By Ian Strachan.
The Hyundai Tucson compact SUV is one of the Korean company’s best-selling models in the UK. And deservedly so. Now it’s got better with a smart re-design, increased space and practicality and a wealth of technology.
The Tucson is well-established and has gained a deserved reputation for its versatility, high specification and build quality. It comes with the option of a hybrid to help fuel consumption and reduce emissions, and can be two or four wheel drive.
I test drove the Tucson in Ultimate plug-in hybrid spec, linking Hyundai’s excellent 1.6 petrol engine with an electric motor and a smooth six-speed automatic transmission. This four-wheel-drive set-up is both pleasant to drive and – thanks to the electric motor – frugal for its size and power. The 253 bhp engine delivers more than adequate power throughout the range.
Performance is impressive for a large car and handling is stable and smooth, with no body roll.
The host of safety features on the Tucson includes blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and assist and a rear cross-traffic detection system as well as downhill brake control, forward collision avoidance system and all-round airbags.
The Tucson Ultimate 1.6T 253ps 4WD plug-in hybrid automatic comes in at £44,275 on the road which isn’t cheap, but this car is extremely well-equipped. The range starts at £32,000.
The interior of the Tucson is light, pleasant and spacious, particularly with its panoramic electric sunroof and re-designed dashboard. Load carrying capacity is excellent, and can be improved still further by dropping down the split rear seats, which gives you a flat loading floor. The rear tailgate is powered.
Equipment is impressive, with remote central locking with keyless entry and ignition, three-zone air conditioning , all-round electric windows, adaptive cruise control, all-round parking aids with rear camera, 12.3 inch touch screen satellite navigation with traffic messaging, eight-speaker premium audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth compatibility and a wireless pjone charging pad.
You also get 19 inch alloy wheels, roof rails, heated and ventilated front seats, automatic headlights and wipers, heated steering wheel, front fog lights and steering wheel-mounted controls
This being a Hyundai, it comes with their five year 100,000 warranty. This is a great peace-of-mind package which, sooner or later, all manufacturers are going to have to match or exceed.
I enjoyed the latest Tucson, which moves this popular compact SUV further up choice lists.
