What’s new on the Hyundai Tucson
Even though Hyundai’s Tucson SUV has been on the market for months now, its initial impression hasn’t diminished. These days, there are countless medium-sized family SUVs on the market, but this one sticks out. Whether you like the way its Parametric Hidden Lights appear or not, the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga, and VW Tiguan have no doubt caught your notice. However, striking aesthetics are only one component of the whole. The efforts of whoever daring designer looked at a drinks crate with a twinkle in their eye will be for naught if it can’t support the aesthetics by performing where it counts.
It is obvious that Hyundai has embraced a whole new design philosophy. The days of a Tucson or a Creta having an unremarkable façade that was simple to live with but didn’t merit a second glance on the driveway before you entered the house are long gone. But things are different now. The redesigned cascading grille with integrated LEDs and numerous creases and zigzag lines make the 2017 Tucson a standout vehicle. It’s the most unique SUV you’ll find in the class, and because it’s built on the shorter Santa Fe chassis than the model it replaces, it’s actually a larger vehicle.
It is 150 mm longer in length and has an 85 mm longer wheelbase. The model’s height and breadth haven’t changed much, but the ground clearance has increased by 9 mm. Although the roofline appears to slope very steeply towards the tailgate, the load-bay capacity has increased by 51 liters to 539 liters, making the newcomer more practical than the 3rd-generation Tucson in every measurable aspect.
Tucson’s engine lineup has undergone a slight improvement to increase economy and offer more usable power, but as of March 2021, there are only two options available: a 2.0-liter normally aspirated gasoline engine and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel. Word is Hyundai will consider expanding the lineup to include a 1.6-turbo petrol in the future, providing that doing so wouldn’t drive up the price of the derivative(s). Hyundai has seized the chance presented by the launch of a new platform to increase the body’s stiffness and add more sound-damping techniques, both of which lessen noise, vibration, and harshness.
Hyundai’s found its Mojo
At least it appears to be Hyundai at its most assertive and self-assured, with excellent uniformity throughout the entire range. The Tucson name debuted in 2004 on a quirky-looking car that prioritized value over all other considerations. The two generations that came after, one of which was known as the ix35 in the UK, abandoned any visual interest in order to imitate competitors’ neat dynamics and interior quality. With those now nailed by Hyundai, engaging style is once again on the menu.
Hyundai claims that traditional sketching wasn’t used to build the Tucson but “through geometric algorithms produced by cutting-edge digital technology”. They are imagining a computerized version of the Spirograph kits we used to play with as children. What it has produced is rather distinctive, with the wheelarches appearing as if one had stared at a Lamborghini Countach poster before having a cheese dream. The headlights, DRL, and indicators are concealed under tiny lozenges in the grille and only illuminate when they are turned on.
What else has Tucson got going for it?
The mid-size segment, where the Hyundai Tucson competes, is highly competitive because SUVs currently rule the automotive world. Hyundai could have employed a number of different tactics to stand out from the competition, but in this instance, they’ve pushed through with outstanding design at least as a start. Whatever you want to say, the new Tucson is audacious and brave and won’t suffer the misery of being overlooked. Hyundai refers to it as “Sensuous Sportiness” in an effort to reimagine what the family car means. The fact is that it’s very similar to marketing attire.
It has blatantly grown in size. There is a strong feeling of shape and triangle themes everywhere you look. everything from the front Paremetric Jewel Hidden Light design to the C-pillar finish and rear light cluster design. It’s strong and audacious, and to be honest, it might not be for everyone. It has a distinctive identity that will, at the very least, get your attention. Do you recall how the Tucson from the previous generation was followed by the iX35 design? Similar to that, but in a much more intensely competitive environment now.A variety of powertrains, many of which strongly emphasize electrification, and a tech-packed interior, which can’t help but feel a bit conventional when it’s coated in such wild wrapping, support the radical style.
Every engine is a variant of the same 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. The entry-level vehicle has a front-wheel drive manual transmission, 148 horsepower, and no electrical assistance. The next two vehicles are moderate hybrids with 148 or 178 horsepower. While the latter is an automatic-only vehicle with the option of AWD, the former is only available in manual or automatic. A complete hybrid combines the same 1.6-liter turbo engine with a 44.2kW (59bhp) electric motor for a combined 227bhp and the plug-in hybrid version at the top of the tree boasts 261bhp and around 30 miles of electric range.
