Just in time for the football grand finals it will be all-change for Hyundai’s compact SUV with the arrival of the all-new Tucson lineup which replaces the current ix35.
It’s a looker – bold and athletic – with just a sniff of the larger Santa Fe in profile.
We like the powerful front-end with the current Hyundai ‘brand signature’ hexagonal grille and very sharp projector headlights which include LED DRLs.
It’s the rear three-quarter which nicely shows some lineage to the excellent Santa Fe with that muscly D-pillar and large, modern tail lights.
As well as the all-new modern looks, we’re told the all-new Hyundai Tucson will deliver substantially more space than the current ix35.
You can choose model with either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive and there a four engines available covering both petrol and diesel.
Elite and Highlander models offer a Tucson-ised version of Hyundai’s turbocharged Gamma 1.6T engine (as fitted to the sporty Veloster SR Turbo) and driving through Hyundai’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
A new addition to the usual Hyundai model range will the ‘ActiveX’ grade which will add items like 18-inch alloy wheelswith 225/55R18 rubber, a rear-view camera, leather seats, cruise control, roof rails and a seven-inch touchscreen with (when available) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The other mid-spec model (but not in the sporty way as the ActiveX) which builds on the entry-level Active with extras such as 17-inch alloy wheels, Trailer Stability Assist, LED headlights, electronic adjustment for the drivers’ seat, hands-free power tailgate and an eight-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation.
Stepping-up to the range-topper sees some real gains such as 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/45R19 Continental ContiSport Conatct5 tyres, electronic adjustment for the front seats, leather seats (front heated and ventilated), panoramic glass sunroof, twin-tip trapezoidal exhausts, 4.2-inch TFT LCD Supervision instrument cluster and lots of technology (Lane Keeping Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert).
The lineup is:
| Active 2WD | 2.0 MPi (6-speed manual) | $27,990 |
| Active 2WD | 2.0 MPi (6-speed auto) | $30,490 |
| Elite 2WD | 2.0 MPi (6-speed auto) | $35,240 |
| ActiveX 2WD | 2.0 GDi (6-speed manual) | $30,490 |
| ActiveX 2WD | 2.0 GDi (6-speed auto) | $32,990 |
| Elite AWD | 1.6 T-GDi (7-speed DCT) | $38,240 |
| Elite AWD | 2.0 CRDi (6-speed auto) | $40,240 |
| Highlander AWD | 1.6 T-GDi (7-speed DCT) | $43,490 |
| Highlander AWD | 2.0 CRDi (6-speed auto) | $45,490 |
