Motoring

New Tucson boasts ‘sensuous sportiness’

Launched 16 years ago, boasting seven million unit sales, of which 15 346 units in South Africa, and claiming bragging rights as a mainstay within the Hyundai stable in SA, this new Tucson should be on your SUV shortlist.

The new Hyundai Tucson “represents a revolution”, said Hyundai.

It features a bigger and wider body than its predecessor.

It is 150mm longer, 15mm wider, and the wheelbase is 85mm longer. Prominent geometric patterns, known as “parametric jewels”, appear throughout the SUV’s design, giving it a progressive character. Parametric jewels also feature as a prominent design element on the side of the vehicle.

Interior

For the first time in a Hyundai vehicle, the all-new Tucson’s hidden-type Multi-Air Mode technology consists of a combination of direct and indirect air vents for air conditioning and heating to create a gentler air flow.

When this mode is activated, the air is dispersed to the new multi-air slots in the front, in addition to the normal air vents. The seamless integration of segment-leading technology provides all-new Tucson customers with an advanced and fully customisable digital experience.

The new Audiovisual Navigation (AVN) touchscreen fills the centre of the vehicle. Hyundai’s designers dispensed with physical knobs and buttons, so all AVN, heat, ventilation and air conditioning functions are controlled via touch, making it the first Hyundai model to feature a full touchscreen console.

Comfort and convenience

The all-new Tucson is equipped with a range of comfort features, including Multi-Air Mode, three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, and ventilated front seats for the Executive and Elite derivatives.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto cellphone connectivity, a standard feature across the range, allows customers to mirror the functionality of their Apple and Android smartphones in a simplified and convenient manner.

This feature is available wirelessly with the eight-inch Display Audio. Other infotainment and connectivity features on the all-new Tucson include a premium sound system for an enhanced listening experience, a wireless charging pad in the centre console, and front and rear USB ports for even more convenience, particularly on long journeys.

Safety

The new Tucson is fitted with a six-airbag system: front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and curtain airbags that also offer protection for rear occupants. The outer seats on the rear bench have Isofix latching points for the fitment of child protection seats.

You also get the latest Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance features for even more assurance.

This system includes model dependent and among others: Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCA), Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Follow Assist (LFA), Fatigue Detection/Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and High Beam Assist (HBA).

Powertrains

Two four-cylinder engines – a naturally aspirated 2-litre petrol and a 2-litre turbodiesel.

The Smartstream G 2.0 MPI petrol engine, linked to six-speed automatic transmission, does duty in the Premium, Executive and one of the Elite variants, while the Smartstream D 2.0 turbocharged diesel engine, coupled with an eight-speed transmission, is used in the other Elite derivative.

The 2-litre petrol engine delivers 115kW and 192Nm. The turbodiesel boasts 137kW and 416Nm. Fuel consumption in a combined test cycle was measured at 8,9 litres per 100km for the 2-litre petrol variants, while the turbodiesel Elite uses 7,9 litres per 100km.

The eight-speed transmission coupled with the turbodiesel engine in the Elite variant provides quick and crisp shifts for an engaging and efficient driving experience.

All four variants are driven through the front wheels. Four drive modes – Eco, Smart, Normal and Sport – are available.

Pricing starts at R519 900 and includes a seven-year/200 000km manufacturer’s warranty, a six-year/90 000km service plan and roadside assistance for seven years or 150 000km.

Source: QuickPic

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Matthys Ferreira

Served in SAPS for 22 years - specialised in forensic and crime scene investigation and forensic photography. A stint in photographic sales and management followed. Been the motoring editor at Lowveld Media since 2007. "A petrol head I am not but I am good at what I do".
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