Tucson finalist in Car of the Year contest
WORLD of Wheels has had the opportunity of spending time with Hyundai’s new diesel powered Tucson.
The test vehicle, a turbodiesel derivative, is equipped with a full range of standard features at the Elite specification level and uses a 2-litre Euro 2 CRDi engine that delivers 131kW maximum power at 4 00rpm, and 400Nm torque between 1 750 and 2 750rpm.
A six-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the front wheels.
The Tucson has been chosen as a finalist in the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) and WesBank’s Car of the Year competition – testament to the popularity and general appeal of the SUV. It is the first time that Hyundai Automotive South Africa has a finalist in the annual competition of the SAGMJ since the Hyundai i30 1.8 GLS was in contention for the 2013 South African Car of the Year contest.
In the previous year, the Hyundai Elantra was crowned as South Africa’s Car of the Year for 2012 – the first time that a Korean brand could boast this accolade.
All 10 finalists were subjected to two days of stringent evaluations at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand, Gauteng, this week.
The evaluation days offered the jury the opportunity to reacquaint themselves with the vehicles on aspects such as aesthetics, build quality, ergonomics, fuel consumption, environmental friendliness, safety features and value for money.
The jury accessed performance test data, comparative pricing and specification data, as well as comparative parts pricing data.
Originally launched in 2005, the first-generation Hyundai Tucson caught the attention of South Africa SUV buyers and became a firm top-seller in the segment for several years before it was followed by its successor, the ix35, in 2009. The ix35, which was a Car of the Year finalist in 2010, also reigned as top-seller in the compact SUV segment for many months.
The Coty winner will be announced at a glittering function on March 15.