Hyundai debuts all-new i40 and Tucson facelift in KLIMS13
Hyundai has expanded its presence in the D-segment with the introduction of the all-new i40 Sedan and Tourer at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS13) to supplement its existing offering of the Sonata. Priced at RM159,888 and RM178,888 respectively, the i40 is positioned as a slightly more premium alternative to the Sonata boasting an all-new engine and a lengthier list of equipment.
Designed with European tastes in mind, the i40 is actually more compact than the Sonata, shorter in both length and width. It is also the first vehicle to launch with the direct injected version of Hyundai’s 2.0-litre Nu powerplant producing a potent 176hp and 214Nm. Mated to it is the company’s in-house 6-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
Premium features found in the i40 include tilt & telescopic steering, auto-leveling HID, LED daytime running lights, 10-way electric adjustment for both front seats, panoramic sunroof, and smart key with start/stop button. The costlier Tourer model get a powered tailgate, rear seat video entertainment, and audio video navigator, the latter two being a RM4,000 optional upgrade for the Sedan model. Both variants are on par with regards to safety, featuring nine airbags, electronic stability control, and hill start assist.
In addition, buyers of the i40 are also entitled to membership of Hyundai’s Leader Card programme, first introduced with the all-new Santa Fe launched earlier this year. Members of this programme get to enjoy premium services and VIP privileges such as luxury concierge services and personalized medical assistance.
Also launched at KLIMS13 by Hyundai is the facelifted Tucson, which receives cosmetic upgrades and a new engine for its 2.0-litre variants. Like the facelifted Sonata launched earlier this year, the updated Tucson also receives the 2.0-litre Nu MPI engine to replace the previous Theta II mill of the same capacity. The flagship 2.4-litre variant, meanwhile, retains the Theta II. Outputs are rated at 156hp/192Nm and 175hp/227Nm respectively, with AWD exclusive to the 2.4.
The revised Tucson is offered in three variants, namely the 2.0 Elegance (RM132,888), 2.0 Executive Plus (RM145,888), and 2.4 Executive Plus (RM158,888). All variants of the refreshed Tucson get new projector headlamps, LED position lamps, front and rear fog lamps, and dual frontal airbags. Stepping up to the Executive Plus models adds in keyless entry, start/stop button, audio visual navigator, reverse camera, side and curtain airbags, and stability control.
Other displays at the Hyundai booth include the i-oniq concept vehicle, the all-new second-generation i30, and the Veloster Turbo. No word on the latter’s potential arrival, but the i30 has been confirmed for a 2014 launch, with bookings already being accepted at the motor show. Confirmed powertrain selection is the 1.8-litre Nu MPI engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Features in the i30 will included panoramic sunroof, smart welcome system, flexible steering, reverse camera, and electric parking brakes.
Hyundai’s booth at KLIMS13 is situated at Dewan Merdeka opposite Ford’s.
