New Hyundai Tucson And Santa Fe Models Open For Booking

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is accepting bookings for the 4th-generation Hyundai Tucson and facelifted 4th-generation Santa Fe.

“We are elated to simultaneously introduce the new Tucson and Santa Fe, 2 long-renowned Hyundai nameplates in the Malaysian market. Specifically, the introduction of the Santa Fe is significant for 3 main reasons. Firstly, it’s the first time a hybrid variant of the Santa Fe is available in Malaysia. Secondly, it’s the second locally-assembled (CKD) Hyundai hybrid after the IONIQ Hybrid in 2016, and thirdly, the vehicle is also being produced for export to Thailand,” said Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Sime Darby Motors.

“This is a strong demonstration of our long-held commitment to the Malaysian automotive ecosystem and through that, to continue delivering value to our customers. Moving forward, we will continue to explore synergistic opportunities for us to further grow and develop this key industry,” he added.

The new Tucson’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design is a departure from the preceding generation, featuring striking design elements such as daytime running lights concealed within a Parametric Jewel grille, full-width tail lamps, angular wheel arches and complex, chiselled surfaces. Inside, the modern wrap-around interior features a button-less centre stack under an 8″ infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto / Apple CarPlay and voice recognition.

The new Hyundai Tucson is imported completely built-up (CBU) from South Korea and is offered in 3 variants i.e. 2.0 Lite, 1.6T Plus and 1.6T Max, all of which are front-wheel-drive. The 2.0 Lite’s Smartstream MPI engine offers 156 PS (154 hp) and 192 Nm of torque, and is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. On the other hand, the other 2 turbocharged variants are fitted with a 1.6L turbocharged Smartstream TGDi engine with 180 PS (178 hp) and 265 Nm, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with push-button gear selection.

All variants of the Tucson have 7 airbags including a front thorax airbag, electronic parking brake with auto hold, Blind Spot Collision Warning and Safe Exit Warning. However, the range-topping 1.6T Max gets exclusive equipment such as 8-way powered and heated / ventilated driver and front passenger seats, digital 10.25″ instrument panel, powered tailgate, auto wipers, wireless phone charging and full Hyundai SmartSense safety suite including Smart Cruise Control.

The Tucson comes with exterior colour choices of Amazon Gray Metallic, Phantom Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Crimson Red Pearl and Silky Bronze Metallic, with the latter 2 colours not available for the 2.0 Lite.

“The Tucson is Hyundai’s entrant in the important C-SUV segment, and it is a strong one. With distinctive looks, up-to-date technology and a decidedly upmarket focus, this 5-seater is a sophisticated tool for the urban jungle of today and tomorrow, and one that you will enjoy driving on your own as much as with your small family in tow,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM.

For those looking for a bigger vehicle, the 7-seater Santa Fe SUV should fit the bill. Locally assembled at the Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd facility in Kulim, Kedah, this facelifted 4th gen model boasts significant upgrades, the most prominent of which being a new platform to allow for a hybrid powertrain.

The new Hyundai Santa is available in 3 variants i.e. Hybrid Plus, Hybrid Max and Diesel Max. The Hybrid variants are powered by a combination of a 1.6L TGDI petrol engine with 180 PS (178 hp) and 265 Nm, and a 44.2 kW electric motor, to offer a total system output of 230 PS (227 hp) and 350 Nm. This power is distributed by a 6-speed auto gearbox to the front wheels.

The Santa Fe Diesel Max variant uses a 2.2L CRDi turbo diesel engine that offers 202 PS (199 hp) and 440 Nm. This is sent to all 4 wheels through Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system and 8-speed wet DCT.

The 3 Santa Fe variants are similarly equipped with 6 airbags, full Hyundai SmartSense safety suite including Smart Cruise Control, 8″ touchscreen with wireless Android Auto / Apple CarPlay and voice recognition, auto wipers and wireless phone charging found across the range. The Hybrid Max and Diesel Max share leather seats, a digital 12.3″ instrument panel and a powered tailgate. Further, exclusive to the range-topping Hybrid Max are heated / ventilated driver and front passenger seats, and driver’s seat memory. Exterior colour options are Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Meteor Grey and Stormy Sea.

“From the unique T-shaped daytime running lights to the push-button gear selector and the elevated centre console, the Santa Fe has adopted a new level of class, comfort and prestige in all the areas that matter. There is abundant space for up to seven to fully enjoy the journey and the myriad technologies on offer,” said Low.

Further details on the new Tucson and Santa Fe will be revealed closer to launch. In the meantime, bookings can be made at any authorised Hyundai sales outlet nationwide or on Hyundai’s online booking platform Cl!cktoBuy (https://www.hyundai.com.my/clicktobuy/).