ULTIMATE URBAN CRUISER

With the ever-increasing price of cars, getting finding something very comprehensive that is also priced well is seemingly hardbecoming increasingly difficult. I  We had a run in the updated Hyundai Palisade, the brand’s a flagship offering from the brand, and I think it that  gives a lot offers loads of value for the price.

The Palisade came toarrived on our shores in 2021 with an asking price of over R1 million, which likely did shock surprise many consumers. Hyundai has always been a brand that was had the distinction of being attainable – so what has changed? What  to justifyies this car and its pricing? I  We believe the brand is moving into a more premium playing field, which seems fair, considering that the pricing is not as exorbitant as the its German manufacturersrivals. The Palisade comes in a seven7- or eight8-seater configuration,  and and both are are priced at R1, 121, 900. 

FUNCTIONAL SIMPLICITY

On At first glance, the exterior, it looks like something out of an American law TV series, with a very boxy shape with and many sharp lines. Many Some have suggested that it looks like a Cadillacn Escalade, and I  we cannot fault them. It has large square LED headlamps, and dDaytime rRunning Lightlampss, and a blacked-out grille that addsing to the car’s imposing look sof the car. 

With a very lower ground clearance than some rivals (203 mm), it does look like it is thisresemble a long mammoth that just hovers over the road. It sits on 20” inch alloy wheels, and you willthe locate your spare wheel is located underneath the vehicle.

The interior is laid out in a simple yet functional fashion. Upon entry,, you are met by a 12.3”inch infotainment system that is Apple CarPlayCarplay and Android Auto ready, and albeit while you will might be somewhat dazed upon entry seeing all those dials, it is super easy to use and highly intuitive. You have memory seats, and an Infinity sound system which that gets the job done right, heated and cooled electric seats, electric seats, a double dual sunroof, and a plethora of safety aids. 

The seven7-seater we tested allowed forfeatures captain’s seats in the second row, making entry to the third bench at the rear seamless. The Palisade is also equipped with keyless entry, blind spot detection, and collision avoidance assist, fatigue detection, forward collision warning, and lane- keep assist. 

POWER FOR MORE PEOPLE

The Palisade is powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel mill that produces 142 kW and 440 Nm. While purposeful, the driveThe drive is not something really cannot be described as genuinely riveting, and the car feelsdoes feel a little bit somewhat underpowered and laden, and I think giving the impression that the engine is strainsed considering under the sheer size weight of the car. It would have been slightly better is the with a torque was at figure of around 500 Nm, such as its rival, the Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo 4×4 Sport produces. That said, tThe eight-speed automatic gearbox, however, seems to  fares quite well, there was with very little turbo lag and the timely gear changes were on time. Overall, tThe Palisade is what I would say is offers a comfortable drive, it  that would not frustrate you on as a daily driver, it is very pleasant. Hyundai claims an average fuel consumption of 8.2 l/100 km, I  although we hovered managed around 9-9.5 l/100 km during our mostly urban test drive.

LAST WORD

Ultimately, the Palisade makes a lot of sense in terms of value. Compared, for instance, to the Kia Carnival (also a seven- or eight-seater), they are both products you offer comprehensive levels of standard spec, an agreeable the price tag, and excellent what is on offer hereoverall value. 

You are bound could expect to pay 300-400k significantly more for a German equivalent, and althoughalbeit something like cars such as the BMW X7 drives betteroffers a more dynamic drive, the Palisade is just fineshouldn’t be dismissed out of hand. It is suitable It can work for the school run, work commute, and and long-distance travel, albeit off-roading might be hard with that low ground clearance. . Although the Palisade There are is equipped with different terrain modes that you can toggle between, but I think the car is not entirely built it is not intended to go off the beaten pathexplore more challenging terrain due to its lower ground clearance. Consider it It’s as more of a luxurious urban-focused MPV, and that a mandate that has been executed nicely.

Report by REBANEILWE SEMAKANE | Images © HUNTLEYTOGRAPHY