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New name. New car. New look. There’s a new kid on the block for Hyundai. Well, perhaps that is an exaggeration. 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 11-years ago, back in 2005. Albeit initially introduced globally a year earlier in 2004. 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. Interestingly, for the first time, Hyundai will use the Tucson name in all markets where it’s sold and not a mixture of Tucson and ix35 as done in the past.

So now we know what it’s called but how is it to drive? It is all new. New chassis, new design and as a result, it feels fresh. The new Tucson is up for the game – to go head-to-head with the best compact SUVs in its class.

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 back) and it's i20esque looking rear lights (which widen the car and give it a positive road stance). It is a handsome design. There is no debating it, the design team lead by world-renowned automotive designer, Peter Schreyer have done a great job especially when the Tucson wears the range-topping diamond cut silver and black ninja star type mags.

Inside the cabin, the Tucson is the quintessential modern interior – all black (named Oceanids Black), soft touch high-quality materials which radiate a sophisticated scent, unique to all Hyundai’s that are backlit with cobalt blue. This colour detail carries through onto the instrumentation too.

The operation of all electronics is top class. Everything feels light to the touch without feeling 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 leather upholstery, automatic headlamps and 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 features Blind Spot Detectors and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert (helpful when reversing out of concealed parking bays).

I drove what I’d like to consider the preferred engine in Hyundai’s offering, the 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine. Being based in Joburg, and high above sea level, the turbocharged unit makes light and easy work of hauling the Tucson around. It has 130 kW of power (enough power) and 265 Nm of torque (enough shove). This engine is either fitted to a beautifully light and accurate 6-speed manual or a new fancy 7-speed double clutch automatic gearbox. Either of these two gear boxes should see you sprinting to 100 km/h in around 8 seconds.

The Tucson was a favourite with all who experienced the drive. Most notable is the superb suspension that is 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 fall in love with 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 a few weeks before. I preferred the Tucson and liked the idea as an owner I’d save R300 000- that was the price difference as both cars were priced on arrival for their reviews.

Pro’s

Good looking

Superb suspension set-up

Quiet cabin

Quality feel all round

Light and accurate gear changes

Con’s

Hmm, scratches head trying to think of any!

It could have a better load speaker set up

The competition

Nissan Qashqai, KIA Sportage, Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4

Pricing

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Premium (manual)           R359 900

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Premium (automatic)      R379 900

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Elite (automatic)             R439 900

Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Executive (manual)       R419 900

Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Elite DCT AWD              R499 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 419 900

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