The Sports Utility Vehicle that has put Hyundai firmly on the map in South Africa and elevated it to the number four position among automotive brands in the country has been launched with an all-new design, inside and out, and it is proudly wearing the Tucson badge again.
The all-new Hyundai Tucson is introduced in five derivatives, ranging from the entry-level Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Premium with a either a manual 6-speed gearbox or automatic 6-speed transmission, to the range-topping Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Elite derivative with the 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (7DCT) and All-Wheel Drive.
In between lies the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Elite, also with the 2-litre petrol engine and automatic 6-speed transmission, but with a high level of standard features. One step down in terms of standard features is the Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Executive, also with the new turbocharged 1,6-litre petrol engine, but with a manual 6-speed gearbox. The Executive offers a level of comfort and standard features that fits in between the Premium and Elite offerings.
The front of the All-New Tucson is dominated by the hexagonal grille, which connects with the LED headlamps to create a distinctive identity. A wing-shaped horizontal bar at the front bumper, which incorporates the LED daytime running lights, gives the car a unique style and provides a visual reference for the car’s wide track.
At the rear, the All-New Tucson’s personality is reinforced by strong horizontal lines flowing from the wheel arches. The combination lamps and reflectors are stretched to the body edges to further underline the bold proportions, with the rear skid plate and twin exhaust adding a sporty touch.
The All-New Tucson is offered with a range of ten exterior colours, comprising one solid, four metallic and five pearl colours.
Inside, new soft-touch, high-quality materials are introduced across the cabin surfaces, creating a refined cabin ambience
With all seats upright, the roomy luggage area is 1 030 mm wide, 889 mm deep and 806 mm tall, delivering up to a substantial 513 litres of capacity. This increases to a maximum of 1 503 litres with the rear seats folded. Practicality is boosted by a lower trunk-sill height, two-level trunk floor and a stowable cargo cover.
The interior has been ergonomically designed to enable intuitive operation. The instrument cluster has been positioned towards the windscreen for excellent visibility and minimum distraction.
The centre console of the all-new Tucson has been redesigned and features a sound system with Bluetooth connectivity than enables music to be streamed from a smartphone or iPod, and connecting with a cell phone with the added comfort and safety feature of steering wheel operating buttons.
The Elite models are fitted with a large display screen for the new-generation navigation system,
A navigation system, available as a N$15 000 option in all the derivatives, can suggest the routes not only on the trip distance, but also on the time needed to get to the final destination.
Using radar technology, the Blind Spot Detector (BSD) with Lane Change Assist monitors the rear corners and, if another vehicle is detected, a visual alert appears on the exterior mirrors. If the driver then activates the indicators an audible signal is emitted.
One of the outstanding features of the All-new Hyundai Tucson range is the turbocharged 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol engine. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivers maximum power of 130 kW at 5 5 00 rpm, and its torque delivery peaks at 265 Nm from 1 500 to 4 500 rpm. The engine is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox or the new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), which gives a choice of fully automatic operation or manual gear changes.
The Premium derivatives in the all-new Hyundai Tucson range come with a 2-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 115 kW maximum power at 6 200 rpm, and maximum torque of 196 Nm at 4 000 rpm.
Fuel consumption of 8,9 litres per 100 km in a combined test cycle has been recorded for the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Premium with the 6-speed manual gearbox, and 8,5 litres per 100 km for the Elite version with All-Wheel Drive and the 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission. Further a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) is available for the first time in the Hyundai SUV line-up.
In the range-topping Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Elite, the 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol engine is mated to a four-wheel drive (4WD) system, which keeps the highest traction on rough, loose or slippery surfaces while enhancing cornering performance.
Price starts at N$359 900 for the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Premium manual , while the automatic model is priced at N$379 900. The Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Elite automatic costs N$ 439 900, the Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Executive manual is priced at N$419 900, while the top of the range Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Elite DCT AWD cost N$499 900.