Tucson facelift teased by Hyundai Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Exciting news coming from Hyundai Malaysia. Seems like their lineup will soon get a new SUV. As for today, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors - the official importer and distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Malaysia posted a teaser hinting towards the same. Though the teaser does not specify the car in question, however, the apparent resemblance with the 2018 New York International Auto Show revealed 2019 Tucson clears the doubt. Though we can’t say for sure when the car would land on the Malaysian soil, we, however, expect a prompt launch. Why? Well, Proton is bringing its first SUV, the X70 by November. So, if the facelifted Tucson comes at the same time, prospective buyers will have the options handy.

In the recent times, Hyundai Malaysia lineup got a bump in the list of options for customers to choose from, especially with the entry of the Kona, new Santa Fe, and Ioniq. All distinctive, packed with fantastic modern features, and Hyundai’s new design philosophy. And the all-new Tucson will be no different.

The facelifted Tucson will feature as seen in NY auto show a slightly updated exterior with the prominent trapezoidal grille and sharp lines running all over. As for the cabin, it is inspired by the fourth-generation Santa Fe and so will feature the same double-curve architecture. The dash is completely revamped and now feature horizontal central air vents and floating touchscreen head unit.

As for the under the hood configuration, we are still not sure what Hyundai has planned for the Malaysian market. In the US market, the Tucson facelift is available in two engine choices - a 165 PS 2.0-litre and a 182 PS 2.4-litre mill both naturally aspirated. Doing transmission duty is a 6-speed automatic transmission. While the former mill is a carried over from the previous gen, the later one replaces the 1.6-litre turbo engine. According to the company, in the other markets, they continue the 1.6-litre T-GDI mill.

For the European market, however, the company has provided for a 48-volt mild hybrid system paired with the 1.6-litre turbodiesel mill. It’s the same hybrid unit seen in the Kia Sportage facelift.

Once launched the Hyundai Tucson facelift will revival with the likes of Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V.