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Pros: quality, space, style, refinement
Cons: no four-wheel-drive option
The Tucson has been a sales superstar for Hyundai Ireland, staying at or near the top of the podium ever since it was launched in 2015. And now there’s an all-new one. Given the car’s importance to the brand, Hyundai would have been forgiven for playing it safe, but instead it has gambled on retaining customers with a cutting-edge design, backed up by class-leading safety, more technology and space than before, and a focus on hybrid power.
Hyundai Tucson Design
There’s no other family crossover as daring looking as the new Tucson. The rear is dramatic enough with its sculpted lights, which are joined by a light bar, but move around to the side and the design really stands out, with strikingly sharp body panel shaping. The front end is even more remarkable, designed as a single piece where the lights are ‘hidden’ within the grille until they are switched on. Even then they look highly distinctive.
Hyundai Tucson Interior
The Tucson’s interior isn’t as jaw-dropping, but it is impressive. An increase in overall dimensions contributes to more passenger space, which is now well above average for the crossover segment – and it’s backed up by a decent boot, too. There’s a lovely wraparound shape to the cabin, too, where the door cards and dashboard form one continuous line. The dash itself features an upright digital screen to display the instruments on and another large screen in the middle of the car to control the infotainment. Below that are touch-sensitive controls for the air conditioning etc. There’s loads of space for oddments and it all feels well put together.
Hyundai Tucson Performance & Drive
The first of the hybrid versions of the Tucson to arrive cannot be plugged in to charge up its battery pack. Indeed, it’s a small capacity battery, so the electrical side of the hybrid equation is designed to assist the petrol engine rather than replace it. Nonetheless, working together, there’s a considerable 230hp on tap. The Tucson only feels as fast as that number suggests when you extend the engine, however, which makes it a little coarse, but driven sensibly it’s quiet and civilised. The chassis is certainly up to the job, too, though some will rue the lack of a four-wheel-drive option, as traction is limited when road conditions are poor.
Hyundai Tucson Pricing
Right now, the entry-level Tucson is powered by Hyundai’s venerable 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine and it costs from €32,845. The Hybrid costs from €36,345. Trim levels are Comfort Plus, Executive and Executive Plus and buyers can add the contrast colour roof to the Executive versions for a modest premium.
Carzone Verdict 4/5
It seems that Hyundai is ready to continue where it left off with its Tucson. The new car builds on its predecessor’s sensible package with more space, more safety equipment, more technology and a totally unique appearance. The availability of hybrid power also ensures that it stays relevant in a fast-changing automotive landscape.
Test Car Details:
Model driven: Hyundai Tucson Executive Plus HEV
Price: from €32,845
Hybrid system: 1.6-litre engine, 44.2kW motor, 1.49kWh battery
Transmission: automatic
Annual motor tax: €200
0-100km/h: 8.0 seconds
Power: 230hp
Boot space: 616 litres