By Otsile Kadiege

Hyundai’s luxury flagship SUV, the Palisade, will be officially launched in Mzansi in the next few weeks. Pricing and and specifications have been revealed on the Korean automaker’s website.

Exterior design 

Like most of Hyundai’s new models, the Palisade has a bold new look thanks to a distinctive grille flanked by two-part LED headlights and LED daytime running lights (DRLs) similar to those seen on the new Hyundai Santa Fe. It also features front and rear parking sensors, fog lights, puddle lights, and LED turn signals integrated into the side mirrors. 
As standard, the 4980 mm long, 1975 mm wide and 1750 mm tall Palisade is fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels. The Palisade’s rear-end highlights include Palisade lettering on the tailgate, vertical tail lights, rear fog lights and a faux rear skid plate.

The Palisade is available in 5 different colours, namely Shimmering silver, Abyss black pearl, Graphite grey, Moonlight blue and White cream.

Interior design and technology 

Inside, customers can choose between a 7 or 8-seater Palisade. It boasts dual-sunroofs, black artificial leather seats  with heated and cooled front and second seats, front electric seats, front and rear auto temp control, USB ports, and rear door curtain.

Up front, the new Palisade features keyless entry, a multifunction steering wheel, wireless charging and an 8-inch touchscreen with an infotainment system featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

Safety features and convenience features 

The Hyundai Palisade’s safety features are driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, ABS, ESC, HAC, TSA (Trailer Stability Assist), blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert. Its driver assistance systems are cruise control, park assist, rear view camera and smart power tailgate.

Powerplant
Powering the new Hyundai Palisade is a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 142 kW and 440 Nm. Power is sent to all wheels via the automaker’s AWD system and shift-by-wire 8-speed automatic transmission. It has a top speed of 190 km/h. Hyundai claims the Palisade has a combined fuel-consumption of 8.2l/100 km.

Pricing and warranty 

The pricing for the new Hyundai Palisade is as follows:

> Hyundai Palisade R2.2 Elite 7 Seater 8AT AWD – R999,900; and

> Hyundai Palisade R2.2 Elite 8 Seater 8AT AWD – R999,900

Prices include the automaker’s 5 Year / 150,000 km manufacturer’s Warranty. Additional 2 Year / 50,000 Km manufacturer’s powertrain warranty, 7 year / 150,000 km roadside assistance and 7 year / 105,000 km service plan.