Best-selling model of the South Korean brand in Europe, the Hyundai Tucson has been one of the main responsible for the European affirmation of the South Korean brand in recent years. Counting now, only in this third generation, more than 390 thousand units sold in the Old Continent, of which 1650 in Portugal.
Introduced on the market about three years ago, the crossover has now arrived in our country with what is the traditional mid-life update, translated into a renovation of some design details, active safety systems, driving assistance and even engines.
But then what has changed?
A lot of things. From the outset, on the outside, with the adoption of a redesigned grille, new light groups with LED technology, redesigned daytime lighting and a new front bumper. At the rear, the tailgate and rear bumper were redesigned, received a new double exhaust pipe, as well as new interior design tail lights. Changes that ended up ensuring a more impactful, more aggressive image.
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Adding to this aspect, new exterior colors — Olivine Grey, Stellar Blue, Champion Blue — and wheels, whose dimensions drop from 19″ to 18”, due to the “impositions” of the WLTP; not forgetting the possibility, also new, to enjoy the benefits of a panoramic sunroof.
And inside?
Inside the cabin, you can also count on new colors — Light Grey, Black One Tone, Red Wine and Sahara Beige —, a new instrument panel, new materials that are more pleasant to the touch, as well as a new touchscreen 7 ”, from now on no longer integrated in the center console, but detached.
If the chosen version has a navigation system, the screen will be, not 7″, but 8”, also integrating all media and connectivity features through Apple Car Play and Android Auto. And with the guarantee, in the case of navigation, of updates throughout the life of the vehicle at no cost to the owner, according to Hyundai's national officials.
Hyundai Tucson 2018
This means that the equipment was also updated…
Naturally! With the focus not only on comfort, thanks to new, more comfortable seats, which with the optional Leather pack (1100 euros) can be covered with one of four types of leather (Light Grey, Black, Sahara Beige and Red), in addition to a luggage compartment guaranteeing a capacity that can go from 513 to 1503 l (with the rear seats folded down 60:40); but also in technology.
With new USB ports in the center console and at the rear, for the rear passengers, a novelty also in the active safety systems, with the availability of Auto Cruise Control with Idle Stop&Go speed limiter.
It should be added that the Hyundai Tucson will be available with only two levels of equipment: Executive , the new entry version, and Premium , which can also receive the Skin pack.
And engines?
There are also news. Starting with the availability, as of the launch, with a four-cylinder gasoline engine — 1.6 GDI with 132 hp — and two with diesel — 1.6 CRDI with 116 or 136 hp. In the case of the first two thrusters, fitted as standard to a six-speed manual gearbox, while the more powerful Diesel, factory-proposed with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7DCT), all of which are front wheel drive.
Already in 2019, the first Hyundai Tucson semi-hybrid will arrive , equipped with 48V technology, combined with a 2.0 l diesel engine and 185 hp. Block that, at least at this stage, still without an electrical system, will not be traded between us.
Class 1… from 2019
With a front axle height of 1.12 m, the new Hyundai Tucson will continue to be rated Class 2 at highway tolls. But only until January 1, 2019, when the new regulation that increases to 1.30 m the maximum height allowed to be considered Class 1, with or without Via Verde, comes into effect.
Better then more expensive?
None of that. By the way, and according to the price list that those responsible disclosed this Tuesday, at the official presentation of the new Tucson for the national market, the South Korean crossover is even more accessible ; and, even more, with the launch campaign that is now in effect!
Only available until October 31st, the campaign allows you to purchase a Tucson 1.6 CRDi Executive, for €27,990 , this already with equipment such as bi-zone automatic air conditioning, Display Audio system with 8" touchscreen, rear parking camera, light sensor, rear parking sensors, tinted rear side windows and 18" alloy wheels .
Tucson 1.6 CRDi Premium is closer, but still below 30 thousand euros (29 990 euros) , while adding to the elements described above other assets such as the navigation system and the electric parking brake.
Outside the campaign, which is only accessible through financing, these versions have a price of 33 190 euros (Executive) and 36 190 euros (Premium).
And behind the wheel?
It is perhaps one of the few aspects where the now revamped Hyundai Tucson is practically the same . This is because, despite the brand's managers talking about an evolution of the geometry of the multilink rear suspension, the few kilometers that we were able to make, in this first contact, did not allow us to verify major differences.
Basically, the already (recognized) stable, reliable and safe behavior is maintained, well supported by a steering wheel that transmits good indications, all in a set that, driven by the 1.6 CRDi engine and 7-speed DCT gearbox, reveals good resourcefulness.
Having no sporting aspirations, even if equipped with a Sport mode capable of pushing the engine a little more, it's the idea of a spacious, comfortable SUV, and, as Hyundai Portugal also claims, capable of responding to family needs.
Plus, only after a longer rehearsal…
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