Things you need to know about the brand new Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai is proud to announce the official launch of the all-new Hyundai Tucson. The C-segment SUV that the company hopes would wow the market in Malaysia as much as it had in its home country. The latest generation is influenced by Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 giving it a distinctive Hyundai Motor family look.

Instead of just improving what is already a good looking car, Hyundai has opted to recreate the Tucson from the ground up. So expect huge improvements and capabilities of the new Sonata's standards!

The Design

Influenced by Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, the Tucson now sports the signature hexagonal grille that connects to the headlamps with LED Positioning Lamps. The LED daytime running lights on the wing-shaped front bumper gives the car a unique style and provides a visual reference for the car’s wide track.

The rear of the Tucson has a wide sporty stance to give the car the stability and agility when off-roading. The bevel-cut chrome exhaust tip and a standard rear spoiler adds to the sporty cues from the rear.

The Ride

Hyundai has enlarged the Tucson in every way possible. It is longer by 3.0-inch and wider by 1.1-inch, the wheelbase is also longer by 1.2-inch. Cargo space has been increased to 31.0 cubic feet making up a total of five cubic feet increase in size over the previous model.

You get MacPherson struts on the front while the rear utilises independent multi-links that are 20 per cent stiffer than the outgoing model. With a 50 per cent Advanced High Strenght steel, the rigid chassis and suspension gives the Tucson improved ride comfort and reduced road noise.

Three drive modes are available for the driver’s style of driving, normal, sports and eco.

The Powertrain

Hyundai did not make any changes to the Nu 2.0 MPi engine. The four-cylinder powerplant produces 153bhp and 192Nm torque. Coupled with a six-speed transmission that also comes with SHIFTONIC manual shifting mode as well as an overdrive lock-up torque converter giving the Tucson higher fuel economy values.

Safety features

As per standard with all cars, the Tucson will come armed with the usual amount of safety features, like Hillstart Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Vehicle Hold feature.

The aforementioned advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) enhanced the crash safety while the reduced A-pillar size and mirror blind spots gives drivers better visibility. The use of Tailor Welded Blanks to combine steels of different thickness and grades makes the entire body shell stiffer and lighter.

Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors is offering two variants, the base Elegance and the top of the line Executive. The Elegance variant will go out at RM125,311.51 while the Executive will be yours at RM138,925.68, both prices quoted are on-the-road inclusive with GST and insurance. Pick from a choice of seven colours and three interior leather packages.

As per standard, the Tucson comes complete with a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty. A 24-hour road assist service is also available for all Hyundai owners as well.

Jerrica Leong