New Tucson SUV debuts
Hyundai’s bestseller has been updated for next year, writes
Hyundai’s fourth-generation of the Tucson SUV has launched in full, showing off a new design, ‘‘eco-focused’’ powertrains and new technologies.
The large SUV is the best-selling vehicle for Hyundai, in New Zealand and globally, racking up sales of more than seven million units since its debut in 2004. Hyundai revealed the new model online, showing off new looks inside and out.
The Sensuous Sportiness design has been evolved with whatHyundai is calling ‘‘parametric dynamics’’, which refers to the ‘‘kinetic jewel surface details’’ that help the Tucson stand out from the crowd. This can be seen in the half-mirror daytime running lights (DRLs) that merge with the grille.
The new Tucson will be longer and wider than previous-generation models, offering a long bonnet and short overhangs on a stretched wheelbase. From the side, angular body panels offer yet another interpretation of this parametric design with chiselled surfaces, and angular wheel arches.
The back has similar lighting cues to the front, aswell as half-hidden triangular shapes that are only visible when lit.
Inside is a new lower-mounted instrument displaywhich leads to amore minimal appearance.
The broad ridge of the dashboard blends seamlessly with the doors to wrap
around the front occupants. Hyundai says that the vertically oriented forms of the fully integrated centre fasciawas inspired by waterfalls.
Two 10.25-inch touchscreens take care of infotainment and HVAC duties. The latter now comprises a ‘‘multi-air system’’ which replaces vents with slots perforated with tiny holes. A digital gauge cluster rounds out themajor interior changes.
Power will come from a variety of petrol and diesel engines, as well as hybrid or plug-in levels of electrification.
The 1.6-litre engine produces an estimated 134kW, with a combined hybrid output of 171kW. It also produces
264Nm of torque from the petrol engine and 348Nm of torque from the combined hybrid powertrain, though this is still under consideration for New Zealand.
Hyundai New Zealand has only confirmed the upgraded Smartstream petrol and diesel engines, without going into output specifics.
Overseas, Tucson can also be had as a 2.5-litre four producing 140kW/247Nm.
Tucson will also get an NLine version this time around, but more details on that are to come.
We’ll see the first fourth-gen Tucsons land in New Zealand in the first quarter next year. Price and final specifications will be announced closer to that time.