Deserts to resort - the Hyundai Tucson

Chat with me on twitter and Instagram @DanielCalbacho

 

Interesting name, Tucson! Think about it - naming your compact family crossover after an Arizona desert.

The word “desert” springs images to mind of dry, harsh and arid environments. Sometimes dramatic due to vast and bold spaces. Tucson Arizona is now more than rolling landscapes and prickly cacti. Today, it is a city filled with all sorts – resorts, homes, and even a university.

I like the name Tucson - it's apt - after spending a week with the new Tucson it is easy to see and feel how, like the once arid desert in Arizona, it has evolved.

New name. New car. New look. And now, an added new engine: the 2.0-l turbodiesel. Let me explain: Hyundai has replaced their highly successful ix35 SUV with the new Tucson SUV. You may recall the Tucson nameplate - Hyundai first launched it 12-years ago, back in 2005. Albeit when replaced, in 2009, Hyundai decided to change its name and called it the ix35. Flip-flopping back to its original name – the Tucson is back, and better than ever with a new top-of-the-range diesel motor. 

So now we know what it’s called and that I like the name, but how does it drive? It is all new. New chassis, new design and thus, it feels fresh. The new Tucson is up for the game – to go head-to-head with the best compact SUVs in its class. It is now like a plush room in a resort, ensconced with a stunning view of the Arizona desert as opposed to the visceral reality of the same view while on a hike. Like nature vs. nurture.  

Externally, the first thing you notice about the Tucson is its large grille, wide eyes (headlamp units), swooping side profile (due to the windshield being sloped backwards – giving it a sporty feel) and its long linear rear tail lights (which widen the car and give it a positive road stance). Overall, it is a handsome car. There is no denying it - the design team, lead by world-renowned automotive designer Peter Schreyer, have done a great job with the Tucson. Especially when it is wearing the range-topping diamond-cut silver and black ninja star type mags.

Inside the cabin, the Tucson has a quintessential modern interior – all black (named Oceanids Black), soft touch – and some hard, unfortunately – materials. The overall look is upmarket and pleasant. The instrumentation is gorgeously backlit with cobalt blue LED lighting. This colour detail carries through onto the other instrumentation too.

 

The operation of all electronics is top class. Everything feels light to the touch without appearing flimsy or cheap. Rather, the sensation feels as if everything has been designed for ease of use. The Tucson range is well appointed with the standard mod-cons like black man-made leather upholstery, automatic headlamps, but strangely not the windscreen wipers, automatic climate control and a reverse rear camera with an invisible screen, which is hidden in the rear-view mirror. The list goes on. The top of the range Elite models also feature Blind Spot Detectors and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert (helpful when reversing out of concealed parking bays) and a large touchscreen infotainment system that isn’t the easiest to use. But nothing time and practice can’t fix.

I drove what is the top of the range model, at least in the diesel department, the 2.0 CRDi Elite DCT. This engine is first and foremost powerful. Acceleration is prodigious – press the accelerator only halfway for a few seconds and you’ll end up having to slow down. So, you’ll never be wanting more in the power department. For the petrol heads in the know, the diesel engine produces 131 kW of power (enough power) and 400 Nm of torque (a large amount of shove). This engine is fitted with a fancy 7-speed, double clutch automatic gearbox.

The Tucson was a favourite with all who experienced the drive. Most notable is the superb suspension - the perfect balance between comfort and agility. This together with the silent cabin gives the Tucson a high-quality feel.  

Hard to fault, and easy to love after driving it for a day or two. Hyundai has a great car in their new Tucson. Although not a direct competitor, I reviewed BMW’s new X1 and Jeep’s Cherokee in the past. I preferred the Tucson and liked the idea as an owner. I’d save R200 000-plus over the two other crossovers mentioned.

Plus +

Good looking.

Superb suspension set-up.

Quiet cabin.

Quality feel all round.

Light and accurate gear changes.

 

Minus -

Hmm, scratches head trying to think of any!

Easier to use touchscreen infotainment system.

And more soft-touch plastics on the dashboard.

 

The competition

Nissan Qashqai, KIA Sportage, Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4

 

 

Pricing

Petrol:

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Premium (manual) R379 900

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Premium (automatic) R399 900

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Elite (automatic) R469 900 

Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Executive (manual) R449 900

Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Elite DCT AWD R534 900

 

Diesel:

Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDi Executive (manual) R449 900

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi Elite DCT R534 900

 

Service and warranty

Hyundai’s 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, enhanced by the additional new groundbreaking 7-years/200 000 km drivetrain warranty, comes standard with the all-new Hyundai Tucson package, as well as roadside assistance for 5 years or 150 000 km.

All derivatives come with a 5-year/90 000 km service plan, and service intervals are spaced at 15 000 km.

 

My choice

The 1.6 TGDi Executive (manual) R 449 900

http://www.hyundai.co.za/

 

Views: 241

Add a Comment

You need to be a member of neofundi to add comments!

Join neofundi


Follow us on twitter  

 

© 2024   Created by neofundi.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service