Hyundai Tucson is the midrange model in the extensive Korean SUV range. It’s a five seater with a shape that’s part SUV and a bit station wagon. It stands tall and proud and is selling well in Australia.
The SUV class is thriving in Australia, indeed in many markets worldwide including Europe. Australian models get special changes to suit our local market and we’ve just spent a pleasant week driving the Tucson around our local area on the Gold Coast, as well as to Brisbane and back.
STYLING
Tucson has a large, bold front with a honeycomb grille that suits the shape nicely. It recently received a new rear bumper and redesigned tailgate that’s rounded to give it a more complete modern look.
INTERIOR
The inside is spacious with a good centre console and plenty of stowage space. The trim has an upmarket look and feel, with quality leather that’s set of by stitching that almost looks it’s hand done in the manner of very expensive European British machines.
The boot has a good shape with a flat floor and a wide opening opening that can accept large baulky items with ease.
It has a capacity of 1487 litres with the rear seats that fold almost flat.
INFOTAINMENT
The tablet-like infotainment touchscreen now sits at the top of the dash, it was previously lower down within the dash.
It is easy to see with a quick movement of the eyes and the screen itself has good resolution and seems to escape the glare of the sun.
We like that the climate control dials are separate from the infotainment system which means they are easy to change on the run.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Three engines and four transmissions are offered across the Tucson range, but not every option is offered in each model. Our test Hyundai Tucson Elite had a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
This unit produces 122kW of power at 6200rpm and 205Nm of torque at 4000rpm.
SAFETY
All models have a camera-based forward collision-avoidance assist city/urban system with forward collision warning for automatic versions of the range-opening Active variant, and for Tucson Active X variants, as part of the Hyundai SmartSense advanced safety suite.
The Tucson Elite and Highlander feature a camera and radar-based City/Urban/ Interurban FCA system with pedestrian detection function.
At speeds above 60 km/h and below 180 km/h, Driver Attention Warning (DAW) uses the windshield-mounted camera to continually monitor the vehicle’s position within the lane, whilst also tracking steering inputs, brake pedal inputs, as well as time since last break.
Should the system detect careless driving (such as sudden steering/braking inputs and/or inability to keep within lane), the ‘Attention Level’ display on the cluster will continually decrease. Should the level decrease to a certain threshold, the DAW system will recommend that the driver take a break.
DRIVING
The seats offer width for shoulders and are long enough under the thigh to be comfortable while the shaped cushions give good support in all the right areas.
There is good room in the back and only very tall drivers are likely to cause hassles for equality large people behind them. You can carry three teenagers or two bigger adults in comfort. The outboard rear seats have IsoFix points and there are three top tethers for kids’ car seats.
The 2.0-litre petrol engine has enough power, but only just in the eyes of some. It accelerates well enough but keen drivers may feel it’s a bit sluggish. it’s not the best for getting up steep hills. Test for yourself before opting for it. You may feel the 1.6-litre turbo or the 2.0-litre diesel is a better bet.
The automatic communicates well with the engine and generally changes to the correct gear for the situation at just the right time. There are no paddles on the steering wheel so you have to use the floor mounted lever.
Obviously, this is not a car to fang around corners or push through at speed but it is had Australian testing and modifications that will please local drivers. It’s nicely balanced despite its height, will change direction without fuss and will get you and your family to your destination without scaring anyone.
Hyundai offers a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty which is good given the company’s excellent reputation for customer service but not as far in front of the field as it once was.
SUMMING UP
Korean car makers continue to improve in leaps and bounds in styling, ergonomics, handling and build quality, the Hyundai Tucson is certainly one to put on your list for consideration in this crowed field.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Active 2.0-litre petrol 2WD: $29,640 (manual), $32,140 (automatic)
Active X 2.0-litre petrol 2WD: $32,640 (manual), $35,090 (automatic)
Elite 2.0-litre petrol 2WD: $38,200 (automatic)
Elite 1.6-litre turbo-diesel AWD: $41,200 (automatic)
Highlander 1.6-litre turbo-diesel AWD: $46,850 (automatic)
Active 2.0-litre petrol AWD: $37,440 (automatic)
Active X2.0-litre petrol AWD: $40,440 (automatic)
Elite 2.0-litre petrol AWD: $43,500 (automatic)
Highlander 2.0-litre petrol AWD: $49,150 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Hyundai Tucson 2.0-litre petrol 2WD five-door wagon)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.999 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 122 kW @ 6200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 205 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Type: Standard unleaded
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 185 g/km
DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4477 mm
Wheelbase: 2670 mm
Width: 1850 mm
Height: 1655 mm
Turning Circle: 10.6 metres
Kerb Mass: 1584 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 62 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
