Hyundai-Sime Darby Motor Sdn Bhd (HSDM) today officially launched the full sized Hyundai Palisade SUV. Priced from RM 328,888, it will be available in 4 variants: namely the EXEC 7 and EXEC 8 for the Diesel engine variants, and LUXE 7 and LUXE 8 for the petrol engine variants. The 7 and 8 here takes after the two seating options, which are the seven seater and the eight seater options respectively. It also brings a whole lot of SUV for the money as well as making us have another choice in the market.
The Palisade comes in two engine options, the R 2.2 CRDI Turbo Diesel engine and the 3.8 GDi Petrol engine. Both are available in the seven or eight-seater variants in five colours; white cream, lagoon silver, steel graphite, moonlight cloud, and timeless black. Black-monotone and navy colour packages are offered for the interior with the options of black leather, and burgundy or warm grey Nappa leather.
You can see that in terms of styling, the Palisade brings a dose of large SUV size for those that want space, road presence and also to those that want to e different at the price range offered. The Distinctive style and comfort are complemented with the multipurpose cabin space that can be easily transformed into a variety of second and third-row configurations to suit cargo or passenger space. With the third-row seats folded, the Palisade offers a generous 1,297-litres of space for luggage and other items.
Smart application features in the second-row seats include a smart one-touch walk-in button that automatically readjusts the second-row seat position for easier third-row entry and exit. For added spaciousness, rear seat passengers can enjoy a dual-wide sunroof that not only brightens the interior of the car but is also well suited for countryside adventures as it brings nature closer to passengers all within the comfort of the Palisade.
This SUV is equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense™, an Advanced Driver Assistance System. A series of smart safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Alert, among others.
Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail and Distribution of Sime Darby Motors Malaysia said, “The demand for family-friendly SUVs continue to grow as discerning vehicle owners look for versatility and comfort in tandem with smart safety features. The launch of the new Palisade is well-positioned in the Malaysian market, in line with Hyundai’s strategy in leading the way with innovation. We are optimistic that the introduction of Palisade will be a gamechanger for this segment.”
Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM said, “The Hyundai Palisade is designed with a wide range of cutting-edge features that offer practical usage. The perfect combination of comfort, style and functionality presents enjoyment for in city as well as countryside drives. The recent range of new launches place Hyundai on a strong footing as we solidify our position as a premium choice, driven by innovative expertise.”
Our Opinion After Attending the Media Preview of the Hyundai Palisade
We think that the Palisade is for a certain niche customer that HSDM wants to target. This is for those that want to be different from the normal SUV buyers in the price category which this is offered. While not really being affordable, it caters to those that want a lot of seats (think the 8 seater version) and those that would like a dose of something almost American in terms of the sheer size of it.
It isn't something truly American though, like a Cadillac Escalade. This, I say so because while it isn't a tiny SUV and it is actually close in size to the Range Rover in terms of wheelbase and looks like a cross between a Range Rover Sport, some hints of Rolls Royce in the head and tail light styling (from the side) and that imposing front grille. It is therefore slightly smaller than those from Cadillac or Chevy but close. And that European touches in terms of styling make it what it is, a Palisade. What is definitely does live up to is its namesake, a palisade, which means stakes or railings that are fixed to the ground forming an enclosure. It looks study and secure, protecting its occupants.
In terms of interior bits, this is typical Hyundai. This means that it actually wipes the floor of any Japanese competitor in the plastics, leather and other materials used in the cabin. The quality and feel of the bits actually feel like you are in something very European. The bits that you hold are nice especially the steering wheel and other controls. The seats are also comfortable too and easy to adjust. I never had issues with a Hyundai interior and this time, the interior seems a little more upmarket too. Very premium and actually suits something in the price HDSM wants for it.
I actually like how the leather seats have some quilted work done and the oxblood or maroon colour suits the interior well. Even the light grey leather interior works with that dark blue dashboard too. All takes after something you could see in a very premium British type of car. I also see some Bavarian looks too. The cabin actually looks darn good!
Equipment wise seems decent too. However, note that the Malaysia specced Palisade only comes with an 8 inch infotainment screen due to market factors. According to HDSM, the larger10.25inch system comes integrated with certain features that are not available for the Malaysian market. It is a shame but since you still get all the usual connectivity with your smartphone, it isn't as bad as it seems. Maybe we just want a larger screen for a large SUV.
If one is curious as to the performance levels and actual drivetrain stuff, only the Palisade diesel comes with all-wheel drive. The 3.8liter petrol comes with a very American type of SUV setting in front wheel drive only. This is the option offered globally actually so if you do want AWD, it is the diesel. But if you do look at the all important torque figures, the 2.2 diesel makes more low end grunt, so it actually works better than the more refined six cylinder petrol. Also note that with the AWD you do get a lot more drive modes for you to play around with.
Of course, being fully imported certain equipment may have been omitted to ensure competitive pricing. But in terms of active safety equipment, it feels more than good enough with the important blind spot sensors, cross traffic alert and lane keeping assist. And yes, if you want the full suit of active safety kit, it comes in the 3.8l petrol variant. This is how the models are different as in terms of external styling. It is similar even to the alloy wheel pattern. You can only tell if you look at the sensors at the top of the windscreen - more on the petrol and that's about it. The rest is pretty much the same.
That said, at over RM300k, it is still a steep climb for those interested in the Palisade. I think that it brings more to the table than one might think. It brings something different, something little more niche to those looking for a large SUV or those that want something cooler than a box on wheels MPV to carry 7 or 8 people. There are not many 8 seater SUVs out there folks. That may tick a box or two for some people.
For those interested in taking a look at the versatile Hyundai Palisade, it is available for viewing at the Hyundai Ara Damansara showroom at Sime Darby Motors City as well as at the Hyundai Old Klang Road, Gurney Paragon and Skudai showrooms. Please visit https://www.hyundai.com.my/showroom/palisade/ for more information.
FACT SHEET: Full Pricing & Packages (more photos below)
R 2.2 CRDi turbo diesel engine (HTRAC AWD)
EXEC 7 - RM 348,888
EXEC 8 - RM 328,888
Lambda II 3.8 GDI V6 petrol engine (2WD)
LUXE 7 - RM 358,888
LUXE 8 - RM 338,888
All variants come with a standard warranty of 2 years or 50,000 km (whichever comes first). Optional upgrades are available for the above variants by adding RM 11,000 (for LUXE 7 and LUXE 8) and RM 12,000 (for EXEC 7 and EXEC 8) to enjoy an upgrade of vehicle’s warranty to 5 years or 300,000 km (whichever comes first) and free service maintenance of 3 years or 50,000 km (whichever comes first).
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