Hyundai reveals stylish new Tucson

Hyundai Motor Company today showcased the new, fourth-gen Tucson. As shown in the sneak peek we saw earlier this month, the biggest change in the new Tucson comes with its design, something Hyundai calls ‘parametric dynamics’ with kinetic jewel surface details emphasising the Tucson’s distinct identity, most evident in the half-mirror type daytime running lights (DRLs) assimilated seamlessly within the parametric grille, which are only visible when illuminated.

The kinetic design theme carries over to the rear where the full-width taillight incorporates triangular elements once again visible when lit, akin to the DRLs up front. Next, the Hyundai logo is now integrated into the glass, with the wiper also integrated under the rear spoiler.

Stepping inside

Getting into the new Tucson can now be done with Hyundai’s Digital key, an app using Near-Field Communication (NFC) to detect authorised users. The Tucson’s interior, or ‘Interspace’, has been designed to carry on the tech-laden design theme of the exteriors, while maintaining a rugged SUV appeal. The broad ridge of the dashboard blends consistently with the doors and wraps around front occupants, while the vertically oriented, fully integrated centre fascia descends to the console like, as Hyundai says, a waterfall.

Taking centre-stage is a vertically stacked, dual 10.25-inch touch panel including an 8-inch display featuring Hyundai’s Blue Link tech, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the ability to pair two phones simultaneously. Complimenting the electronics suite is the hoodless digital cluster, imparting an overall futuristic feel. Further, the Tucson’s new Car-to-home feature allows customers to control smart home appliances from the car. They can turn on the air conditioner at home before their arrival on very hot, humid summer days.

Additionally, Hyundai’s sophisticated air-conditioning system is similar to those used on aircrafts, monitoring in-vehicle air quality via the real-time air-pollution levels on the Dual Automatic Temperature Control and purifying the air. Furthermore, the 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. The comfort levels of the interiors are rounded off by the ambient mood lighting, which is adjustable to 64 colors in 10 levels of brightness.

Under the hood

Hyundai has given the Tucson a choice of petrol engines. Badged ‘Smartstream’, the engines are available as either a 2.5-litre direct-injected inline-four making 187bhp and 247Nm, or a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injected hybrid or plug-in hybrid making 227bhp and 264Nm from only the petrol engine, and 350Nm from the combined hybrid powertrain. Both these engines are coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission and feature Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) tech that modulates valve opening duration to better balance power, efficiency and emissions. And finally, for the enthusiasts, there is also news of an N Line variant, which the brand will unveil in the future.

“We are thrilled to introduce the all-new Tucson, the latest model in Hyundai’s SUV transformation,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group. “This exciting vehicle sets a new benchmark for innovation in its segment, delivering an impressive blend of design, technology, packaging and performance.”

The all-new Tucson goes on sale in Korea in September this year as a 2021 model, and will probably hit our shores sometime in the second half of 2021, or in early 2022. Once here, it will go up against the Skoda Karoq, Volkswagen Tiguan, and the upcoming Citroen C5 Aircross.