With the new vehicle market – and SUV sales in particular – showing a strong upward trend, Hyundai will soon offer an entry-level Tucson to complement its existing Terracan and Santa Fe models.
With the new vehicle market – and SUV sales in particular – showing a strong upward trend, Hyundai will soon offer an entry-level Tucson to complement its existing Terracan and Santa Fe models.
Aimed at younger buyers, the Tucson arrives in three guises, all with a high level of specification and affordable pricing. Spearheaded by the entry-level 2,0-litre 4×2, this SUV is also likely to appeal to MPV buyers with its comparable overall size and plenty of cabin space.
A high level of standard features is common to all three models, with an electrically operated sunroof fitted to 4×4 models being the only difference. These include power-assisted steering, electric exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, front foglamps, trip computer, and a compass bearing readout within the self-dimming interior rear-view mirror.
General comfort items feature leather upholstery, climate control, a radio/CD/MP3 player, and power windows all round. Roof rails are fitted, and the back window can be opened separately from the tailgate.
Safety and security items include a four-ring body structure, ABS all-disc brakes with EBD electronic brake-force distribution, dual front airbags, three-point harnesses for all five seats, and remote central locking.
The 4×2 is powered by a 2,0-litre twin-cam, 16-valve four-cylinder engine, which incorporates continuously variable valve timing, and develops peaks of 104 kW at 6 000 r/min and 184 N.m at 4 500. It is coupled to a five-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels.
Next up in the range is a 2,0 CRDi turbocharged and intercooled common-rail diesel, with an iron block and aluminium cylinder head. A single overhead cam unit with four valves per cylinder, it produces 83 kW at 4 000 r/min, and a healthy 245 N.m of torque between 1 800 and 2 500 r/min. It is mated to a Shiftronic four-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
Topping the line-up is a 2,7-litre Delta V6 that features a variable length tuned intake system. The motor delivers 129 kW at 6 000 r/min, and 241 N.m of torque at 4 000. Shiftronic and four-wheel drive are standard.
Suspension is by MacPherson strut, and an L-shaped lower arm at the front and multi-link system with spring struts at the rear.
Each vehicle is sold with a 3 years/60 000 km warranty and full maintenance plan. The service interval for the 2,0-litre and V6 petrol models is 15 000 km. For the 2,0 CRDi, an oil change is required at every 10 000 km and service at 20 000 km.
