HYUNDAI GIVES IT A GO WITH NEW TUCSON STARTER

Hyundai Tucson 2018

To coin a phrase, it’s all systems ‘Go’ with the MY19 Hyundai Tucson adding a new eponymous entry-level variant to the company’s most popular sports utility vehicle range.

Not to be outdone by the Tucson Go, the other models – ActiveX, Elite and Highlander – have also come in for a mid-cycle makeover, which includes up-dated interior and exterior styling with new wheel designs, and tablet-style multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the range.

And, as is the case with most Hyundai models, the Tucson ride and handling have also had the benefit of the ‘magic touch’ from Australian suspension and steering engineers.

On test was the new entry-level Tucson, a Go 2.0 GDi 2WD six-speed automatic, priced at $30,650, plus on-road costs, with SmartSense pack ($2200).

STYLING
Not much to see here: The hallmark Hyundai cascading grille has been redesigned, together with headlamps and daytime running lights.

In profile, meaty wheel arches tie this frontal treatment in with a pleasing new rear, featuring sharper tailgate lines and refined new taillight layout.

Tucson Go features 17-inch steel wheels with five-spoke wheel covers and a matching full-size spare wheel.

Hyundai Tucson 2018

INTERIOR
Inside, Tucson Go features a new floating tablet-style multimedia system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, bringing it in line with the whole Hyundai SUV range.

Sitting on top of a redesigned upper dashboard, incorporating quality materials, it brings a new classy touch to the cabin.

INFOTAINMENT
Tucson Go features a 7-inch colour LCD touchscreen that allows a wide viewing angle. In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system offers Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and AUX and USB inputs with iPod compatibility.

Absent in the Go is an inbuilt satellite navigation facility. This is in the realm of the Active X, Elite and Highlander and features an 8-inch satellite navigation system with SUNA live traffic updates and a 10-year Sat-Nav Update Plan.

The screen features a smartphone-inspired display extending beyond the viewable area to emphasise its size and clarity. The satellite navigation system also brings DAB+ radio compatibility (in addition to conventional AM / FM radio), which offers a larger choice of stations, clearer reception and superior sound quality.

Hyundai Tucson 2018

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The 2.0-litre gasoline direct injection (GDi) engine, putting out 122 kW of power and 205 Nm of torque, is available in Tucson Go and Active X mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

The 2.0 GDi engine is also available in Tucson Elite teamed with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.

SAFETY
The introduction of a SmartSense safety option pack on the entry-level Go and Active X models makes advanced safety accessible on every Tucson grade.

The SmartSense pack, available in automatic models for $2200, brings forward collision avoidance assist, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, lane keeping assist and driver attention warning systems among the safety and convenience features.

DRIVING
Input by Hyundai’s Australian chassis, suspension and steering engineers has made for an easy-going character to the MY19 Tucson, even on some of the worst road surfaces around.

The 2.0-litre engine of the Go is well matched with the six-speed automatic transmission, while performance and fuel economy are adjustable through a drive select system.

Eco mode really is ‘granny’ gearing with the Tucson a trifle tardy off the mark. Up to speed, it’s passable for town work, with a non-too-economical fuel consumption claim of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres being only a minor consolation.

Naturally, ‘Sport’ is a different story, with the free-spinning motor feeding up to 122 kW of power to the slick shifting six-speed transmission giving a lively ‘step’ to the Tucson.

A new LED headlight unit offers increased visibility through crisp white lighting on low and high beam, as well as improved durability, with the maker claiming an estimated lifespan four times greater than that of conventional halogen lights.

SUMMARY
The addition of the Go entry-level variant to the Tucson range can only add a further advantage to a class-leading SUV. The SmartSense safety pack is a $2200 no-brainer.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL LINE-UP
Tucson Go 2.0 GDi 2WD: $28,150 (manual), $30,650 (automatic)
Tucson ActiveX 2.0 2WD GDi: $31,350 (manual), $33,850 (automatic)
Tucson Elite GDi 2WD: $37,850 (automatic)
Tucson Elite 1.6 TDGI AWD: $40,850 (automatic)
Tucson Highlander 1.6 TDGI AWD: $46,500 (automatic)
Tucson Go 2.0 CRDi AWD: $35,950 (automatic)
Tucson ActiveX 2.0 CRDi AWD: $39,150 (automatic)
Tucson Elite 2.0 CRDi AWD: $43,150 (automatic)
Tucson Highlander 2.0 CRDi AWD: $48,800 (automatic)
SmartSense pack Go and ActiveX (auto only): $2200
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Hyundai Tucson Go 2.0 GDi 2WD five-door wagon)

ENGINE:
Capacity: 3.342 litres
Configuration: V6
Maximum Power: 122 kW @ 6200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 205 Nm @ 4700 rpm
Fuel Type: Petrol 91 RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.9 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 182 g/km

DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4475 mm
Wheelbase: 2670 mm
Width: 1850 mm
Height: 1655 mm
Turning Circle: 10.6 metres
Kerb weight: 1584 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 62 litres

BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres

About Derek Ogden

On graduating with an honours degree in applied science in London, Derek Ogden worked for the BBC in local radio and several British newspapers as a production journalist and writer. Derek moved to Australia in 1975 and worked as a sub-editor with The Courier Mail and Sunday Mail in Brisbane, moving to the Gold Coast Bulletin in 1980 where he continued as a production journalist. He was the paper's motoring editor for more than 20 years, taking the weekly section from a few pages at the back of the book to a full-colour liftout of up to 36 pages. He left the publication in 2009.
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