Layout, finish, and space
And it’s Tucson’s first significant victory. It is a mid-size family vehicle done right. Once inside, you’ll notice that Hyundai has provided a fairly substantial amount of features and technology. The Hyundai 10.25″ digital driver’s display, an 8″ infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated seats, and a wireless phone charging cradle are all standard on this Elite. There are many front electric-adjustable faux leather seats. Although the cabin is very impressive, I do wonder why other markets don’t provide us with push-button shift-by-wire and more advanced infotainment systems.
Moving past the front of the cabin, I was most delighted with the back. The head, shoulder, and knee space is quite outstanding in this room. In contrast to so many C-SUV options, where design and packaging compromise back seat capacity, this is a real triumph. The quoted 536-liter cargo capacity is good for the segment but not as good as some, and with the 40/20/40 folding seats, practicality has been carefully considered.
What is it like on the road?
The Tucson 2.0 Diesel Elite is the range’s lone diesel model and its performance flagship. Even while other manufacturers avoid using diesel, Tucson’s potent 2.0 turbodiesel excels in this situation. With 416Nm of torque coming in at 2,000 rpm, it has plenty of power and makes passing or closing gaps very simple. Due to the power delivery, it occasionally torque steer depending on the steering angle and surface. But despite its limitless power, the engine nevertheless demonstrates incredible thrift. Our fuel consumption after 710km of driving, most of which was in an urban setting, was precisely on the reported fuel figures from Hyundai of 7,4l/100km – and this is no little car.
The Hyundai Tucson drives as smoothly and uncomplicatedly as a front-wheel-driven SUV this size should. It rides with a compliant balance and is comfortable even on those stylish 19″ wheels, and the available power adds to the excitement. Some of its dynamism and handling prowess are where it falls short of its rivals. The Tucson is a front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle, which has drawbacks compared to some C-SUVs that provide all-wheel drive as an available choice. Its 8-speed transmission is also occasionally too sluggish, making it less supple and elegant than it could be. Of course, it’s a significant improvement over prior Tucsons, but whatever the driving mode you select, the transmission occasionally becomes noticeable, especially in traffic.
The new Tucson definitely has a stiffer ride than the outgoing model, and it corners with much less body roll. Given that the steering wheel on the previous model was particularly ambiguous and gave the impression that the car handled floatier than it actually did, the steering is much better balanced and provides more input, which is noteworthy. The ride may be a little too stiff for the typical family car buyer on bumpier sections of road, but the Tucson feels planted on dirt roads since it tends to settle well on washboard gravel.
Running costs and reliability
Some people are shocked by this Elite’s pricing. Tucson can cost as much as R700k, which may seem expensive given their segment and the amount of equipment, originality, and technology they offer. However, these prices are reasonable. The cost of a VW Tiguan is higher. Pricing has been carefully examined, however, the Toyota RAV4 has better specs and costs more. Despite this, the Hyundai nevertheless offers a solid warranty package and enough uniqueness to merit consideration in all respects. There are also less powerful and feature-rich Tucson models that are less expensive. A 6-year/90,000-mile service plan and a 7-year/200, 000-mile warranty are included with every Hyundai Tucson variant.
Is the Hyundai Tucson a good family SUV?
In addition to having more storage capacity, the new Tucson has improved rear legroom due to its lengthened wheelbase, allowing most of the passengers in the back to spread out and unwind. The Tucson’s rear seats can fold flat in a 60/40 split and include ISOfix child-seat anchor points. When we complete our comprehensive review, we’ll evaluate Tucson’s utility area, which we anticipate to be sizable.
An 8-inch infotainment system and a wireless charger are included in every derivative’s basic connectivity specification, which is quite good. Along with heated front seats, the list of standard equipment also includes compatibility with Android Auto and Apple Carplay (the Elite versions also feature a cooling function). There are two USB ports up front, while the back passengers have access to charging ports.
ALSO READ:What is the cheapest car in South Africa
