All-new Hyundai Tucson launched in Malaysia
Hyundai’s mid-range crossover SUV, the Tucson, enters its third model generation, being officially launched in Malaysia today replacing its highly-successful predecessor that has been in the market since 2010 and refreshed once in 2013. The new model’s launch took place at the newly-opened Hyundai Training Academy that was concurrently officiated at Mutiara Damansara.
Available in two trim variants, Elegance and Executive, the Tucson is nevertheless offered in the Malaysian market with only one mechanical configuration, featuring a front-wheel drive layout with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission sending 153hp and 192Nm of outputs from the 2.0-litre Nu MPI engine carried over from the predecessor model.
The vehicle platform, however, is developed from scratch, with usage of advanced high strength increasing from 18 percent in the predecessor to 50 percent in the new model. Strategic application of structural adhesives at high stress points and more extensive usage of hot-stamping methods help further contribute to extra rigidity of the chassis.
As before, suspension set up continues to be all-independent with disc brakes standard at all corners. Rims are conservatively-sized, with both trim levels making do with modest 17-inch alloys wrapped with 225/60 tyres. According to Hyundai, the Tucson’s suspension rates have been made 20 percent stiffer than its predecessor for improved road holding.
Much like more recent models in the Hyundai line-up, the Tucson is more toned down with its flares and curves compared to the predecessor, keeping in line with the company’s current Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design theme. Flanking the hexagonal front grille is a narrow-slit headlamp cluster with LED positioning lamps. Daytime running lights and front fog lamps are exclusive to the Executive model; surprisingly, xenon or LED headlamps are not offered even on the upper model, with both variants making do with halogen projector units.
Inside, both variants of the Tucson get leather upholstery, steering-mounted controls, touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB, and reverse camera as standard. The list of exclusive features for the Executive variant interestingly includes the electric parking brake, with the Elegance model getting a mechanically-operated handbrake and consequently needing a slightly modified centre console. Other items exclusive to the Executive model include satellite navigation, keyless entry, auto headlamps, and electric driver seat adjustment.
Safety is relatively democratized across the range. Other than making six airbags standard in the Executive, as opposed to just two in the Elegance, all variants get ABS, EBD, hill start assist, downhill brake control, brake assist, and electronic stability control as standard.
Locally-assembled in Kulim, Kedah, the all-new Tucson is priced, for the moment, at RM129,888 with insurance for the Elegance variant, whilst the Executive model goes for RM143,888. At the launch, local distributor Hyundai-Sime Darby Motor (HSDM) confirmed that a price increase of RM3,000 will take effect on both variants by January 2016. In addition to a 5-year/300,000km warranty, the Tucson also comes with a 3-year/50,000km free maintenance programme.
