Sharp Hyundai hybrid

Hyundai shows its committed to being green, writes Dean Taylor

It was two years ago we introduced Driven readers to Rosetown Motor Group, the rebranded dealership with new franchises following the demise of Holden.

In our first reviews of Hyundai models we featured the Venue and Kona — the smaller SUV offerings in the range.

A month later I was in a Tucson Series II 2WD Elite. It was one of the best selling models and one of the best selling mid-sized SUVs.

The Tucson wasn’t bland — but it wasn’t earth-shattering.

But in May last year we got a glimpse of Hyundai’s future. Pictures and information were revealed on two significant models — the cutting edge all electric Ioniq 5 and the revolutionary restyled Tucson.

Both looked fabulous and both were about to hit our shores.

The new Tucson was bigger and wider, with a long hood and short overhangs on a stretched wheelbase, giving it a coupe´ -like styling. It featured Hyundai’s new signature headlamp styling and a high-tech dual cockpit layout.

It was sharp and modern — and as well as petrol and diesel powertrains, hybrid and electric were on the way.

We finally saw the new Tucson in the flesh in August last year, testing a 2 litre, 2WD Active, and in March this year the more upmarket AWD Limited with diesel power and torque. There wasn’t anything not to like.

But Hyundai has shown it is committed to choice, and to being green, so now the promised Hybrid model has landed, in four variants, and a plug-in version is imminent.

I drove the 2WD Elite Hybrid. All are powered by Hyundai’s lovely 1.6l turbo petrol engine through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The engine develops 132kW or power and 265Nm of torque. Add in a 44.2kW battery and hybrid system and total power is 169kW with 350Nm of torque.

That is a serious amount of go when needed, but crucially the fuel use shrinks to an official figure of just under 5l/100km and CO2 emissions of 111g/km.

The Hybrid retains all the drivability of other models — the hybrid system is seamless.

The Tucson has all the safety tech expected in a modern car, with full connectivity and driver aids and interaction.

On top of it all you are in one of the most futuristic and most recognisable SUVs on the market, with the peace of mind of comprehensive mechanical, battery and body warranties from Hyundai.