Hyundai will make a bold addition to its line-up of popular SUV models with the introduction of the all-new Palisade to Middle East and Africa markets. Longer, wider and taller than the ever-popular Santa Fe, the new mid-size Palisade rides on an all-new SUV chassis with exceptional second- and third-row roominess. It offers eight seats, along with a generous cargo area and reconfiguration flexibility. All of this is offered as part of a superbly stylish package. The new model features exterior design and an interior finish worthy of a premium SUV, with new levels of all-road, all-weather capability, technology, safety, roominess and efficiency. "The all-new Hyundai Palisade is the ultimate family vehicle – stylish and practical, with engineering that shows attention to the comfort and safety of every occupant," said Mike Song, Hyundai's Head of Operations for the Middle East and Africa. "It is an important addition to our range of class-leading SUVs, one step up in vehicle size compared with our existing models, offering consumers a very competitive new choice in a key segment across much of our region." Palisade's styling conveys dignity with an understated elegance worthy of a premium SUV. From the front, a dominant cascading grille is framed by composite headlamps and a vertically connected lighting signature. A powerful, extended hood profile creates an impressive road presence, complemented by bold C-pillars and a panoramic glass side to convey spaciousness. Full volume over-fenders and body sides offer muscular detailing, and the rear emphasizes a wide and stable stance. The interior combines a sense of relaxation and comfort, creating a serene environment for family adventures, and a spacious, comfortable ambience. Emphasis is placed on features that will be highly valued by large families, including power third-row seats that fold and unfold at the touch of a button, seven USB outlets with connections for every seating row, and 16 cup holders. The audio system includes a Driver Talk intercom function, so the driver can speak quietly to passengers in the rear rows, and a Rear Sleep Mode that switches off the rear speakers while driver and front passenger can continue listening to the audio. For cool AC, Palisade also features an industry-first, innovative new roof vent diffuser design that offers a high degree of flexibility in directing air from the climate control to the rear passengers. The audio and navigation display is a generous 10.25 inch touchscreen in widescreen format, coupled with a 12.3-inch fully digital TFT center instrument cluster. Two Bluetooth devices can be connected simultaneously, infotainment systems integrate with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and there is a wireless charging pad for compatible devices. Other innovations include a shift-by-wire push-button control to replace a traditional gear-stick, freeing up space on the center console. An available Head-Up Display (HUD) projects a virtual image onto the windshield, putting essential driving information – such as speed and navigation – in the driver's line of sight without looking away from the road. "Hyundai continues to deploy technology to improve the driver and passenger experience," said Mike Song. "Palisade features a range of innovations that will make driving more relaxing and less stressful, and ensure that every passenger will have a pleasant and enjoyable journey." Occupant protection is enhanced by Palisade's very rigid structure, including underbody and side structures designed to better disperse energy in the event of a collision. Palisade has seven standard airbags: dual front, dual side, driver's knee, and roll-over-sensing side curtain airbags. In addition, a number of advanced safety technologies are fitted, including driver-assistance features as part of Hyundai SmartSense. Features available with SmartSense include: • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection • Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist • Blind-Spot View Monitor • Lane-Following Assist • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist • Safe Exit Assist • Rear Occupant Alert • High Beam Assist • Driver Attention Warning • Smart Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go. Palisade will be built with three different engines. The most powerful is an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-liter petrol V6, dual CVVT, direct-injected engine, delivering 295 PS. It is also offered with 3.5-liter MPI V6 delivering 277 PS, and 2.2-liter diesel with 200 PS. All models deliver power to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with a multi-plate torque converter, and Palisade offers both two-wheel drive and HTRAC® four-wheel drive configurations. Driver-selected modes instantly customize the power distribution for a range of driving styles and conditions, and there are off-road settings for Sand, Mud and Snow, as well as Downhill Brake Control for steep descents. The all-new Hyundai Palisade will be available in showrooms this summer. — SG
