Hyundai Introduces Premium 4WD Tucson Variant

When it comes to modern SUVs, it's no surprise that the majority of owners have no need nor want for a 4WD system. This is evidenced by sales figures that show high-spec 2WD models outselling their 4WD counterparts, and companies have started to take notice by offering higher-spec 2WD models. That's not to say that there aren't a significant minority that would still prefer a traditional 4WD system, and the Hyundai Tucson has this in the 2.0-litre CRDi variant. 

But there are still owners who aren't big fans of oil-burning powerplants, and it is for this reason that Hyundai Sime Darby Motors is introducing the 2.0-litre MPi Premium 4WD variant. It runs on the same naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre engine as the 2.0-litre MPi Elegance model, but comes packed with all the high-end features previously found in the 2.0-litre CRDi and 1.6 T-GDi models. The petrol engine produces 155 PS at 6,200 rpm, and 192 Nm at 4,000 rpm, and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 4WD system is par-for-the-course, with 100% bias to the front wheels during normal driving and up to 40% of the torque sent to the rear when the situation calls for it. A lock mode can force the system to split the torque 50-50 if need be for better traction in extreme situations. 

As for the rest of this new Premium 4WD variant, it receives a number of features that were previously only offered in the 1.6-litre T-GDi and 2.0-litre CRDi model. Things like twin LED positioning headlamps with static bending lights, dual zone fully automatic air conditioning, a panoramic sunroof, and a roof rack are all included with the 2.0-litre MPi Premium 4WD. This also pushes it to the top of the range, rather surprisingly. 

With this, the number of Tucson variants sits at 4. The entry level Tucson is the 2.0-litre MPi Elegance at RM 126,188, while one step up is the 1.6-litre T-GDi at RM 145,688. The sole diesel model is the R 2.0-litre CRDi, going for RM 155,788, and of course the new 2.0-litre MPi Premium 4WD sits above this at RM 159,888. All prices are on-the-road, not inclusive of insurance.