It seems that Hyundai SA never lets off the gas. Every few weeks we receive an invite for the launch of another new product. This new-model offensive obviously works for the local subsidiary of the Korean automaker as it lies third on the list of top-selling brands when it comes to retail (not fleet) sales. The new Hyundai Tucson is yet another SUV that the brand has just added to its local listings.

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Snazzy new suit

The Tucson was a real turning point for the brand in SA. The first generation quickly garnered widespread approval after its introduction here in 2004. Hyundai was no longer the brand people took a chance on, it became a viable alternative to the established players in SA. You probably know at least one person who owned an example of the first Tucson. 

With Tucson, Hyundai built a strong reputation for family motoring over three previous generations. The new Hyundai Tucson is brand new from the ground up. It features a new platform with high-strength, yet lightweight construction. Most noticeably, it boasts a completely new appearance.

The new front-end treatment is definitely eye-catching. The multi-part lights that cascade downwards are undoubtedly the car’s most distinctive feature. One can view Z-like crease lines down the flanks of the body, a theme that Hyundai introduced with some of its concept cars, which has now made it into production. The taillamps are as distinctive as the units up front and, to our eyes, they bear a strong resemblance to those of a Ford Mustang.

Larger inside and out

New styling aesthetics continue in the cabin. Incidentally, the cabin room is much larger than before thanks to enlarged dimensions in all directions. More legroom has been created by adding 85 mm to the wheelbase and moving the engine forward in the platform. An increase in wheelbase may have improved legroom, but an increase in length, by some 150 mm has also meant that the boot volume is now an impressive 539 litres; 51 litres more than the predecessor had to offer

Ahead of the front occupants is a cascading facia with symmetrical air vents left and right. At the bottom are the controls for, in this range-leading Elite version, dual-zone climate control system. The drop-down section of the facia houses the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. One can connect using the dual USB ports or the wireless smartphone mirror options Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Leather upholstery is standard and the front seats in all derivatives feature seat heaters, in addition Elite versions have seat cooling as well. We encountered 30+ degrees C on the launch route so the seat coolers came in handy.

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Two powertrains

Powering the new Hyundai Tucson range is one of two powertrain options available locally. A naturally aspirated 2,0-litre petrol unit produces 115 kW along with 192 N.m of torque. This unit is mated solely with a six-speed automatic transmission. It is also the engine that is fitted to three quarters of the line-up – see below for a breakdown and pricing.

The range-topping Elite variant is fitted exclusively with a 2,0-litre turbodiesel. It develops 137 kW of power allied with 416 N.m of peak torque, the latter is available from just 2 000 r/min. This engine is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission to better utilise the narrow power band of the turbodiesel.

It is worth noting that there are no manual transmission options and that both engines drive only the front wheels of the all-new Hyundai Tucson i.e. there is no all-wheel-drive version offered to local buyers.

Easy on the go

On the ride and drive event we spent our day in the range-leading Elite derivative. We traversed over 200 km in and around the Swartland area of the Western Cape. Our initial take away is that it is an easy car to spend long distances in. We felt very at ease at both ends of our journey.

Hyundai engineers have done a good job of making the new Tucson pliant through its suspension, even on 19-inch alloys fitted to the Elite, and effortless to pilot. There isn’t a pretense of sportiness about the package, which we find refreshing. The turbodiesel motor provides enough grunt and works well with the eight ratios to make for effortless cruising and unproblematic overtaking.

Summary

New Hyundai Tucson is an addition to an already comprehensive Hyundai line-up that seems to cover just about every buyer’s budget in the new-car sector. The SUV/Crossover segment is now worth about 40 per cent of the total SA new-car market, so to have several products on offer is a recipe for success. Tucson has a long, and trusted, reputation in the local context and this all-new Hyundai Tucson aims to build on that by offering a solid proposition that is more than a match for its rivals. Expect to see plenty of those head- and taillamps in traffic soon.

Prices

2,0 NU Premium R519 900
2.0 NU Executive R569 900
2,0 NU Elite R634 900
R2,0 Elite Diesel R699 900