was spied in Malaysia just a couple of weeks ago - a clear indication that it would be launched here soon.

Also Read: Spied: 2021 Hyundai Kona facelift in Malaysia - better equipped to fight the X50?

The current pre-facelift model is priced from RM 123,888 for the entry-level Kona 2.0 Standard, all the way up to RM 151,888 for the Kona 1.6 T-GDI High variant.

It remains to be seen if prices will remain the same as before, as HSDM has yet to reveal prices and detailed specifications of the new model. 

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