Heated seats in the first and second rows, 8 seats in total and a fairly good price; the new Hyundai Palisade seems to be one of the best SUV’s for larger families.
Hyundai surely took the SUV market by storm. With the Palisade now formally on the sales floor as the flagship model, the Korean brand also has six other SUV’s on offer, including the Venue, Creta, Kona, Tucson, Kona N Line and the Santa Fe. The Palisade rounds off the series, coming in some 120kg heavier than the Santa Fe.
Being just shorter than 5 meters in length, the Palisade provides somewhat more space than its 200 mm shorter Santa Fe sibling. At just over R200 000 more, it also promises more comfort, luxury and technology.
“…more comfort, luxury and technology.”
The Palisade includes an 8-inch infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), wireless cell phone charging, no less than seven USB points, ventilated front and second row seats (in the 7-seater derivative) and heated seats in both front rows of the 7- and 8-seater versions.
Potential drivers will also be happy to learn that the Palisade can master all-road and all-weather conditions. It is defined as the ideal family vehicle.
Although the Palisade’s styling is less rounded than the other models, we certainly approve. The LED headlights, daytime running lights and turn-signal mirrors certainly help this formidable vehicle to look even more striking. Simultaneously, the car also has vertical LED rear light clusters as well as big 20-inch alloy wheels, which further underline the dominance of this car.
Inside, the second row is fully electrically operated and can move forward with one touch to make space for third-row seating. Each seating row offers USB outlets, whilst the 8-inch infotainment system at the front is accompanied by a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster for the driver.
The Palisade also has many more safety offerings including a system which automatically shifts the engine into “park” as soon as the ignition is switched off and the driver door opened.
Furthermore, the Palisade has a new innovative roof vent diffuser that can help to diffuse air to rear passengers. This provides quieter air conditioning airflow to rear passengers.
Want to take a nap, while your spouse listens to hard rock in the front row? The Palisade can help you to rest more quietly. This is thanks to the “rear seat quiet mode”, which allows the driver’s row to listen to their selected audio, without that same audio being sent to the second- and third rows.
Ok, I am sold on the interior, but what about the engine and further specifications?
The Palisade is powered by the R2.2 CRDi engine, which is linked to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. This efficient and quiet 4-cylinder turbo-diesel is capable of 142kW (at 3800 rpm) and 440 Nm (between 1750 and 2750 rpm). With such generous power delivery at lower revolutions, the Palisade can achieve a fuel consumption of only 8.2 litres per 100km.
Furthermore, the car also has an “HTRAC” four-wheel drive system. This allows the power-train and suspension to be adjusted electronically for sand, mud or snow modes. Hyundai has also focused on the reduction of noise, vibration and harshness levels. The Palisade is therefore very quiet on the open road.
In terms of safety, over and above the accepted norm of active and passive safety aids, the Palisade offers Blind Spot Detection, a reverse camera, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Safe Exit Assist and Rear Occupant Alert. Reversing with this big vehicle is therefore no problem in the slightest.
Being such a large vehicle, it might also be easy to forget things at the back, including children or pets. [ Ed: Haven’t we all? ] Not only will a detection system remind the driver of movement in the back whilst in the car, but will also honk the horn and flash the lights if the car is locked and movement is detected within.
In addition to all this, the Palisade has six airbags (dual front, dual side and roll-over sensing side curtain airbags). The Palisade also includes a standard onboard tire monitoring system, two Isofix anchors in the second row and one in the third.
What will this cost me?
The Palisade will be sold in two derivatives with different seating options. Whilst both include a 7-year / 200 000km warranty and 7-year/ 105 000km service plan, as well as a road assistance package for 7 years or 150 000km, the 7-seater and 8-seater derivatives will both be sold for R999 900.
We think this is a fairly good price for such an impressive vehicle.
Keep an eye on NamWheels for more information as soon as we test the vehicle.
Text: Franco Theron
Pictures: Hyundai South Africa
Seems like an amazing car !!