The fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson lastly made its three-year trek to Malaysia late final yr. 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 could actually redeem itself the place the driving expertise is worried – one thing we’ll suss out on this evaluation.
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 really 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 a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which nonetheless makes use of dry as a substitute of moist clutches.
Outdated it might be, however the Tucson nonetheless appears to be like recent, what with its hanging full-width parametric grille, hidden-until-lit daytime working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 resembling 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 security entrance, regardless of the Max coming with the complete SmartSense suite of driver assists resembling autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise management and lane centring help. That’s as a result of these options should not accessible on the opposite fashions – not even AEB.
Right here, nonetheless, we’re solely specializing in the Max and the driving expertise it gives. Does the Tucson possess the substance below the pores and skin to justify the excessive value? Watch our video evaluation beneath to search out out.
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