Earlier today, Hyundai Motor Malaysia, or HMY in short, organized a short preview session for members of the media, introducing their new management team, as well as previewing three new models that are set to be launched next week. These new Hyundais will soon be locally-assembled (CKD) in Malaysia.
Ms Jahabarnisa Haja Mohideen, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor Malaysia said, “While the news is officially shared, I am proud to mark this milestone – the establishment of Hyundai Motor Malaysia.This is not just a development but a deliberate and strategic move that underscores Malaysia’s growing importance within Hyundai’s growth strategy in ASEAN.”
“Our vision is clear – to position Malaysia as a key hub for the brand’s growth in the region. This journey begins with local production set to begin by the third quarter for the year. Over the next five years, we aim to produce up to seven car models – with our initial focus on internal combustion engine vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles,” she added.
HMY plans to export 30% of its Kulim-assembled models to neighbouring ASEAN countries. To support their customers, HMY plans to expand its dealer network to 25 locations across Malaysia by 2030.
Read also: Hyundai Motor Malaysia set up as Hyundai’s direct arm, 3 new models coming, MPV and SUV
All-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe: Bold redesign with hybrid tech
The first of the trio that was previewed today is the all-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. This new full-sized SUV has been thoroughly redesigned compared to its fourth-generation predecessor, as it now gets a brand-new blocky and angular design language.
Hyundai went to town with the design of the all-new Santa Fe, incorporating H-shaped elements in the LED headlights and bumper design.
Watch: 2025 Hyundai Motor Malaysia CKD Plan Santa Fe Tucson Staria
As for the rear, it’s opinion-splitting, that’s for sure. The Santa Fe name script is emblazoned across the rather blank tailgate, with rectangular LED tail lights (with the same H-shaped design elements) nestled below. Further down is the reverse light and driver-side rear fog light.
Powertrain-wise, the new generation model will feature the same petrol-electric hybrid powertrain as the previous generation model.
This petrol-electric hybrid powertrain features a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine that outputs 180 PS and 265 Nm, which is mated to an electric motor that contributes another 60 PS and 264 Nm. Combined system output is 230 PS and 350 Nm, delivered to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
In addition to the petrol-electric hybrid, HMY will also introduce a turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol variant. Here, the petrol engine does 281 PS and 422 Nm, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission and Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
2025 Hyundai Tucson facelift: Minor updates, big cabin upgrade
The next SUV that HMY previewed is the 2025 Hyundai Tucson facelift. Changes are so minor, that you’ll miss it with a quick glance.
Look closer and you would notice the subtly restyled front bumper, now with a more prominent lower trim piece. Changes to the rear include a re-designed lower trim piece and repositioned reverse and rear fog lights – the latter two are now integrated nicely with the re-designed trim piece.
What isn’t so subtle is the revamped dashboard. There’s now a massive 12.3-inch curved display and a revised air-conditioning panel. There’s also a new three-spoke steering wheel with Hyundai’s new four-dot logo.
The push button-type gear shifter has made way for a new steering column-mounted unit, thus freeing up space on the centre console.
Powertrain options for the facelifted Hyundai Tucson include:
- 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine (156 PS, 192 Nm), 6-speed automatic
- 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol (180 PS, 265 Nm), 7-speed DCT
- 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid (235 PS, 367 Nm), 6-speed automatic
2025 Hyundai Staria Prestige: Luxury 7-seater returns
Last but certain not the least is the 2025 Hyundai Staria, which now sees the reintroduction of the 7-seater variant, now called Prestige.
The Prestige can be visually distinguished by its brass finishing on the Hyundai badge, body trim pieces, side mirrors, front grille, and door handles.
Motivation for the Hyundai Staria continues to come from a turbodiesel 2.2-litre engine that does 177 PS and 431 Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends drive to the front wheels.
CKD local assembly coming in Q3 2025
HMY will be launching all three models next week, with the Santa Fe and Tucson arriving as fully-imported models first; locally-assembled (CKD) models are expected to arrive within the third quarter of the year.