Wednesday, April 01, 2015

Hyundai Offers Locally Assembled Tucson, And a More Powerful Veloster

Joining the game for lower-cost vehicles, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has rolled out a locally assembled version of its popular Tucson SUV from the Inokom plant in Kulim, where it also assembles the i10, Elantra, and Santa Fe.

As usual with a switch to local assembly, the already competitive Tucson is now made even more affordable, while remaining generous with equipment as before.

“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,” said Lau Yit Mun, managing director of HSDM.

What the Sport looks like from the rear.What the Sport looks like from the rear.With no changes under the hood, the Tucson maintains the same 2.0-litre Nu engine that delivers the same 158PS and 192Nm as the previously fully imported Tucson. The CKD version of the Tucson 2.0 is only available with front-wheel drive, transmitted via an in-house 6-speed auto transmission. The previously available 2.4 all-wheel-drive model has been discontinued.

Two trim levels are offered, with consumers being given a choice of either a basic Elegance model at RM115,888 or a fully decked-out Sport model at RM132,888. The prices — 10 per cent lower than the CBU versions — exclude insurance, road tax, registration, and hire-purchase fees.

The locally assembled Tucson in Elegance trim.The locally assembled Tucson in Elegance trim.Features common to both trim levels include LED daytime running lights, leather seats, reverse sensors, ABS, and dual frontal airbags. Items exclusive to the costlier Sport model are front parking sensors, front and rear parking camera, smart key with start-stop button, audio visual navigation, panorama sunroof, six airbags, and a full suite of active safety aids namely electronic stability programme (ESP), downhill brake control (DBC), hill-start assist control (HAC), and vehicle stability management (VSM).

The spec sheet of the locally assembled Tucson.The spec sheet of the locally assembled Tucson.Available colour options for the Tucson include Pure White, Titanium Grey, Hyper Metallic, and Pepper Grey with the Sport variant getting additional options namely Remington Red, Phantom Black, Sleek Silver and Platinum Silver.

On a separate note, HSDM has also opened its order books for the refreshed Veloster Turbo, which is expected to arrive in mid-April. Fully imported from Korea, the distinctive 1+2 door-coupe now comes with a new level of performance to match its sexy looks. The Veloster is always an interesting conversation piece on account of it having one door on the driver’s side, whilst having two doors on the passenger side.

It is the first Hyundai vehicle to be fitted with the company’s 1.6-litre Gamma T-GDI engine featuring twin-scroll turbocharging and direct injection technology. Equipped with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, the Veloster Turbo has a respectable output of 186PS and 265Nm of torque.

The Veloster Turbo comes with a host of upgrades to go with its new engine.The Veloster Turbo comes with a host of upgrades to go with its new engine.Apart from a new engine, the Veloster Turbo gets a host of upgrades including a new front fascia, new 18-inch alloy wheels, projector headlights with LED accents, LED rear lamp, two-tone coloured seat and new exterior colours including Hyundai’s limited edition Matte Grey. More details on the specification of the car will be unveiled during the launch.

Selling price is expected to start from RM150,000 inclusive of GST but excluding insurance.

Both the Tucson and Veloster will be covered by a five-year/300,000km extended warranty complemented by a 24-hour road assist service.


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