Bigger, better Tucson is back

The Hyundai Tucson was a popular model in the early days of SUVS – and now it’s back, but bigger and better. John Oxley reports.

The Hyundai Tucson has always been a stalwart in the compact SUV segment, but now it’s had a coming of age, grown considerably, gained a whole lot of safety and convenience kit, and been promoted to the medium SUV sector, where it’s a worthy competitor. The new Tucson comes to New Zealand in three trim levels, with a choice of three engines and two transmissions. There are two petrol and one diesel engine in the Tucson range, led off by a 2-litre four-cylinder GDI engine which produces 121kw of power and 203Nm of torque and is available with either a sixspeed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. The only diesel is a 2-litre fourcylinder with 136kw /400Nm, and only available with six-speed automatic. However, our test car was the topof-the-range Elite Limited, which comes complete with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo engine that produces 130kw of power and 265Nm of torque and is only available with Hyundai’s new seven-speed dual clutch transmission, driving through all four wheels. There’s also an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that incorporates SUNA satellite navigation, but interestingly, the Elite Limited doesn’t get the Apple Carplay and Android Auto which is available with other models in the range. However satnav system is standard, using the Here mapping system. But The Elite Limited coming absolutely loaded with the likes of lane keep assist and departure warning, autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind spot detection, lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert. And it doesn’t stop there, with a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, leather seat trim, electric seats with lumbar support adjustment for the driver, privacy glass, leather-rimmed steering wheel with satellite controls and a heated rim, power windows and mirrors (heated), front fog lights, auto levelling LED headlights and LED taillights, roof rails, and front and rear mud flaps! Other features include hill start assist (a must with a dual clutch transmission) and downhill brake control, as well as an electronic parking brake, a rear camera and parking sensors, and cruise control. Of particular interest in this segment is that it’s also fitted with an electricallyoperated tailgate which automatically senses when you’re at the rear of the vehicle with the key in your pocket, and automatically opens the door. There’s also dual zone climate aircon and a trip computer, as well as full Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming. A luggage net is provided, and the rear seats are split 60/40, with a centre armrest installed, and two-stage recline. The first impression of the Tucson is that it’s grown somewhat over the outgoing ix35; it’s also become a lot tougherlooking and more modern, and you could be forgiven for mistaking it for a new Santa Fe at quick glance. It’s a bit of a climb up into the Tucson’s driving seat, after you’ve opened the door via the smart key, and there’s pushbutton starting. The driving position is comfortable, and vision is generally good, with all that smart technology ensuring you don’t make any unsmart moves. The Tucson has superb ride on all surfaces, with good handling, and there’s a drive mode selector which allows you to choose between normal, eco and sport; it effectively adjusts gear change points and throttle response as well as steering feel. The system includes a driver-selectable AWD lock that allows a differentiated torque split between front and rear wheels, for off-road and extremely slippery road conditions. The system also includes Active Cornering Control, which automatically transfers torque to the wheels with the most traction. The car is a lot more spacious than its predecessor, and feels a lot more balanced on the road, with on-demand all-wheel drive adding to that feeling of safety and security. All-in-all, Hyundai has taken a much bigger step up with the Tucson than first impressions may offer, with technology levels which not long ago were the sole province of expensive premium cars. At the fully-loaded Elite Limited level it’s not cheap, but then we’re all used to paying extra for something that’s a cut above the rest!