Here comes Hyundai’s Tucson SUV

Redesigned from ground up with a brand new chassis, the new third-generation 2016 Tucson Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is another step up from its predecessor and it offers distinctive styling and tremendous features that make a distinction from competitors in the mid-size SUV crowd, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

Hyundai has styled the new third-generation 2016 Tucson Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to look like a mini Santa-Fe – striking characteristic competitors would have to contend with in successive years to oust this nicely styled car that has all the trappings of a luxury.

The Tucson is no doubt an inspiringly beautiful SUV with attractive features, fantastic build quality, efficient engines and a strong suite of safety kits backed by Hyundai ambitious five years or 100, 000km warranty.

The visually striking 4WD Tucson replaces iX35 as Korean automaker’s rival for lacklustre best sellers like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Skoda Yeti, Renault Duster, Ford Escape and Mazda CX3.

The squared-off wheel arches for instance and the Z-shaped shoulder crease on the car flanks give impression the Tucson is moving even while it’s stationary. This is in addition to the smart rounded rear end and the rear light clusters that are similar to some Hyundai’s models.

Coupled with this is the evidently inspiring gasping chrome grille in the front that links up to the headlights and stretched backwards on to the front wings.

Against notable competitors, the Tucson is incredibly spacious and could dwarf rivals in practicality, boot space and generous amount of standard kits too.

Standard equipment on the Tucson is reasonably impressive with air-condition, alloy wheels, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB ports, 18 inch alloy wheels, child safety PR DR lock, keyless entry with burglar alarm and automatic headlights.

Hyundai Motors Nigeria, manufacturers and distributors of Hyundai automobiles today joined world renowned Hyundai dealerships as it unveiled the all new third-generation 2016 Tucson SUV that successfully mixes value and practicality.

Available in Elegance and Evolution variants, the Evolution has optional features including auto Defrog system, ECM+Rear view camera, leather seats, power seats, parking assist, cruise control, privacy glass, button start (smart key) among others.

Hyundai Motors Nigeria Head of Sales and Marketing Jatin Nadkarni at a product presentation last Thursday affirmed that the new Tucson has plenty of cabin space for five adults and ample boot capacity than most rivals in the mid-sized SUV segment.

Tucson’s second-row of the five-passenger interior has similarly improved in size and sophistication with a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and lumbar support.

Also noteworthy is the Tucson’s near flat-folding rear seats and dual-level cargo floor allowing ample space to store consignment underneath the floor.

“In fact, four six-footers won’t have any trouble getting comfortable in the Tucson – thanks to a roomy cabin that’s top of the class space-wise,” Nadkarni said.

The use of buttons and knobs for climate and audio functions is no doubt commendable.

Suffice to say the 2016 Hyundai Tucson has made noticeably gains in overall comfort but most appreciated is its well-insulated cabin that keeps outside sounds at bay and a new suspension setup that can easily soak bumps and nasty road imperfections.

Among the most attractive lures is Tucson’s new suite treated to the automaker’s latest ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0’ design which gives the car sporty forward stance and sharp creases like the Santa-Fe. This semblance is noticeable in the Tucson’s large trapezoidal grille and the new chassis, which now uses 50per cent high-strength steel compared to its predecessor’s 18per cent.

Under the hood, Hyundai Tucson’s powertrain offerings is enhanced with top efficient Nu engine family 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine with 164 brake horsepower (bph) and 151 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The six-speed automatic offers SHIFTRONIC™ manual shifting mode and includes an overdrive lock-up torque converter for higher fuel economy at highway speeds.

Tucson has resultantly become quieter with less road noise in the cabin especially when cruising on the highway and the body roll has been improved to eliminate unpleasant leaning through fast corners – thanks to the excellent body control.

The design progress inside the new Tucson for example is evidently glaring with a mix of sophisticated, cohesive, premium shine plastics with splashes of chrome and smooth rolling dials that gives high-end feels

Even so, the eight-inch touch screen is home to audio, and a raft of in-car information displays with intuitive pathways. There’s also good storage pockets with 12-volt, auxiliary and USB points that are sensibly positioned forward of the gear change, allowing ease of access.

Tucson’s second row offers comfort and space for three with two directional air vents; two back of seat pockets, partial reclining seats and indoor storage stow.  The centre belt extends from the roofline, but does its job nonetheless.

A much-desired electric tailgate reveals a large load capacity – 488-litres growing to 1478 with the seats folded flat – that offers a good load height with plenty of anchor points; a 12-volt outlet and a dedicated light. There’s also a spot to easily secure the retractable cover when it’s not in use.

Local drivers especially in Nigeria would find the Tucson extremely delightful to drive because of the improved suspension that ensures more precise handling without sacrificing ride comfort. Hyundai claims to have spent significant time testing dampers, anti-roll bars, springs, drivetrains, transmissions and wheel sizes to enhance the ride quality and deliver perfect balance between rough terrain and smooth highways.

A world’s first shock-absorber mounting structure, the 2016 Tucson employs a dual-reinforcing panel rear wheelhouse design, which optimises panels that are prone to vibration, resulting in a 109 percent increase in rigidity, reduced road noise levels and ride and handling improvements.