THERE’S a lot riding on Hyundai now that it is officially running its own show in Malaysia.
For those who aren’t aware, Hyundai finally took charge of its own brand operations locally.
Previously they were handled by Sime Motors who was the sole importer and official distributor of the brand’s vehicles in Malaysia.
To mark the changing of the guard, Hyundai Malaysia launched the latest variations to three of their models in one go: Tuscon, Santa Fe and the Staria.
Between the three it would seem the first phase of their major focus is centred on the former two.
This was at least very much the case during Hyundai Malaysia’s very first media drive to Desaru, Johor where all participants were given rotational access to the models save the Staria.
May as well seeing that the variants themselves have proven to be quite varied between one another.
Tuscon
The refreshed fourth-generation sports utility vehicle enters Malaysia in four locally assembled (CKD) variants: Style, Prime, Prestige and Prestige Hybrid.
Each of them comes with their own unique performance configuration, but we’ll only touch on the two Prestige variants since they were the only ones we got to drive.
Much like the Prime variant the standard Prestige is fitted with a 1.6-litre turbocharged and direct-injected (T-GDi) unit and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Along with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system the powertrain produces 180PS at 5,500rpm and 265Nm from 1,500rpm to 4,500rpm.
Another is a first-in-Malaysia hybrid variant which is front-wheel drive (FWD). Its figures are bumped up to 235PS and 367Nm with the same 1.6-litre turbocharged engine now with a hybrid setup.
Sharper and sportier, aesthetically the Tuscon’s body features more prominent lines that is aided by a new digital-eques front grille and daytime running lights (DRLs) to give it that edgier look.
Similarly the rear’s more angular characteristics are further accentuated by the jagged tooth-like rear lights.
It is a design language that isn’t too drastically different from the previous generation model, but enough that it befits the more agile update that shines brightest in urban settings.
Given its size and handling there was little cause for worry when it came to maneuvering the machine.
While the AWD variant undoubtedly excelled when it came to traction the FWD option is no slouch either.
May as well seeing that the more exciting variant was the top-end hybrid Prestige. The added power, range and fuel economy is just too hard to ignore.
More than just a performance boost the hybrid powertrain also delivered a silent and smooth experience that just gels extremely well with the SUV’s unrivaled segment-premium interior.
The best of what the Tuscon has to offer does however come at a cost with the Prestige Hybrid priced at RM197,888 - which is RM11,000 more than the standard turbo AWD variant at RM186,888.
Even by C-segment standards the Tuscon is positioned on the pricier end starting at RM143,888 for the Style choice and RM164,888 for the Prime.
Since we couldn’t test out the lower two variants we’re making an educated guess that the Prime holds the sweet spot with the 1.6-litre T-GDi engine for being RM22,000 lower than the Prestige AWD.
Still, the hybrid option is hard to pass up if you want the optimal experience with the Tuscon.
Santa Fe
Arriving not long after the fourth-generation model, the fifth-generation three-row SUV Santa Fe debuts with an entirely new futuristic look.
Gone is the sporty and sharp design in favour of a more executive premium-yet-boxier aesthetic.
Don’t let its less aggressive poise fool you though as it doesn’t take away any of its prowess.
If anything the model across its three available variants shows the model has been further refined.
Under the hood is a choice between a returning hybrid powertrain or a new 2.5-litre T-GDi engine.
Both FWD HEV Prime and Prestige are seven-seaters and house a 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and six-speed automatic transmission for an overall performance of 235PS and 367Nm.
On the other hand the six-seater Prestige Calligraphy’s all-new 2.5-litre T-GDi with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD system powers out 281PS at 5,800rpm and 422Nm between 1,700rpm and 4,000rpm.
Comfort is the order of the day with the Santa Fe and the Prestige variants will be at the top of your pick with its more-complete premium offerings.
However, the decision is less clear cut here and you’re going to have to weigh in on the type of experience that suits you best.
The complexity is that while the top range Calligraphy has the more comfortable six-seater layout and topline finishings, it is the Prestige HEV variant that offers a vastly smoother drive performance for everyone in the SUV.
It would also seem that the Calligraphy is made out to be the sportier and louder variant of the two.
This goes right down from its performance to its slightly bolder aesthetics compared to the HEV’s calmer drive and cleaner look.
On the flip side, the Calligraphy’s 2.5-litre T-GDi engine feels a lot more natural in the Santa Fe’s new body as oppose to the hybrid setup.
Not for the lack of power but the opposite especially on long highways.
There’s that strange calm sensation that makes you feel like you’re not going fast enough when you actually are with the hybrid powertrain.
For drivers this oddly makes it more difficult to judge the speed you’re at and your distance with objects ahead.
The pricing doesn’t make choosing one of the two any easier either.
The HEV Prestige is priced at RM245,000 (Prime is RM225,000) while the Calligraphy comes in at RM270,000.
Regardless of your choice the new Santa Fe in its Prestige forms unquestionably dials up the premium feel to eleven when compared to its predecessor.
All prices are on-the-road without insurance and come with an eight-year/160,000km vehicle warranty.
