2015 Hyundai Tucson CKD Launched In Malaysia, Now From RM116K

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles, has just launched its locally-assembled 2015 Hyundai Tucson 2.0L in Malaysia, introducing two trim levels of the SUV to the Malaysian market.

The following prices exclude insurance, road tax and registration:

• NU 2.0 Elegance – *RM115, 888 (RM17,000 less than before)
• NU 2.0 Sport – *RM132, 888 (RM

BUYER’s GUIDE:

Mr Lau Yit Mun, Managing Director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors, said that “The Tucson has been one of Hyundai’s more popular models and we have introduced this locally-assembled model to make it more accessible to all Malaysians.”

*Check out the all-new 2015 Hyundai Tucson, coming your way

Of the four previously available CBU variants, it’s the base and the mid-spec 2.0 variants that have been locally-assembled, with operations continuing alongside the HSDM’s Elantra CKD, i10 CKD at their Inokom plat in Kulim.

Speaking to HSDM, all previous CBU units of the vehicle have been discontinued and sold off by its dealerships, which now trims the Tucson’s range to just the two CKD variants here.

Including in the price above is HSDM’s five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) extended warranty, as applicable to all new Hyundai passenger vehicles, plus a 24-hour road assist service.

PERFORMANCE:

The Hyundai Tucson range will now primarily be driven by the two new CKD models, which leave behind the 2.0L Executive Plus variant, while the 2.4-litre Theta II MPI variant is no longer offered. The CKD versions of the Tucson will continue to be powered by its Nu 2.0-litre MPI petrol engine which delivers 158PS and 192Nm of torque.

Transmission is maintained as well, utilising a six-speed torque converter automatic – don’t get your hopes up on the new dual-clutch coming so soon, but we hear that there are models en route with this ;)

Looking ahead to the CKD variants we have here, HSDM tell us that LED Daytime Running Lights and leather seats have been made standard equipment across all variants.

EXTERIOR STYLING:

Exterior kit continues to shape up with 17-inch alloy wheels for both Elegance and Sport lines, with projector headlamps with LED positioning lamps for all. The rear lamps are good ol’ bulb types, but the wing mirrors are equipped with LED indicators.

Unique to the higher-grade Sport line is a panoramic sunroof, chrome door handles and a sporty body kit: all of which to justify the RM17,000 premium over the base model.

INTERIOR DESIGN:

Much of the car’s interior has been left as before, apart from the full range of two variants benefitting from leather seats across the board. The steering wheel on the Sport is leather wrapped, while the Elegance has to do with a soft PVC type. Air-conditioning is a manual affair for all, with the only difference between the Elegance and Sport being that the higher-grade sport getting auto up and down power windows all around, while the Elegance just has them all automatically going down only.

EQUIPMENT & FEATURES:

When it comes to HSDM’s list of toys, it’s expected that the coolest bits have been reserved strictly for the Sport variant, which here includes:

• Smart Key with engine Start Stop Button (Elegance gets Keyless Entry only)
• Parking Assist for Front & Rear (Elegance only gets Rear)
• Front, Rear-View Camera (Elegance has none)

Other highlights in this department include auto headlamps with auto levelling, and a headlamp escort feature which basically keeps your headlamps switched on for a few moments after you’ve locked and left your car.

SAFETY FEATURES:

Safety is a bit of a concern with the base Tucson Elegance offering nothing more than two airbags and an ABS system – it’s a pity to see an SUV of this calibre neglect Vehicle Stability Control.

Fortunately, if you do insist on the depths of HSDM’s safety offerings, the higher-grade Sport will see you benefit from a full list of items that include:

• Six airbags
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
• Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)