By H&H Admin

Hyundai’s all-new, fourth-generation Tucson SUV has arrived in the local market with a revolutionary and ambitious new look that follows the company’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity, and larger dimensions to offer a spacious, luxurious interior and a superior drive.

Since its first launch 16 years ago, the Tucson has become Hyundai’s best-selling SUV with 7 million sales globally. In South Africa, the 1st-generation Tucson was one of the models that placed the Hyundai brand squarely on the map. Its popularity continued, because 15 346 units of the previous, 3rd-generation Tucson were sold locally.

Design

The all-new Tucson features a bigger and wider body than its predecessor and has a muscular stance combined with sharp angles and dynamic proportions. It is the first Hyundai SUV to be developed according to the company’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity.

The most prominent highlight is the vehicle’s front grille, where Parametric Hidden Lights provide a strong first impression. When the lights are off, the front of the vehicle appears covered in dark, geometric patterns, with no distinction between the signature LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), which are seamlessly integrated into the grille.

Thanks to new half-mirror lighting technology, when the DRLs are switched on, the dark chrome appearance of the grille transforms into jewel-like shapes, bringing an eye-catching element to an otherwise sleek appearance.

To the rear, wide tail lamps with parametric hidden light details continue the design theme. The new Tucson’s rear bumper integrates parametric pattern detail with a three-dimensional effect, coupled with a sporty trim. It is the first Hyundai model to apply a hidden rear wiper, which sits under the spoiler.

Inside, a new Audiovisual Navigation (AVN) touch screen fills the centre of the vehicle. Hyundai’s designers dispensed with physical knobs and buttons, so all AVN, heat, ventilation and air conditioning functions are controlled via touch, making it the first Hyundai model to feature a full touchscreen console. 

The Premium derivative features a cloth seat covering, while the Executive and Elite variants have artificial leather seats.

Customers can choose from seven exterior colours, Shimmering Silver, Silky Bronze, Phantom Black, White Cream, Crimson Red and Deep Sea.

Comfort and convenience

The all-new Tucson is equipped with a range of comfort features, including Multi-Air Mode, three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, and ventilated front seats for the Executive and Elite derivatives.  Other features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a premium sound system, a wireless charging pad in the centre console, and front and rear USB ports.

The Elite variants are equipped with a panoramic glass sun roof.

Safety

The new Tucson is fitted with a six-airbag system: front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and curtain airbags which also offers protection for rear occupants. The outer seats on the rear bench have ISOFIX latching points for fitment of child protection seats.

The latest Tucson is also equipped with the latest Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance features which include:

In the Executive derivative:

• Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW)
• Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCA)

In the Elite derivatives:

• Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Follow Assist (LFA)
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
• Rear Cross-traffic Collision Assist (RCCA)
• Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCA)
• Fatigue Detection/Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)

Powertrains

Two 4-cylinder engines – a naturally aspirated 2-litre petrol and a 2-litre turbodiesel – are used as powerplants for the new Tucson in South Africa.

The Smartstream G 2.0 MPI petrol engine, linked to 6-speed automatic transmission, does duty in the Premium, Executive and one of the Elite variants, while the Smartstream D 2.0 turbocharged diesel engine, coupled with an 8-speed transmission, is used in the other Elite derivative.

The 2-litre petrol engine delivers 115 kW peak power at 6 200 r/min and 192 Nm peak torque at 4 500 r/min. The turbodiesel boasts 137 kW peak power at 4 000 r/min and 416 Nm maximum torque between 2 000 and 2750 r/min.

All four variants feature four drive modes – Eco, Smart, Normal and Sport.

The Smart driving mode offers a blend of economical driving, switching to Sport mode when the system senses the driver’s urgency.

Pricing

The suggested retail prices of the variants in the new Tucson range are: 

All new Hyundai Tucsons are sold with a 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 6-year/90 000 km service plan and roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km.