Hyundai Tucson a memorable crossover
HYUNDAI HAS CRAFTED A SPECIAL MACHINE
Some vehicles leave an impression that can’t be forgotten. So it can be a treat to take a second look at a ride that wowed me the first time around.
Last December, I reviewed the completely redesigned Hyundai Tucson. The 2016 version of Hyundai’s smallest crossover was a revelation. It was roomier and more powerful than its predecessor, sexy beyond words on the outside and high-class inside.
It was in name only the Tucson that Hyundai had previously built.
I wrote last year that the Tucson “just may have set a new standard for more crossovers. This is definitely my new all-time favourite Hyundai.”
That’s high praise which set a high bar for Hyundai to try to impress me a second time
A year later, my impressions of the Tucson seem to be echoed by other auto journalists, with the Tucson getting good ratings from various automotive authorities. But could it still wow me? The definitive answer is a resounding “yes.” Taking out a stunningly beautiful 2017 Caribbean Blue Tucson SE Tuesday on a crisp autumn day reminded me why I was so enthusiastic about the Tucson, which has a strong resemblance to its bigger sibling, the Santa Fe.
This week’s tester is powered by the optional turbocharged 1.6-litre, 175-horsepower inline four-cylinder engine which generates 195 ft. lbs. of torque mated to a seven-speed dualclutch transmission with paddle shifters.
The base engine is a 164 hp, 2.0-litre gasoline direct injection four-cylinder.
Driving enthusiasts will lean toward the bigger engine which produces lively acceleration and gives the Tucson a sporty demeanour while still delivering good fuel economy of 9.4 L/100 km city and 7.8 L/100 km highway or 29/34 mpg.
In my test on area highways, the Tucson pretty much nailed the Transport Canada average.
The tester has three driving modes — Sport, Econ and Normal — activated at the press of a button in front of the armrest.
These modes adjust engine settings with noticeable effect. For commuting, ECON will give owners improved fuel economy in stop-and-start driving, helping to pinch gas dollars even further.
Priced at $34,694, the tester is fully loaded with heated leather seats up front and back. It has a heated telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, dual-zone climate control, easy-to-use touchscreen display, Sirius/XM Satellite radio, a panoramic sunroof and rearview camera.
Safety features include blind spot detection, cross-traffic alert, traction control, stability control and brake assist.
The Tucson is impressively roomy for its size with rear passengers getting more than 38 inches of legroom. Three adults will fit easily on the back seat.
Cargo space behind the rear split folding bench is 31 cubic feet. With the bench folded, space increases to 62 cubes. For more cargo space, a buyer can always opt for accessory roof side rails and a top box.
Ground clearance is a decent 6.4 inches but access to the cabin will be easy for virtually anyone.
The Tucson cabin is well designed with legible instrumentation, easy-toreach controls and plenty of storage space for water bottles and other stuff. The centre console is deep and there are enough ports to power various devices.
The cabin, as I wrote last year, is hushed at highway speeds. Hyundai has done an excellent job of isolating passengers from road and wind noise.
For commuting, the Tucson is perfectly sized. While offering plenty of space for people and gear, it also fits nicely into parking spots and its fuel economy means there won’t be many visits to the gas pump.
With its 66-litre fuel tank, a driver could theoretically could travel nearly 800 kilometres before needing to fill up.
A year may have passed but my enthusiasm for this Hyundai hasn’t mellowed a bit. If anything, I’m even more smitten with it.