1 Aug 2015
HYUNDAI’S original compact SUV – the Tucson – has returned in almost all-new third-generation TL guise in August 2015, replacing the popular ix35, and brandishing a bigger and roomier body, vastly improved dynamics, better ergonomics, and a big uplift in safety, technology, and refinement.
Designed in Germany, it carries clear family resemblances with the larger Santa, and sits on a 30mm longer wheelbase (2670mm) and 25mm wider tracks, and measures in at 4475mm long (plus 75mm), 1850mm wide, and 1655mm high (plus 5mm) compared to its immediate predecessor.
Built on a heavily revised ix35 platform, with elements of the i30 and Elantra small cars, the Tucson is stronger and quieter, with plenty of Australian suspension retuning to better suit our tastes.
Like the outgoing SUV, this Tucson features MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear suspension set-up, as well as electric rack and pinion power steering.
The base Active 2WD and mid-range Elite 2WD employ a carryover version of the 114kW/192Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder MPI multi-point injection four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. These are sourced from the Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, the volume-selling Active X 2WD from South Korea uses a 121kW/203Nm 2.0 GDI direct-injection version.
For extra performance and grip, Europe again comes to the call with the 130kW/265Nm 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged four-cylinder petrol/seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in the Elite AWD and Highlander AWD, while diesel fans can have the 136kW/400Nm 2.0-litre engined Elite CRDi AWD and Highlander CRDi AWD with a six-speed auto.
Features making a Tucson debut include available lane-change assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking and tyre-pressure monitoring.
