All-new 2023 Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe bookings open in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Two new Hyundai SUVs, the fourth-gen Tucson and the fourth-gen Santa Fe facelift are set to enter the Malaysian market, offering customers a wide range of choices and versatility in the ever-expanding world of automobiles. The bookings of both SUVs are now underway at all authorised Hyundai sales outlets nationwide or on Hyundai’s online booking platform Cl!cktoBuy.

Let’s know the key highlights of the upcoming Hyundai cars -

2023 Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors offers the all-new Tucson in three fully imported variants in Malaysia - 2.0 Lite, 1.6T Plus, and 1.6T Max. The 2.0 Lite is powered by a 2.0-litre Smartstream MPI engine that kicks out a maximum power of 156 PS and a peak torque of 192 Nm while the 1.6T Plus and 1.6T Max come equipped with a 1.6-litre TGDi engine that makes 180 PS and 265 Nm. The former is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox while the latter is hooked with a seven-speed wet DCT. 

In terms of design, the new Tucson features a ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ philosophy with head-turning elements like a Parametric Jewel grille, striking DRLs, angular wheel arches, and new full-width tail lamps. Inside, the SUV boasts a premium appeal with a buttonless centre console and an 8.0-inch infotainment unit supporting wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity and voice recognition.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson colour palette comprises five options - Amazon Gray Metallic, Phantom Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Crimson Red Pearl, and Silky Bronze Metallic.

Depending on the variant picked, the SUV comes equipped with a 10.25-inch instrument panel, wireless phone charging, 8-way powered front seats with a heated/ventilated system, electronic parking brake with auto hold, a power tailgate, and a full Hyundai SmartSense safety suite.

“The Tucson is Hyundai’s entrant in the important C-SUV segment, and it is a strong one. With distinctive looks, up-to-date technology, and a decidedly upmarket focus, this five-seater is a sophisticated tool for the urban jungle of today and tomorrow, and one that you will enjoy driving on your own as much as with your small family in tow,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is offered in three locally assembled variants in Malaysia - Hybrid Plus, Hybrid Max, and Diesel Max. The hybrid variants run on a 180 PS/265 Nm 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol engine and a 44.2 kW electric motor, together generating a total system output of 230 PS and 350 Nm. Power is channelled to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel Max, on the other hand, gets energy from a 2.2-litre CRDi diesel mill tuned to deliver 202 PS and 440 Nm of torque. It is linked to an eight-speed wet DCT and the brand’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system.

The upgraded version of the 7-seater SUV underpins a new platform and is loaded with the Hyundai SmartSense safety suite as standard. Also, parts of the standard pack are an 8.0-inch infotainment unit, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, auto wipers, and wireless phone charging. The higher-spec models also feature a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel, power tailgate, leather upholstery, and more.

Four colour choices available for the new Santa Fe are - Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Meteor Grey, and Stormy Sea.

“We are elated to simultaneously introduce the new Tucson and Santa Fe, two long-renowned Hyundai nameplates in the Malaysian market. Specifically, the introduction of the Santa Fe is significant for three main reasons. Firstly, it’s the first time a hybrid variant of the Santa Fe is available in Malaysia. Secondly, it’s the second locally-assembled (CKD) Hyundai hybrid after the IONIQ Hybrid in 2016, and thirdly, the vehicle is also being produced for export to Thailand,” said Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Sime Darby Motors.

“This is a strong demonstration of our long-held commitment to the Malaysian automotive ecosystem and through that, to continue delivering value to our customers. Moving forward, we will continue to explore synergistic opportunities for us to further grow and develop this key industry,” he added.

Also read: Hyundai Stargazer X arrives in the Philippines; Will it come to Malaysia?