HYUNDAI has launched its new Tucson, with the fourth generation global model to be offered in its long wheelbase form in Australia, and featuring exterior styling which expresses the brand’s Sensuous Sportiness design identity.
The new SUV embodies what Hyundai designers call ‘parametric dynamics’ with kinetic jewel surface details that emphasises the Tucson’s distinctly different identity in a crowded segment.
The Tucson’s integration of technology and design is most evident in its innovative half-mirror type daytime running lamps (DRLs) that are assimilated seamlessly within the parametric grille, only revealed when illuminated.
Inside, the Tucson’s interior offers layered, sensuous forms that provide a feeling of openness and serenity. This is a place where space, technology and information seamlessly blend.
Ambient mood lighting is adjustable to 64 colours in 10 levels of brightness, while the interior also offers three new technologies, including a vertically stacked, dual 10.25-inch full-touch screen exempt of hard buttons.
There’s also a multi-air ventilation system and an open, hood-less digital gauge cluster. These features create a high-tech, fresh and exciting ambience, with cushioned materials on high-touch areas.
The Tucson offers a Smartstream 2.5-litre direct injected 4-cylinder petrol power train and powerful 1.6-litre direct injected turbo hybrid or plug-in hybrid power trains. The 2.5-litre engine has an estimated output of 141kW and 246Nm of torque.
This engine is coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission for excellent efficiency and acceleration. The 1.6-litre hybrid power train produces an estimated 134kW, with a combined power train output of 171kW.
It also produces 264Nm of torque from the petrol engine and 348Nm of torque from the combined hybrid power train. This new powertrain uses Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology for optimal power, efficiency and emissions.
Tucson drivers get further assistance from Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system that provides sure footing on various road surfaces and conditions. Driving modes include Eco, Comfort, Smart and Sport, with Mud, Sand and Snow in some markets.
The Hyundai SmartSense safety suite includes a multitude of features such as highway driving assist, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist and lane following assist.
Hyundai’s has also developed an app that turns the customer’s smartphone into a smart key. It uses near field communication (NFC) to detect authorised users, so they can operate their vehicle without a physical key present.
Customers can lock and unlock their vehicle, activate the panic alert and start the engine and its climate control system from up to 27 metres away. Technology abounds in the Tucson’s full-touch infotainment display system too.
It reaches its apex with the top-trim model’s 10.25-inch full touch navigation screen. The navigation system offers split-screen functionality that enables multi-tasking capabilities, coupled with enhanced voice recognition.
Features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. Bluetooth allows driver and passenger to alternate between their playlists without disconnecting and reconnecting their respective phones.
The BOSE Premium audio system provides high quality sound. Thanks to enhanced connectivity with smart devices, customers can also check their schedules from inside the vehicle in conjunction with an external calendar app.
The Tucson’s new car-to-home feature allows customers to control smart home appliances from the car too, including turning on the air conditioner at home before arrival on very hot, humid summer days.
Furthermore, Tucson’s new multi-command function allows customers to ‘warm-up the car’, including heating system, heated steering wheel and seat warmers, with a single voice command.
In select markets, Blue Link is offered on a complimentary basis for three years and includes remote start with climate control, remote door lock and unlock, stolen vehicle recovery and destination search by voice.
Petrol models will be offered in seven exterior colours, including White Cream, Phantom Black, Shimmering Silver, Nocturne Gray, Amazon Gray, Flame Red, and Intense Blue, six of which are new for Tucson.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will come in White Cream, Phantom Black, Shimmering Silver, and Intense Blue, three of which are new for Tucson. Interiors are available in black or grey tones in either cloth or leather material.
The new Tucson will be arriving locally in the first half of 2021, and will only available in the long wheelbase (LWB) version. Australian model line-up and pricing details will be announced closer to launch.
