• 3.8L V6 naturally aspirated petrol and 2.2L turbo diesel 4-cylinder
• Available in 2WD or 4WD
• CBU from Korea, bookings opened

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has confirmed that it will be launching the Hyundai Palisade this month. Unlike its smaller sibling the D-segment Hyundai Santa Fe, this flagship E-segment Hyundai Palisade will be imported (CBU) from the Hyundai Motor Group’s plant in Ulsan, Korea, so don’t expect it to be cheap.

Prices have yet to be announced but we expect prices to be close to RM 300k, if not more.

For reference, the similarly large, three-row seat 2.5-litre turbocharged Mazda CX-9, which is also imported (CBU from Japan) sells for RM 319,847 (2WD) and RM 336,215 (AWD).

The locally-assembled Santa Fe sells for between RM 166,974 to RM 207,638.

Two engine options are on offer – a 3.8-litre naturally aspirated Dual CVVT V6 that makes 295 PS at 6,000 rpm and 355 Nm at 5,200 rpm, or a 2.2-litre CRDi 4-cylinder turbo diesel that makes 200 PS at 3,800 rpm and 440 Nm at 1,750 – 2,750 rpm.

Both engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which will send power either to all four wheels via Hyundai’s HTRAC 4-wheel drive, or only to the front wheels.

Two seating configurations are available – 7 or 8 seaters, the former featuring ventilated, individual ‘captain’ seats in the middle row. All wrapped in quilted Nappa leather.

To ease access to the third row seats, the middle row seats can be moved forward via a one-touch function.

Rear air-conditioning is very important for three-row seat vehicles but the Hyundai Palisade one ups its rivals by offering a roof-mounted air-conditioning that features an industry-first, diffuser that can provide a focused, partially-diffused or fully-diffused stream of air to rear passengers.

Hyundai says this new diffuser design provides quieter rear air conditioning airflow, draft-free operation, more uniform distribution of air, as well as the capability for a focused stream of air whenever desired.

There’s also a panaromaic glass roof in the rear section for the rear passengers to enjoy.

The Palisade is now open for booking at all Hyundai authorised showrooms. Interested parties can also book online via Hyundai’s new online shopping platform, 'Cl!ck to Buy' at www.hyundai.com.my/clicktobuy.