HYUNDAI TUCSON 1.6T
Turbo gives mid-sizer SUV a useful boost, but not without caveats
AS FAR AS expectations go, Hyundai’s are up there for the all-new Tucson. Chief designer SangYup Lee reckons the sharply styled Tucson can grow into an icon for the brand, much like the Golf has been for VW.
To prove this sentiment is more than just bravado, Hyundai scaled down the Santa Fe’s new N3 platform into two wheelbase options under the Tucson while devising new plug-in and series hybrid powertrains.
This has boosted the model’s eco-credentials around the world, except here. Australia’s relaxed emissions laws have dropped us down the priority list for hybrid allocation – even though we’re told the Kia Sorento lands with the hybrid powertrains soon.
At least this Tucson 1.6 T-GDi variant offers some consolation, given that its new turbocharged 1.6-litre fourcylinder engine is the beating heart of hybrid Tucson powertrains elsewhere.
The big news for this engine is Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology. This system mechanically slows or quickens the intake cam’s lobe relative to shaft speed to alter valve duration to optimise breathing depending on engine speed. The benefit is a smidge more power (up a tiny 2kW, to 132kW) and fuel consumption which, on the combined driving cycle, drops 0.5L/100km to 7.2L/100km. Helping this is the lighter kerb weight, down 33kg at 1560kg. Our test returned a 9.2L/100km, which is still lower than our long-term 2.0’s 10.4L/100km average so far.
At $43,000 before on-roads, the Tucson 1.6 is $4000 more expensive than 2.0-litre petrol FWD in mid-level Elite trim. Along with the engine, all-wheel drive, a seven-speed dualclutch transmission and larger alloys comprise the bulk of that price jump.
Meanwhile, the Elite trim includes a slew of mod-cons and safety features. These include front parking sensors with screen guidance, a smart key, digital radio, leather seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen (up from 8.0 inches).
The upgrade to the 1.6 T-GDi also introduces a by-wire gear-selector pad in place of a regular shift lever. Shift paddles hide behind a new generation steering wheel.
The T-GDi also gets a Smart drive mode, which joins Normal, Eco and
Sport. Annoyingly, none allow you to hold a gear long enough to overcome transmission mapping shortfalls.
Even though the Elite 1.6 features a wet-clutch DCT, it suffers from indecisiveness between light tip-in to mid-throttle. Here, it sometimes upshifts early to conserve fuel but then quickly downshifts after realising you want to keep with traffic.
Driveability-wise, three-point turns are also tricky, given the larger-thanaverage 11.8m turning circle.
On the move, the direct-injected 1.6-litre engine spins smoothly and is flexible with its delivery. It builds torque convincingly from down low, where Hyundai claims peak thrust arrives as early as 1500rpm. Really, though, it feels potent from 2500rpm.
All-wheel drive keeps wheelspin in check off the line. But the traction comes at a price, with the extra weight penalising the Tucson in the 80km/h to 120km/h overtaking zone, which takes 6.41sec, slightly longer than some of its turbocharged front-drive rivals, like the Honda CR-V
Dynamically, Hyundai’s decision to keep its local chassis development team away from the suspension underscores its confidence in the nameplate.
Despite the 235/60 R18 tyres rolling on their sidewalls in the midcorner phase, the front-end remains responsive, guided by steering that, while rubbery just off centre, increases in accuracy with more lock.
The damping is expertly judged, maintaining resolute body control while allowing enough travel to glide over undulations. The Elite’s big tyres can slap over sharp edges, but overall, the ride is comfortable.
Day-to-day, the Tucson’s packaging is excellent, with a spare tyre hidden under the flat-load boot floor and
60/40 split-fold rear seating that can be dropped with rear pull handles that make loading a cinch. Seat comfort and outward vision are good, too.
Although the Tucson 1.6 T-GDi needs to improve transmission response, it’s a strikingly styled medium SUV packing an impressive amount into a comfortable, refined package. However, is it a future icon? Only time will tell.