Hyundai to launch new Palisade in Australia in 2020

Hyundai has decided that it will be launching its new model, Hyundai Palisade in Australia in 2020. Speaking to the media, the local boss of Hyundai, J.W. Lee said, “I think it’s about 80 percent [likelihood>. We still have some engineering things we need to work out, like which engines.” He also said that the company has not said no. Lee also hinted about the fact that once launched in the country, the aim of the Hyundai Palisade would be to rival Mazda CX-9 and the Toyota Kluger properly. 

There are a number of exciting features in the new SUV developed by the South Korea-based automaker, which includes a 3.8-litre ‘GDi’ direct-injection V6 engine that produces 217 kW at 6000 rpm and 355 Nm at 5000 rpm. The coaster is 4981 mm long, 1976 mm wide and 1750 mm tall. In this aspect, the Palisade has more space than Toyota Kluger and the 2900 mm wheelbase gives a great competition to the best-in-the-class Nissan Pathfinder. There are other features as well, such as Nappa leather upholstery and 12.3 inches digital instrument cluster apart from the full suite of the SmartSense active safety and driver assistance technologies offered by Hyundai. 

The only problem that the company is facing right now is that the car is reserved for left-hand drive markets such as the US and South Korea where it is available with eight seats and V6 petrol and four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines. The specifications of the engine depend on the market though. If the company makes it available for left-hand drive, then Hyundai Australia would want it to make it available with both petrol and diesel powertrain.

The petrol powertrain will be exclusively available for front-wheel drive and the diesel powertrain will be available for all-wheel powertrain drive exclusively. Regardless of the powertrains, the model will be available with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Hyundai Australia is yet to indicate the price range for the Palisade. But considering the fact that the Santa Fe has an entry-level price of $43,000, the industry experts think that the price range would be something around $50,000 for the entry-level and mid to high $60,000 for the top-spec models. 

Also Read: Hyundai Santa Fe to get a petrol-powered V6 later this year