The Palisade is Hyundai’s flagship 7-seater SUV that uses a new SUV chassis.
With exceptional roominess for the second and third row seats as well as generous cargo space, the Palisade is positioned as the ultimate family vehicle.
Powered with an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-itre V6, dual CVVT, direct-injected engine, it offers excellent power and efficiency with an estimated 291hp at 6,000rpm and around 355Nm of torque at 5,000rpm.
Taking inspiration from aviation technology, the Palisade’s exciting features include a Heads-Up Display (HUD) that projects a virtual image onto the windshield, to improve road visibility for the driver.
This feature also uses a system of mirrors combined with a full-colour TFT LCD display and features adjustable brightness to ensure excellent day and night-time visibility.
The Palisade boasts an industry-first, innovative roof vent diffuser design that provides a focused, partially-diffused or fully-diffused stream of air to rear passengers.
This diffuser vent design provides quieter rear air conditioning airflow, draft-free operation, more uniform distribution of air and the capability for a focused stream of air whenever desired.
HSDM managing director Low Yuan Lung said the Kona which was launched last year had captured the attention of many who yearn for a distinctively designed compact SUV.
“The public had their first look of our compact SUV, Kona, last year and it was well received despite the stiff competition in the SUV segment.
"Considering the positive response and reviews received for the newly designed Kona overseas, we are confident we will be able to capture more hearts this time around,” said Low.
Among the exciting highlights of the facelifted Kona are a new Smartstream G2.0 Atkinson engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a more refined front fascia design, new 17- and 18-inch wheels, an enhanced SmartSense state-of-the-art safety package and a remote starter.
The four-cylinder petrol engine produces 147hp at 6,200rpm and 180Nm of torque at 4,500rpm.
The Smartstream engine offers dynamic performance with a smoother, comfortable driving experience, reduced emissions and better fuel efficiency. HDSM did not say whether it would continue to sell the new Kona variant that has an even more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. The pre-facelift Kona 1.6T that are still on sale now produces a hefty 175hp and 265Nm of torque.
On the exterior, the front-wheel drive Kona receives an urban sporty styling as part of Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness global design theme.
The new exterior design is even more provocative and sensuous than before with a curved bonnet design.
This facelifted version also projects a more sophisticated and progressive look in its interior.
The new console area gets a new horizontal layout while the air vents and speakers also get new rings with aluminum finish.
Also included in the new version is an upgraded ambient lighting technology that lights up the cupholder and foot lamps on the front passenger and driver side.
New interior colour options, materials and trims are also to be expected.
Aside from Palisade and Kona, Low said other new models are also in the pipeline this year and they would be packaged in a way to excite the market.
