New Hyundai Tucson launched in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Starting October first week, Hyundai Malaysia started teasing the crowd with the updated Tucson. Soon after the brand began the online booking of the new Hyundai Tucson. And now, as on November 1, 2018, Hyundai has launched the SUV in the country. The Malaysian-spec model of the Tucson is launched in two variants - 2.0L Elegance and 1.6L Turbo. While the former is available for RM 123,888, the later costs RM 143,888 (excluding insurance).

Talking about the design language, the new Tucson displays an updated look that for sure is more attractive and appealing. Both Tucson variants look slightly different from one another, with the 2.0L Elegance getting a metallic silver cascading grille, while the 1.6L Turbo displays an all chrome unit. The design difference is carried forward to the lighting units as well, with the non-turbo variant getting halogen projector headlamps. The turbo trim, on the other hand, is decorated with a pair of dual-projector LED headlights. Further, included in the turbo package are LED taillights, chrome door handles with LED pocket lights. They, however, share the set of 17-inch alloy wheels.

Moving inside, the facelifted Tucson though not a complete surprise, comes with a few changes here and there. The most significant being the 7-inch freestanding infotainment system that comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. Below it is the newly designed air-vents with a bit of chrome outlining. It’s the central stack, sitting below the vents that has remained unchanged and is picked straight from the pre-facelift version. It houses the same dual-zone climate control system, USB and AUX connectivity features, and a 12-volt socket.

Both the variants get new leather-wrapped seats. However, a few things are exclusive to the 1.6L Turbo trim like - electronic parking brake, eight-way powered driver's seat with two-way lumbar support, electrochromic rear-view mirror, leather-wrapped dashboard, and a 4.2-inch multi-info display.

Time to discuss under the hood configuration of the new Hyundai Tucson. A 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated Nu MPi engine powers the 2.0L Elegance variant. It is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox and produces 155 PS of power and 192 Nm of torque. The 1.6L Turbo mill gets a 1.6-litre T-GDI mill, this one churns 177 PS and 265 Nm. This mill is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Following are the standard safety features offered in new the Hyundai Tucson spec sheet-

• ABS with EBD
• Hill-Assist Control
• Downhill Brake Control
• Vehicle Stability Control
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Dual front airbags
• Rear parking sensors

The 1.6L Turbo is the range-topping variants and therefore gets a total of 6 airbags along with both front and rear parking sensors.

New Hyundai Tucson prices and variants -

Hyundai Tucson 2.0L Elegance - RM 123,888

Hyundai Tucson 1.6L Turbo - RM 143,888

Note: Every purchase is accompanied by a 50,000 km free service (3-year validity) and 5-year or 30,000 km warranty program.