The long-awaited fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson has finally arrived in South Africa and I can say its worlds apart from the outgoing model.
The new Tucson is built on Hyundai’s all new N3 platform which is longer and wider that the previous model. As a result, the cabin is more spacious and the boot capacity has been increased to 539 litres.
For those not familiar with the Tucson, it’s a Korean brand midsize SUV and its cousin is the KIA Sportage. KIA and Hyundai basically belongs the same company.
Here in SA we get to choose from two engine options which are all front wheel drive, the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol that is good for 115kW and 192Nm and also the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that offers 137kW and 416Nm. The petrol is mated to six-speed automatic transmission as standard while diesel is mated to an eight-speed automatic.
As mentioned, the new Tucson is worlds apart from the previous model, it is jampacked with features which car buyers expect in this day and age. There are basically three model ranges Premium, Executive and Elite.
Premium:
This is the entry level packaged but sill well equipped. 17inch alloys, air con, heated front seats, rear camera and park assist, cruise control and infotainment system to name a few.
Executive:
Over the Premium the Executive gets 18inch alloys, LED headlights, roof rales, leather seats, climate control, rain sensor, power seats, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot detection.
Elite:
Is the flagship spec which includes, 19inch alloys, LED taillights, privacy glass, panoramic sunroof, push-button start, ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, forward collision avoidance assist.
I drove the 2.0 petrol Elite Auto and I must say it looks and feels premium.
The power delivery from the 2.0 petrol in all honesty is good but it needs a bit more power for the large body. Here on the high veld it struggles a bit, but I am sure it will perform better at the coast.
I also noticed that when you close the rear doors they feel a bit light, not a solid feel.
Other than that, it’s a great package, but the diesel would be the one to go for in my opinion.
Pricing starts at around R520,000 for the entry level Premium model and tops out at around R700,000 for the diesel Elite.
The Elite 2.0 petrol sells for around the R635,000 mark.
If you are a Hyundai fan you will be over the moon, but if you are open to other options don’t loose site of the Chinese rivals. The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and the Haval H6 comes in at a very competitive price with the same specification levels and more.
