HYUNDAI TUCSON 1,6 T-GDI EXECUTIVE SPORT
Hyundai SA had a hunch loyal Tuscon customers might fancy something spicier...
IT was with a noted air of confidence that Hyundai South Africa recently added two bespoke Sport models to its modern Tucson line-up. A confidence borne not only of impressive local sales since introduction of its thirdgeneration Tucson range – 7 500 units have been snapped up in 13 months – but also from a comprehensive and, by all accounts, successful knowledge of what its core customers want.
How else would you explain the fact that, while other markets distinguish their sportiest Tucson derivative with larger wheels and subtle trim upgrades, Hyundai South Africa was given the green light to include a comprehensive (Korea-sourced) body kit, a locally found, bespoke 19-inch alloy wheel design and appropriately uprated exhaust system to its new Tuscon Sport models?
Feeding the large quad tailpipes is an uprated version of Hyundai’s 1,6-litre turbopetrol engine that offers a suitably racy 150 kw and 295 N.m of torque. While also offered with a dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive in the Elite model, our initial scepticism about the inclusion of a six-speed manual ‘box in this Executive package was soon doused. Offering a precise and easily modulated shift action, the short-throw workings of this transmission neatly complement the sporty character of this model.
Switchable between a normal and (heavier) sport weighting, the electrically assisted steering does feel discernibly lighter; thankfully, though, it resists the urge to tug sideways under hard acceleration considering power is sent exclusively to the front wheels in this application. Against our timing equipment, the Tucson Sport was able to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in just 8,56 seconds.
While we were pleasantly surprised by just how compliant the Tucson’s overall ride quality
Well-built cabin includes leather upholstery and satellite navigation.
Notable levels of rear-passenger comfort, especially in terms of legroom. Body kit combines with graphite 19-inch wheels to add presence. Uprated 1,6-litre turbo engine delivers 150 kw… …with a 6 500 r/min redline.
remains despite the fitment of such low-profile rubber, what we found tiresome is the corresponding drone that emanates from the larger tailpipes, particularly at cruising speeds. Admittedly, it was pleasing to witness the surprised reactions of shopping-mall bystanders to this system’s aggressive startup growl.
TEST SUMMARY
Ours is not to ask why, but rather to enjoy the fact that Hyundai SA feels there is enough in its otherwise hugely impressive new Tucson range to add such relatively over-thetop derivatives. Certainly, the doorway to such head-turning “niche” variants was opened long ago (BMW X6 M), so why shouldn’t Hyundai add its say?
The boon for Sport variants is that they build on an already hugely accomplished package. Standard specification in this Executive model remains relatively comprehensive (including sat-nav and climate control, although not keyless entry) and, despite its performance slant, the engine is impressively frugal (posting a 8,3 L/100 km fuel run), and the suspension tuning comfortable.