As of the end of the year, Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Kuga and company have another rival. Is that the new generation of Hyundai Tucson it's already a reality and, given the success of its predecessor, the future looks bright for the South Korean SUV.
Aesthetically, the Tucson inaugurates in Europe the new visual language of Hyundai that the North American public already knew as it was debuted by the new generation of the Sonata.
Lighting makes a difference
At the front, the LED daytime lighting stands out, which, even when turned off, makes the front of the Tucson remind us of the masks of Darth Vader or Batman.
When the five LED modules (one set on the right and one on the left of the grid) are turned on, the front of the Tucson takes on another personality, a personality that changes again when it's time to use low beams (or dipped beams for the more zealous).
At the rear the scene is the same. So, in addition to the huge and eye-catching LED strip that crosses the tailgate, we have two headlamps on each side that follow the direction of the C pillar and help the Tucson not go unnoticed.
On the side, and similarly to what happens with the RAV4, the Hyundai Tucson has several stylistic elements along its almost 4.5 m in length. Not only are the wheel arches quite “muscled”, but the Tucson has received several decorative elements that ensure that even when viewed from the side, it captures attention.
Finally, even in the aesthetics chapter, customers will be able to choose between 17", 18" or 19" wheels and the roof may have a different color from the rest of the bodywork.
And the interior?
Like the exterior, the interior is also completely new, featuring a 10.25” digital instrument panel, a new four-spoke steering wheel inspired by those used by the Porsche 964 or the current Audi A8 and a new center console where it stands out. a 10.25” screen positioned above the climate controls (which are no longer physical).
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As for the physical buttons, these remained for the selection of driving modes, electric handbrake and for the adjustment of electric seats (optional) and refrigerated. Interestingly, in the midst of so much equipment, the absence of the head-up display that many Tucson competitors already offer stands out.
In terms of space, the slight increase in dimensions (another 2 cm in length and 1 cm in wheelbase) ends up paying dividends and the trunk has 620 liters that can go up to 1799 liters with the folding of the seats.
And the engines?
The range of powertrains for the new Hyundai Tucson is based on two petrol and two diesel engines, all with four cylinders, 1.6 l and associated with a mild-hybrid 48V system. In addition to these there is also a hybrid variant and, later, a hybrid plug-in version will arrive.
Gasoline engines offer between 150 and 180 hp while diesel engines offer between 115 and 136 hp. In the field of transmissions, the Tucson can count on a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and, depending on the version, will have front or all-wheel drive.
For those who want more power, the hybrid variant offers 230 hp and 350 Nm of maximum combined power, coming together with an automatic gearbox with six ratios and, as an option, with an all-wheel drive system.
A plug-in hybrid variant is planned for later, and the arrival of a long-awaited Hyundai Tucson N appears to be in the plans.
The date of arrival on the Portuguese market remains unknown, as are the prices, knowing only that, in Germany, these are expected to start at 30,000 euros.