Hyundai Tucson T-GDI turbo on display at Mid Valley

Hyundai Tucson T-GDI turbo on display at Mid Valley

Local distributor Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has already confirmed to us that the Hyundai Tucson is set to gain two new engine options soon, and now the first one, the turbocharged T-GDI model, is on display at Mid Valley Megamall. But the powertrain isn’t the only thing that’s new – there’s some added kit as well.

On the outside, the turbo model is distinguished from the regular Tucson via projector LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and cornering lights, as well as a darker finish for the 17-inch alloy wheels. The Golf GTI-esque 19-inch directional five-spoke alloy wheels are an optional extra, and are wrapped in 245/45R19 tyres instead of 225/45R17 rubber on the 17’s.

Unfortunately, the display car was locked, but there aren’t many discernible changes inside – save for a a new front camera to join the reverse camera already offered on the standard Tucson. There’s also a powered tailgate with hands-free operation; the latter is operated by standing at the rear of the car with the key for more than three seconds.

Otherwise, standard kit should be identical to the current range-topping Executive model, and includes front and rear fog lights, puddle lights, keyless entry, push-button start, a multifunction steering wheel, leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Drive Mode Control with three modes (normal, sports and eco) and a Supervision 4.2-inch TFT LCD multi-info display.

Other features to be included are an electronic parking brake, an auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass, rear air-con vents, an auto up/down driver’s side window, an eight-inch touchscreen Android-based Audio Visual Navigation infotainment system and cruise control. Safety equipment includes six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill start assist, hill descent control and ISOFIX rear child seat anchors.

Under the bonnet sits a 1.6 litre turbocharged and direct-injected T-GDI four-cylinder engine that produces 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm – a big jump over the 155 PS and 192 Nm from the existing 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated MPI mill. Instead of a six-speed automatic transmission, there’s a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, although front-wheel drive remains the status quo.

The T-GDI will be joined by a CRDi turbodiesel variant as well, with a 2.0 litre oil burner churning out 182 hp at 4,000 rpm and 400 Nm between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm, mated to a six-speed automatic.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Leafable on Mar 30, 2017 at 6:45 am

    Ouch… still have those after market upholster seats and Chinese Navigation system.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
  • any hyundai owners here?
    Howz d aftersales and maintenance? Izzit on par with the japs…?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Mikey on Mar 30, 2017 at 8:45 am

    Looks like Tucson is knocking on the SUV segment HARD when they introduce the T-GDi & CRDi turbodiesel variant to challenge CRV. With that look couple with 182 hp/400 Nm with all the latest bells & wistles, this SUV will give CRV a run for the $$$.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 35 Thumb down 1
  • old horse on Mar 30, 2017 at 8:45 am

    nice..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • autodriver (Member) on Mar 30, 2017 at 8:59 am

    The specs of this kimchi car is superb. Now it is matter of PRICE. Hope Sime Darby will take copy the pricing strategy like they price the Ioniq.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 0
    • kenny on Mar 30, 2017 at 11:47 am

      With the turbo engine and ckd identity, this tucson qualify for EEV?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
  • They lost out on 7 seater configuration for SEA market.

    Next generation CRV will be a hit if price is competitive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 9
  • kunta on Mar 30, 2017 at 9:31 am

    7 seaters will be perfect to beat nissan Xtrail and new CRV but unlikely come with this feature.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • Tricycle on Mar 30, 2017 at 9:36 am

    great specs except for the availability of AWD. AWD should be offer as well. Better traction and better control.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
    • safety 1st on Mar 30, 2017 at 12:03 pm

      awd mainly for 4 season countries when they have snow in winter, our rain is not as slippery as the frozen road. all of the sudden malaysian thought that they are the next collin mcrae when talking about awd + traction…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 6
      • Race Breed 2600 on Apr 07, 2017 at 7:04 pm

        Not really…..Mazda CX5 has AWD option.. Hyundai should has that option too…Some prefer FWD while some (me also) prefer AWD

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Agree.
      Take the corner with subaru, it is an unique experience.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  • FIST (Member) on Mar 30, 2017 at 9:40 am

    Even the 19 inch rims looks small

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • Albert Yong on Mar 30, 2017 at 9:41 am

    Hyundai started just a few years earlier than Proton. Yet, they can come out with a 1.6 engine that produces 177ps and 265nm. That is amazing.

