Next-gen Hyundai Sonata & Tucson previewed to Malaysian media
Ahead of the expected introduction of the next generation Hyundai Sonata and Tucson models, official distributor Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd organized a special preview of the said cars for the Malaysian media at the company’s training centre in Glenmarie today.
The company has confirmed neither launch date nor prices for these models, but current plans are for them to enter our market at the end of April. When asked, HSDM officials declined to comment on prices as the matter is still subject to government approval, but indications are that they will be close to equivalent Japanese offerings.
Indeed, the Japanese will have plenty to worry about when these two Korean CBUs eventually hit the market – especially if Hyundai gets it pricing right. Bold & striking styling language plus comprehensive equipment levels leave even top-spec versions of most rivals looking decidedly entry-level by comparison.
Quality also appeared to have improved by leaps and bounds, and this was apparent in even the pre-production left-hand drive display unit of the Sonata YF. Hyundai has yet to commence production of right-hand drive YFs, but when they roll off the plant, Malaysia will be among the first recipients in the Asia Pacific region.
Hyundai Tucson LM
Aimed squarely at models like the Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Nissan Qashqai, the new Tucson LM will come in three variants – 2.0 Low-Spec, 2.0 High-Spec & 2.4. The 2.0-litre variants, for which we will expect the use of more creative badging come launch time, will be front-wheel driven, whilst the 2.4 will be 4WD. A diesel variant is currently under consideration.
All variants derive propulsion from the advanced Theta-II engine with Dual CVVT. The 2.0-litre models get the 1,998cc version which outputs 164hp @ 6,200rpm and 197Nm @ 4,600rpm. Meanwhile, the 2.4-litre engine displaces 2,359cc, producing 175hp @ 6,000rpm and 227Nm @ 4,000rpm.
A newly developed 6-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board, and Hyundai claims that this transmission is maintenance free for 300,000km, although an ATF change interval of 100,000km is recommended under harsh usage (i.e. Genting taxi drivers).
The Tucson 2.4 features an electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which operates as a front-wheel drive under normal conditions. However, at the press of a button, or when wheel slippage is detected, the system re-routes half of available torque to the rear.
Stopping power on the Tucson is provided by disc brakes all-round, with ABS and EBD standard fitment across the board. All-round independent suspension is also par for the course, with MacPherson struts up front and multi-links behind.
Although the famed agency EuroNCAP has yet to get its hands on the Tucson, Hyundai claims that in-house testing as per EuroNCAP specifications suggest that the Tucson is good enough to be rated as a ‘5-star’ vehicle. However, Malaysian consumers should be aware that compared to the tested ‘5-star’ vehicles, variants offered in our market come without side airbags, although HSDM has assured us that all other specifications are identical.
The 2.0 High Spec and 2.4 models will come equipped with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard. Packed into the ESP system are Hill start Assist Control (HAC), and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). Both these systems work on slopes, with HAC keeping the brakes applied after release of the pedal to prevent roll back on hill starts, while DBC helping manage descent on steep slopes. A point to note is that DBC works by applying brakes, and hence prolonged usage would not be recommended.
In terms of creature comforts and amenities, all three variants of the Tucson come generously equipped. Audio system with steering mounted controls, and auxiliary input jacks are standard for all variants. Buyers of the 2.0 High Spec and 2.4 variants additionally get keyless entry & start (Smart Key system), and panoramic sunroof. We don’t see any practical usage for the latter, but hey, you do get extra bragging rights over your CR-V-driving friends.
In Malaysia, we expect the Tucson to be priced in the ball park of the Chevrolet Captiva (RM142k – RM161k), and the market-leading Honda CR-V (RM148k), itself due for a facelift this week.
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| Source: HSDM |
Hyundai Sonata YF
Like the Tucson, the new Sonata will be sold in three variants – 2.0-litre Low Spec, 2.0-litre High Spec, and 2.4 – with the same engines on offer. It also gets the same 6-speed auto like the Tucson as standard, though all variants here, as you would expect, are front-wheel drive.
Perhaps due to different tunings, both versions of the Theta-II engines used in the Sonata are quoted with (very) slight deviations from figures issued for the Tucson. For the Sonata 2.0, output is rated at 163hp @ 6,200rpm and 198Nm @ 4,600rpm. The Sonata 2.4, meanwhile, produces 176hp @ 6,000rpm and 228Nm @ 4,000rpm.
Standard on all variants of the Sonata are dual airbags, all-round independent suspension and four disc brakes (with ABS & EBD). The 2.0 High Spec and 2.4 variants come further equipped with ESP and HAC, panoramic sunroof, auto cruise, Smart Key, and rear air-con ducts. Exclusive on the 2.4 variant is High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with auto leveling.
Like the Tucson, the Sonata YF is also tested in-house as per EuroNCAP specs to achieve a ‘5-star’ rating. Unfortunately however, like the Tucson, the Malaysian-spec Sonata also deviates in from the ‘5-star’-spec vehicle in the omission of side airbags.
The Sonata YF is the latest in a long line of cars that have tried to break into the D-segment market that is being comprehensively dominated by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. At least Hyundai got the model mix right, with each variant having an equivalent Camry and Accord to go against. What’s left for HSDM to do, is to get its prices right.
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| Source: HSDM |
