[Car Review]
I had sooooooo much fun with the Elantra Sport Turbo 1.6GDi during Chinese New Year earlier this year (which you can read here – https://timchew.net/2018/03/06/chinese-new-year-2018-with-the-6th-generation-hyundai-elantra-sport-1-6-turbo-gdi/) that I really couldn’t wait to try out another of Hyundai Motor’s turbocharged engine vehicles.
This time round, it was the latest Hyundai Tucson 2.0L CRDI Diesel, a variant with a turbocharged powertrain that was built for outstanding performance and fuel-efficiency (but low and behold – ALL Tucson variants available in Malaysia have been granted the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status from the Malaysia government, meaning that you can park it in EEV reserved spots in certain carparks ha ha!).
The Tucson 2.0L CRDI Diesel engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, providing a power output of 178PS and a whopping 400Nm from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm of torque and a top speed of 201km/h in 9.3 seconds (although I didn’t try to hit this top speed). The R-series CRDI Diesel Engine is also fitted with piezo-electronic injectors that deliver fuel at 1800 bar, with low fuel consumption and 186g/100km CO2 emissions.
New convenient features are also offered with this new variant, which include the LED Headlamps with static bending lights; Auto Hold function that automatically holds the brakes steady once the vehicle has come to a complete stop thereby preventing it from creeping forward or rolling backward; and a smart powered tailgate which opens at the approach of the key-holder. Optional accessories such as three leather packages (colour options: black, red and white), body kit and 19” rims are also made available with the Tucson 2.0L CRDI Diesel.
The one the nice folks at Hyundai Malaysia lent me was with the body kit and sporty and stylish 19″ rims, which I thought would make it a very bumpy and hard ride due to the really low-profile tyres, but to my total amazement – the ride comfort was absolutely fantastic! Way more comfortable than the Hyundai Elantra Sport which I drove over Chinese New Year (I fetched my parents to my grandma’s house for reunion dinner, and safe to say my mom wasn’t a fan of the stiff suspension of the Elantra Sport which, to be fair, was designed for superior handling and to provide a low centre of gravity, than all out comfort).
The Tucson is one of the safest vehicles in its segment and has received the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It benefits from a solid body structure featuring 51% ultra-high strength steel for improved torsional rigidity, impact resistance and a host of innovative passive and active safety features. As with all Hyundai models, the Tucson also features a state-of-the-art safety system that offers optimal driving stability. These include the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, Hillstart Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with an Automatic Vehicle Hold feature. The 1.6L T-GDI and 2.0L CRDI Diesel are fully equipped with 6 airbags for all round safety.
Designed based on Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design theme, the Tucson employs refined aesthetics with sculpted body forms and sporty contours for an athletic, bold and striking appearance. The front of the All-New Tucson is dominated by the Hyundai signature hexagonal front grille, which connects to the headlamps with LED Positioning Lamps to create a distinctive identity. A wing-shaped appearance to the front bumper, which incorporates the LED daytime running lights, gives the car a unique style and provides a visual reference for the car’s wide track.
On the inside, the premium wrapped extra-wide instrument panel contours to enhance occupants’ overall sense of interior roominess. A stitched, soft-touch pad is located near the driver’s right knee, for better comfort during long commutes or spirited cornering. Interior touch points have been upgraded with premium, soft-touch materials and all interior switchgear have a more refined feel during operation.
As I was loading her up, my hands were full with the boxes and I was trying to carry the boxes with one hand while I opened the boot but the SUV sensed I was at the rear (I had the key on me of course) and opened the boot for me without me having to press any button. Closing the boot was also a breeze, just press the button and it closes. Talk about a smart and convenience!
The Automatic Vehicle Hold feature was tremendously handy in KL’s notorious traffic, which can be stop and go. Just turn it on, and when you bring the vehicle to a complete stop, you can leave it in D and it won’t move an inch. To move, just lightly tap on the accelerator and off you go! No need to shift from D to N (although I still prefer to do so at traffic lights where the wait is long).
All in all, it was a really comfortable and fun ride! In fact, I enjoyed the comfort element so much that I didn’t really push her to the max, although she did perform quite well on the Tropicana Golf & Country Resort straight, and along its twisty corners. The ride handling was outstanding – hardly any body roll, the chassis easily pointed in the direction of the steering wheel, while the tyres stuck to the road like glue.
There was so much power on tap, definitely more than you’ll probably ever need. But it’s reassuring to know that you have it, and it really makes the Tucson one hell of an exciting ride (although I have to state that you should always ALWAYS place safety first before fun)! Certainly not how I would normally describe an SUV, but this Tucson is really something else!
All Tucson variants are entitled to 50,000km free service with 3 years validity. HYUNDAI-SIME DARBY MOTORS SDN BHD offers a 5-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty on all its new passenger vehicles. A 24-hour road assist service is also now available to new and existing Hyundai vehicles. For more information or to place bookings, interested parties can head to the nearest sales outlet or call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.
HYUNDAI-SIME DARBY MOTORS SDN BHD has a new price list for their models reflecting the ZERO RATED GST with effect from 1st June 2018:
| Model | Variant | Current OTR
Price without Insurance (RM) |
New OTR Price
(ZERO GST) without Insurance (RM) |
Reduced By (RM) |
| Hyundai Elantra | 1.6 (A) Turbo | 131,488.00 | 124,088.00 | 7,400.00 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 2.0 (A) Executive | 116,388.00 | 109,888.00 | 6,500.00 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 2.0 (A) Dynamic | 120,588.00 | 113,888.00 | 6,700.00 |
| Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid | 1.6 (A) HEV | 100,388.00 | 94,788.00 | 5,600.00 |
| Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid | 1.6 (A) HEV Plus | 116,488.00 | 109,988.00 | 6,500.00 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 1.6 (A) Turbo | 145,688.00 | 137,488.00 | 8,200.00 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2.0 (A) Diesel | 155,788.00 | 147,088.00 | 8,700.00 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2.0 (A) Elegance | 126,188.00 | 119,188.00 | 7,000.00 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2.0 (A) Premium | 159,888.00 | 150,888.00 | 9,000.00 |
| Hyundai Starex | 2.5 (A) Royale | 164,088.00 | 154,888.00 | 9,200.00 |
| Hyundai Starex | 2.5 (A) Premium | 173,788.00 | 164,088.00 | 9,700.00 |
| Hyundai Starex | 2.5 (A) Deluxe | 183,588.00 | 173,288.00 | 10,300.00 |
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