The fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson lastly made its three-year trek to Malaysia late final 12 months. So delayed was its arrival that its launch got here simply 11 days earlier than the facelifted mannequin was revealed to the world. Not a really auspicious begin, then, however maybe it will possibly redeem itself the place the driving expertise is worried – one thing we’ll suss out on this assessment.
First, the pricing, which begins from RM158,888 on-the-road with out insurance coverage for the bottom 2.0 Lite. However the ones you’ll actually need are the turbocharged fashions – the RM178,888 1.6T Plus and the automotive you see right here, the range-topping 1.6T Max, the latter retailing at an eye-watering RM195,888.
That amount of cash buys you a 1.6 litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 180 PS at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. All that’s despatched to the entrance wheels by way of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which nonetheless makes use of dry as an alternative of moist clutches.
Outdated it might be, however the Tucson nonetheless seems to be recent, what with its putting full-width parametric grille, hidden-until-lit daytime working lights, razor-sharp aspect surfacing and claw-like full-width taillights. The within is simply as dramatic with a dual-cockpit design flowing right into a waterfall centre console.
The tech is the place the Tucson exhibits its age, with a comparatively small 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and simply an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen – albeit one outfitted with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And whilst you do get options corresponding to a Qi wi-fi charger and powered, heated and ventilated entrance seats, even this top-spec Max solely will get a reverse digicam and simply six audio system.
The Tucson additionally lets the aspect down on the protection entrance, regardless of the Max coming with the total SmartSense suite of driver assists corresponding to autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise management and lane centring help. That’s as a result of these options are usually not out there on the opposite fashions – not even AEB.
Right here, nonetheless, we’re solely specializing in the Max and the driving expertise it affords. Does the Tucson possess the substance below the pores and skin to justify the excessive value? Watch our video assessment beneath to seek out out.
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