New York show: Hyundai shows off fresh Tucson

HYUNDAI’S top-selling SUV, the Tucson, gets refreshed styling, more safety tech and an i30-style free-standing touchscreen in a new-look dashboard as part of a mid-life facelift unveiled at the New York motor show.

Due to go on sale in Australia in the third quarter of this year, the latest Tucson will also get a tweaked chassis tune for Australia under an engineering program now underway in New South Wales.

Hyundai Motor Company Australia says prices and model line-up details will be announced closer to launch, but it has confirmed that the three current engines – two petrol and a diesel – will carry over into the new range.

However, the 2.0-litre diesel engine will now come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the six-speeder.

HMCA says Tucson’s safety equipment will get a lift in the new model, but it is yet to confirm whether this will be spread across the range or optional on base variants.

Styling changes bring the Tucson into line with Hyundai’s latest design themes, including the so-called cascading grille in the revised front fascia.

The new-look headlights now include LED daytime running lights, while high-beam assist becomes available on some variants.

At the back, the only major change is to the tail-lights that get a fresh LED makeover.

Apart from a free-standing touch screen equipped with connectivity such as Apply CarPlay and Android Auto, the dash gains a new air vent design and restyled instruments.

Also new for this year are redesigned leather seats in up-spec variants such as the Highlander, along with a better rearview mirror.

Some markets will get a 360-degree monitor, but this is not confirmed for Australia yet.

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go is also available on some variants in some markets, along with driver drowsiness alert.

Handy additions to equipment are Qi wireless phone charging and a back-seat USB charging port.