All-new top-of-the-range 2023 Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Max previewed in Malaysia
CY Foong · Nov 4, 2023 10:30 AM
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Three years have passed since the last-gen Hyundai Tucson was discontinued in Malaysia and it’s also the same number of years since the all-new generation of Hyundai’s C-segment SUV made its global debut.
Currently, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motor (HSDM) is previewing the fourth generation 2023 Hyundai Tucson along with the Santa Fe facelift over the weekend at the Premium Auto Car Expo (PACE) 2023 in Setia Alam. This comes a day after bookings for both SUVs were announced though prices have not been revealed yet.
Only 3 variants are offered here - 2.0 Lite, 1.6T Plus, and 1.6T Max. Unlike the previous generation which was locally assembled (CKD), the 2023 Tucson is fully imported (CBU) from South Korea.
As mentioned earlier, two engine choices are offered for the Malaysian-spec Tucson with the base model being the sole variant to offer a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Smartstream MPI engine (156 PS/192 Nm). The NA unit is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.
The two higher variants of the MY-spec Tucson are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre Smartstream TGDi powerplant (180 PS/265 Nm) that is mated with a 7-speed DCT which also sends power to the front.
Yay or nay to the button gear selector?
Top speed for the Tucson 2.0L is 181 km/h while it is 201 km/h for the turbocharged 1.6-litre variants. The Lite receives a standard gear lever while the turbocharged grades get a push-button-style gear selector.
Just like most markets in the world, our local-spec Tucson is the long-wheelbase version which adds 75 mm of wheelbase compared to the short-wheelbase Tucson. The latter is targeted at European markets but 5 seats are all you get no matter which wheelbase it is.
Besides the operation to switch gears, another differentiator between the base and higher variants of the all-new Tucson is the Lite comes with 17-inch alloy wheels while the turbocharged ones are equipped with larger 19-inchers. The base Tucson also comes with fabric seats while the higher variants receive leather seats.
Standard on all variants of the MY-spec Tucson are 7 airbags including for the front thorax, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, remote start function, rear-view camera, and 4 drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Smart).
The full suite of Hyundai SmartSense ADAS is only available on the 1.6T Max variant which includes:
The top-of-the-range variant which is currently previewed at PACE 2023 is also the only one to be equipped with heated and ventilated front seats, a fully digital 10.25-inch driver’s display panel, dual-zone automatic A/C with rear A/C vents, a power tailgate, automatic wipers, and a wireless charger.
With the unveiling of both the all-new Tucson and Santa Fe facelift, HSDM has completed its models announced for 2023. Looking at it up close, would you be considering a premium-looking Korean over its conventional Japanese rivals like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5?
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
