Hyundai entered the European SUV market in 2000 with the first generation Santa Fe.
Then in 2004, the first generation Tucson was launched, making Hyundai one of the European pioneers in the compact SUV segment. Hyundai says that automotive experts predict an even more intense competition level in the C-SUV segment, and that this is why it needed a new strong contender. It has just launched the new Tucson here with an entry level price of €25,245 for the petrol-engined comfort version.
The entry level Comfort 1.7 CRDI (115 bhp ) diesel model is €26,995. The Korean carmaker claims that the new Tucson is the widest in the segment, with exterior proportions that it says convey strong and muscular presence, setting it apart from competition. It adds that the side view radiates dynamism and sportiness from every angle. The interior is dominated by the new horizontal layout, which conveys the new Tucson’s dashboard as more elegant.
There is widespread use of soft foam material on the upper dashboard area. It is spacious too. Hyundai claims that the combined legroom, headroom, and shoulder room values have grown over the already roomy ix35. The cargo space has also increased in volume by 10 per cent (+48L ) to an impressive 513 litres, becoming one of the largest in the segment.
The new Tucson also offers a comprehensive engine line-up, with a choice of the 1.6-litre GDi (petrol ) unit, and a pair of diesel-engined options including the 1.7-litre VGT (119 g/km CO2 ) and 2.0-litre VGT. Hyundai says that the new Tucson achieves excellent noise and vibration levels, improving all values from the ix35. It also achieves a class-leading drag coefficient value of 0.33, which Hyundai says impacts positively on lower driving noise levels as well as providing better high speed stability.
Under sporty driving conditions, the advanced traction cornering control (ATCC ) enhances cornering performance by combining the 4WD variable torque distribution with the ESP sensors action. The ATCC actuation takes place before any ESP intervention. According to Hyundai, the new Tucson brakes include larger discs and wheel cylinders to further enhance braking distance and heavy usage resistance.
The new Hyundai Tucson was recently awarded the maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests, achieving high scores in all areas of assessment. When compared to its predecessor, tested in 2006, the new Tucson showed a worthy evolution in terms of safety all-round and more specifically in safety assist. AEB technology is offered as an option on the Tucson, but it was not included in the rating as the uptake is not expected to be high enough.
Standard specification on the new Tucson includes: 16 inch alloy wheels, auto light control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, manual air-conditioning, Bluetooth with voice recognition, a roof rack, rear parking assist system, and auto cruise with a speed limiter.
