The Hyundai Tucson crossover has always been popular – very practical, well-equipped, relatively inexpensive. But the new generation Hyundai Tucson adds the word “impressive” to this list. Moreover, it is immediately “impressive” in terms of design, interior, and innovations. Do I praise too much? However, the Hyundai Tucson crossover really deserves it. And now I will tell you why.
Design: the courage to be different
As far as I remember the previous generations of Hyundai Tucson, it was always a modest car in terms of its design. The Hyundai Tucson of the second generation (which for some reason got the name “iX35” in Europe, do you remember this story?) tried to stand out visually – but in the end even it was only relevant at the time, and did not demonstrate something radically new.
But the current crossover Hyundai Tucson does! A real “cosmolite”, combining a tinted radiator grille with hidden headlights and Lambo-style wheel arches, added to this numerous sharp corners on the doors, and then generously painted red from a solid taillight. Each element can be a decoration and a feature for a separate car, but here they have come together in one model. And also a fairly versatile, family-friendly, affordable car that should flood the streets of cities and towns. This is how bold automotive design goes into production!
Impressive design in the usual class and dimensions: length – 4.5 meters; width – 1.87 meters; height – 1.65 meters; wheel base – 2.68 meters. Hyundai Tucson of the fourth generation remained in its class, it does not radically differ from its predecessors in size. However, it is radically different in design – both externally and internally.
The front part of the interior resembles two separate niches for the driver and passenger, highlighted by silver lines. The central console looks like a separate pedestal that has cup holders, various switches and buttons on it. The “automatic” control unit deserves special attention: an unusual solution with keys located in the form of “kinght’s move”. The devices are a separate flat display: it has a good image, although the sunshine sometimes gets in the way. So, at first glance, the interior looks interesting, it is clearly not to be confused with the rest of the car. Although, in general, the interior of the Hyundai Tucson is no longer as impressive as its exterior.
However, what impresses inside the Hyundai Tucson is its attention to detail. For example, the zone for wireless smartphone charging: it is made in the form of a deep niche with a sloping surface – so you can put two smartphones at once. And here’s another example: the front passenger has their own central diffuser (in addition to the two standard side ones), which gently disperses cold or warm air. Small? Then the rear passengers will tell you the “pluses”: a separate “climate” zone, sun shades on the windows, adjustment of the backrest angle, heated seats…
At the front we see a pleasant design of the panel, a separate remarkable display of devices, comfortable seats with heating and ventilation, a central deflector for soft blowing. There are not many seats in the back, but if there is not enough, you can move the front passenger. And behind it there is its own “climate”, curtains, heating. And the trunk (598 l) is not bad: a large opening for loading and a 2-level floor, an electric lid drive and an additional outlet. However, in addition to the general design and “little things for convenience”, the new Hyundai Tucson is very interesting in its equipment.
Technology: usual hardware, unusual electronics
At first glance, the Hyundai Tucson crossover is simply a modern car in its class: a load-bearing body, independent suspensions, transverse installation of 4-cylinder engines. The basic option is a 2-liter gasoline engine (156 hp and 192 Nm), the test car was presented with a 1.6-liter turbodiesel (136 hp and 320 Nm). The gasoline version can offer front or all-wheel drive and a 6-speed mechanical or automatic gearbox with a similar number of gears. The turbodiesel is also offered with front or all-wheel drive, but always with a preselective 7-speed robotic DCT transmission.
Although it is worth noting that there is still an interesting hardware in the range of the Hyundai Tucson model. This is a hybrid built on the basis of a 1.6 T-GDI gasoline engine and an electric motor, plus a classic 6-speed “automatic”. Such a hybrid offers front or all-wheel drive, a power of 230 hp. and acceleration to “hundreds” in 8-8.3 seconds – it is the most dynamic in the Hyundai Tucson model range. At the same time, it is the most economical (well, at least on paper): standard fuel consumption in the city is declared at the level of 4.8 liters per 100 km – even better than the diesel version! On occasion, there will be a reason to talk separately about the hybrid.
Maksym Solovyov, founder of the company Drivovo: “In the Drivovo park there are two versions of the new Hyundai Tucson – this diesel and a more powerful hybrid. Someone needs a modern and comfortable car with an economical engine – then Hyundai Tucson diesel is a good option. Other customers seek maximum dynamics and speed – then they choose the Hyundai Tucson hybrid. It turns out that both our Drivovo company and the Hyundai Tucson car are ready to the maximum fully respond to customer requests”.
