The fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson finally made its three-year trek to Malaysia late last year. So delayed was its arrival that its launch came just 11 days before the facelifted model was revealed to the world. Not a very auspicious start, then, but perhaps it can redeem itself where the driving experience is concerned – something we’ll suss out in this review.
First, the pricing, which starts from RM158,888 on-the-road without insurance for the base 2.0 Lite. But the ones you’ll really want are the turbocharged models – the RM178,888 1.6T Plus and the car you see here, the range-topping 1.6T Max, the latter retailing at an eye-watering RM195,888.
That amount of money 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 is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which still uses dry instead of wet clutches.
Outdated it may be, but the Tucson still looks fresh, what with its striking full-width parametric grille, hidden-until-lit daytime running lights, razor-sharp side surfacing and claw-like full-width taillights. The inside is just as dramatic with a dual-cockpit design flowing into a waterfall centre console.
The tech is where the Tucson shows its age, with a relatively small 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and just an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen – albeit one equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And while you do get features such as a Qi wireless charger and powered, heated and ventilated front seats, even this top-spec Max only gets a reverse camera and just six speakers.
The Tucson also lets the side down on the safety front, despite the Max coming with the full SmartSense suite of driver assists such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist. That’s because these features are not available on the other models – not even AEB.
Here, however, we’re only focusing on the Max and the driving experience it offers. Does the Tucson possess the substance under the skin to justify the high price? Watch our video review below to find out.
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10yrs ago when I bought my Hyundai, the car was reasonably priced cheaper and packed with feature not available as standard from rival Japanese brand selling in Malaysia.
5yrs later, Sime Darby had gone cuckoo and started selling cars more expensive than the competitor… Example, they were the first non-Conti brand to start selling D-segment cars (Sonata) close to RM200k; Honda-Toyota follow suite 1-2 years later…
Now, you rarely see any “new” Hyundai cars on the Malaysian road.
I love Hyundai, but for as long as they price the car >> Japanese brand, it won’t sell in Malaysia due to the RV mindset Malaysian has.
Simple. They don’t want to sell their car at all.
People complaining about mazda being expensive Hyundai will depreciate its value to half once registered otr.
too expensive. and the elantra price at 160k with 1.6 engine, what makes them think they can price it the same with a 2.0 japan cbu mazda 3? simedarby such a scammer
Disitu boleh dilihat bagaimana otak rakyatnya berfungsi dalam pilihan yg diberikan…
is Hyundai trying to copy Samsung’s marketing strategy?
expensive = quality?
Yes too expensive for it’s own good.
No wonder some go for EV.
the fierce battle in the market couple with EV tax exemptions would guarantee this Tucson @ 200k will not see sunlight
maybe they will DONATE 5 units to our minister…
Sime banking on gaji madani to increase car and property prices.
Sooner will exit My market.
Really what’s the point of launching this model this late at such prices here? Not gonna sell more than handful. Have not seen even one on the road despite it being launched late last year.
Played out by sayam dabi who’s more concerned on clearing it’s BYD graveyard
Sonata and Elantra were already priced out of our collective consciousness, and now this. RIP Tucson..
Way too expensive than affordable…
D.o.A. Most likely will find buyers through the pre-owned showroom car programme.
Poor after sales by saim dabi, low specs, Not to forget the abysmal resale value, very hard to convince anyone to buy this
Initially would want to get a new Tucson after sold off my 2015 Elantra , to bad , too pricey and I am now a happy Cross Hybrid owner now
why is rebadge ccp car can sell so cheap?