Two of Hyundai’s top-selling models in southern Africa, the Tucson and Creta sports utility vehicles (SUVs), are now available locally with fresh new design features and new gearboxes and a few derivative changes for the Tucson range.
Hyundai’s Tucson, which has been a top-contender in its market segment since the launch of the first generation in 2009, has been given a new front and rear appearance with the addition of the Hyundai signature cascading grille, along with a new design headlight, fog lamp, front bumper and skid plate.
The Tucson’s interior is also new, sporting a redesigned dashboard with a floating 7-inch screen for its infotainment system that offers features such as Apple’s CarPlay.
Two new derivatives were introduced in the revised in the Tucson range, and a new 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission and 8-speed automatic transmission form part of the changes in the Tucson line-up. The entry level Tuscon retails locally for about N$410 000 while the top of the range Elite automatic sells for approximately N$578 000.
Its SUV sibling, the Creta, which has registered more than 8 000 unit sales since its launch in 2017, also received an exterior makeover that comprises a new Hyundai trademark cascade grille with a chrome bezel; a new front bumper with dual-tone finish and skid plates; new fog lamps and LED Daylight Running Lights; and a new set of roof rails with a lower profile.
The rear profile of the Creta has also been revised with slightly tweaked tail-lamps with LED inserts, repositioned reflectors and a new rear skid plate. As with the Tucson, the Creta sports a new alloy wheel design. The three available Creta models retail for N$358 000, N$379 000 and N$419 000.
The Tucson’s sporty exterior design is achieved by the cascading grille and the refined new light signature with full LED headlights, which give the car a high-tech image. An uplifted front bumper, refined skid plate complement the Tucson’s exterior appearance.
At the rear, the Tucson was also given a new rear taillight design, with a redesigned bumper and exhaust tailpipe to finish the picture. Its side profile features a new 19” wheel design for the flagship 1.6 TGDI Elite derivative.
Tucson’s completely new upper dashboard features high-quality soft touch material with a double stitching line for a more high-quality feeling in the interior. The focal point of the centre console is the floating audio system screen, which has an ergonomic position to allow drivers to stay focused on the road. The infotainment system in the Tucson offers a satellite navigation function when used with one’s Apple cell phone and CarPlay.
The new Tucson range features seven derivatives, with a choice between three engines; a naturally aspirated 2-litre petrol engine; a turbocharged 1,6-litre petrol engine; and a 2-litre turbocharged diesel, and three specification levels. All derivatives all front-wheel driven.
Hyundai Automotive SA has kept the same derivative line-up, engine and gearbox choices, and specification configuration for the Creta range. All three Creta derivatives are sold with the Executive level of standard features, which includes leather seats, leather-cladding for the steering wheel, multi-function remote controls for the Bluetooth telephone, sound and radio system, and an 8-inch touch-screen display for the infotainment system.
The infotainment system in the Creta also offers an optional satellite navigation feature, which has to be activated with a SD card at an extra cost.
Convenience features in the Creta include air vents for the rear passengers, a rear armrest with cup holders, cruise control and rear park assist sensors and camera that displays its images on the screen of the infotainment system.
The three engine/gearbox combinations used in the Creta range are the Creta 1.6 Executive Manual, Creta 1.6 Executive Automatic and Creta 1.6 Executive Turbodiesel Automatic.
Apart from the Blind Spot Detection and Cross Traffic Alert (in the Executive and Elite versions), the Tucson has passive safety features such as dual front and side airbags (drive and passenger) and curtain airbags that offers protection for rear passengers as well in all derivatives. Isofix latching points for child safety seats are also fitted to all Tucson derivatives.