But what is unusual about the design and technology of the Hyundai Tucson is the level of its equipment with various systems. Frontal and side airbags, inflatable curtains? All this is there, and we will also add a central pillow between the front seats – in case of a side impact, so that the driver and passenger do not hit each other’s heads. Collision Avoidance Assist? It is present, and we will also add a prediction to prevent a collision when turning left when you have to cross the oncoming lane. Plus control of the “blind spots” of the side mirrors and warning of cross traffic behind. Plus a circular view and video monitoring of “blind spots” on the instrument panel display. Plus a heated steering wheel, “smart” opening of the trunk lid, highway traffic assistant, and remote control for parking (even if only in the hybrid).
Fingers crossed: two 10.25-inch displays with good graphics, many event assistance systems, all-round vision with cross-traffic control, heating of all seats and steering wheel, ventilation of the front seats. Yes, all this is available only in the maximum versions of the car. But note: all this is available! However, about the money later. And now – let’s go!
Behind the wheel: when the main thing is comfort, not dynamics
Although the dynamics are also not bad. The main thing is to forget about the 1.6-liter volume and talk to yourself about 320 Nm of torque. After all, the turbodiesel really accelerates this car quite briskly. Moreover, it seems that it is greatly helped by the “automatic robot”: all accelerations seem to resemble one solid line – without protrusions and surges of power, but also without dips from gear changes. Very smooth and predictable acceleration. Just not very intense. When you start to measure the dynamics of the Hyundai Tucson, you even find a reason for joy: it accelerates to a hundred faster than the claimed 11.6 seconds! But I looked at the result in general – and it is 11.5 seconds.
Moreover, the numbers were obtained on a car with only a driver. And what will happen if you add passengers and luggage? We are talking about a family crossover. Surprisingly, the car holds the track “100” (or even “100 plus”) quite well, allows you to go out for overtaking normally. However, do not get carried away and do not exceed the speeds allowed in Ukraine: this “plus” is very small compared to the hundred. Diesel Hyundai Tucson allows you to comfortably maintain a speed of 120-130 km/h, although the declared maximum is 180 km/h.
However, it is really very comfortable! Even on 19-inch wheels with a 50-profile tire, the Hyundai Tucson crossover “drives” gently over any bumps: whether it’s big holes or small joints on the road. At the same time, it almost does not sway on waves and leans a little in turns. Add to this a light steering wheel (the clarity of the steering is not bad, just not enough sharpness or feeling of the road), and you get a crossover for relaxation on the road.
And also – very economical! My car constantly consumed about 6.5 liters per 100 km in the city. The minimum was about 6 liters, and the maximum reached 7-7.5 liters. On the highway at a speed of 100-110 km/h, the car steadily put in 4.9-5 liters. Adding or subtracting 10-20 km/h at highway speeds meant a similar addition or subtraction of 0.5 liters of fuel.
Take your time and enjoy comfort and fuel economy – and you will find a common language with Hyundai Tucson diesel. Changing the driving modes affects the appearance of the devices more than the actual behavior of the car. Although the turbodiesel and DCT automatic transmission are really trying: acceleration to a hundred is even faster than the passport data.
Cost: is the new Hyundai Tucson still a bargain?
The test crossover Hyundai Tucson was presented with a 1.6-liter turbodiesel, all-wheel drive 4WD, in the Top Plus configuration: this is one of the maximums for the Tucson model in general. The cost of this option is almost UAH 1.6 million or $40,000, which is frankly “oh-oh-oh, a lot!” for such a car.
But the big advantage of Hyundai Tucson is that there are many other versions – to suit the taste and wallet of different buyers: a total of 15 options at the intersection of various engines, transmissions, and complete sets. The start is given from 1-1.05 million UAH ($25-26 thousand) for gasoline 2-liter cars with front-wheel drive and in the Express configuration. However, already for 1.2-1.4 million hryvnias ($30-35 thousand), many interesting options open up: a 2-liter gasoline engine, an economical 1.6-liter turbodiesel, a powerful hybrid, versions with front or all-wheel drive, improved equipment Dynamic or Elegance. Also, in the price range of $25-40 thousand, there is definitely something to choose from.
Hyundai Tucson diesel test drive results
Cool car. After all, it offers all the advantages of its predecessors – practicality and convenience, a wide range of versions (and therefore prices), comfort while driving, an economical engine. At the same time, it adds many interesting points that “impress” – from the point of view of technological equipment and from the point of view of small things for comfort. I hope this text has explained the pathetic beginning.
And as for dynamics and drive… First of all, hybrid versions of the Hyundai Tucson are already on sale in Ukraine – and this is a completely different conversation about dynamics! Secondly, I hope for the appearance of the Hyundai Tucson N Line version in Ukraine – and it can be an interesting option from the point of view of the drive. Therefore, the conversation about the new Hyundai Tucson is not over yet. And, frankly, I will be looking forward for the next meeting with this car.
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