    Proton what happened? Still sleeping?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 10
    • pro ton on Mar 30, 2017 at 11:03 am

      they have campro cfe which churns out 140ps and 205nm…… ok laa

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 14
    • hoorayooi on Mar 30, 2017 at 11:38 am

      Hoii Bangun!!
      Proton Suprima S 1.6 Turbo Premium, ride and
      handling.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 11
    • U must be Methuselah if 40 years diff is only few years for u…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
    • Kelab Pembenci Kunta on Mar 31, 2017 at 8:56 pm

      Kunta Kinte loving his Kuntamoto 4cylinder turbo. :-)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Race Breed 2600 on Apr 07, 2017 at 7:15 pm

      Proton had 200HP and 205NM E01 engine back in 1999/2000…Well, they’re stupid af for ditching that powerful engine.. Imagine how much it can makes if turbo was added

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Ben Yap on Mar 30, 2017 at 9:58 am

    if priced at RM120K, than this car is attractive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
    • Mantoot on Mar 31, 2017 at 7:38 pm

      Dream on…even the current petrol model oredy priced higher than 120k…this one is turbo yo

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Dual Clutch gives me the shivers.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
  • TopsyBoXyTurvy on Mar 30, 2017 at 10:11 am

    Very tempting indeed.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • diesel bro on Mar 30, 2017 at 10:54 am

    Finally the diesel has arrived. I have long contemplated to get a used 2.2 Santa Fe but that thing is still pricey at RM150k-ish for the 2015 model.

    This diesel tucson will definitely be my next car if the price is attractive enough. But I guess it will be close to the RM150k mark anyway. sigh

    One more thing, please lah the head unit please use hyundai’s stock and not that crappy china ones. Major turn off HM, major turn off

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
    • Elchino on May 11, 2017 at 5:42 pm

      Yes, when are tey bringing in d latest Sante Fe rather than just facelift d old model.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • applegreen on Mar 30, 2017 at 10:56 am

    wow..the power comparable to 2.4 NA engine. I believe new cx-5 2.0 is much better in tech and handling but it will losing to this tucson turbo in straight line

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Should come out with AWD just like CRV & not FWD…better control more safe…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Mar 30, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    lol single zone air con

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
    • Forever on Mar 31, 2017 at 10:47 am

      I’m having dual zone ac currently and it’s so useless…especially in Malaysia…so hot…even the auto ac is useless….I never turn that on at all

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Honda Fan on Mar 30, 2017 at 2:30 pm

    Talking about SUV with good handling? Looks at this video, the answer is there:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_txuYCNdpU4

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Kelvin Yam on Mar 30, 2017 at 3:12 pm

    can it run on biodiesel b10 or b15?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • kiasu on Mar 30, 2017 at 10:39 pm

      It run on ‘GASOLINE’ hence the letter ‘G’ in ‘GDI’. Oh in this bolehland gasoline is commonly known as ‘petrol’

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Kelab Penyayang Kunta on Mar 30, 2017 at 4:52 pm

    Very good job Hyundai. It’s great that Hyundai is offering turbocharged vehicles. I expect to see Hyundai overtaking Toyota now. Toyota does not even offer a single turbo vehicle. No wonder Toyota is not selling well these days.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
    • Race Breed 2600 on Apr 07, 2017 at 7:22 pm

      Turbo isn’t really matter actually (it’s if you want to have power but not adding weight,the matter is how much power it has…anyway,Toyota is shit because some of their cars are still using old engines

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • thepolygonal on Mar 30, 2017 at 5:38 pm

    Nice spec. Handsome SUV… now smaller engine use turbo is the trend. But CRV with turbo also coming soon. It’s a tough competition. If you have something special that differentiate with the rest, bring it in now… eg.. ioniq is selling well… seen a few on the road already. If your parthner Kia bring in the Niro hybrid, it might just be interesting enough for people to switch to it…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Sakai Zero on Mar 30, 2017 at 6:08 pm

    Still taking in model without climate control? Sigh..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
    • Forever on Mar 31, 2017 at 10:50 am

      In my opinion climate control is so useless in msia…especially the auto ac…always bring in fresh air…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Kyle Tan on Apr 27, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    In more concern with the model of that blue car beside this Tucson…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Mahen on Oct 15, 2017 at 7:13 pm

    Awesome power delivery…good handling and great comfort…good value for money…test drive before you come to a conclusion…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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