Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has officially announced the launch of the fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson and a facelifted version of the fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe in Malaysia. These highly-anticipated SUVs are set to make their public debut at the upcoming Premium Auto Car Expo (PACE) 2023, scheduled for the 4th and 5th of November at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam.
The new Hyundai Tucson showcases a bold ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design that marks a significant departure from its predecessor. Notable features include concealed daytime running lights integrated into a Parametric Jewel grille, full-width taillights, angular wheel arches, and intricate, sculpted surfaces. The interior offers a modern, wrap-around design with a button-less center stack under an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen that supports wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and voice recognition.
Imported directly from South Korea as a completely built-up (CBU) model, the Tucson will be available in three variants, all of which are front-wheel drive. The 2.0 Lite variant is equipped with a Smartstream MPI engine producing 156PS and 192Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The other two variants, the 1.6T Plus and 1.6T Max, feature a turbocharged Smartstream 1.6 TGDi engine delivering 180PS and 265Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with push-button gear selection.
Regardless of the variant, the Tucson comes with seven airbags, including a front-thorax airbag, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, Blind Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. The range-topping 1.6T Max variant offers additional features like eight-way powered and heated/ventilated driver and front passenger seats, a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument panel, a power tailgate, auto wipers, wireless phone charging, and a full suite of Hyundai SmartSense safety systems, including Smart Cruise Control.
