First ride: Hyundai Tucson - back on the world stage

Compact SUV Tucson with new design and engines

What started with the name "Tucson" is being continued in Germany after six years of abstinence from Hyundai. The Korean car manufacturer's compact SUV regains its place in the model range. It was a short but successful interlude at the time. As iX35 the SUV sold at least about 93.000 times. With the new presentation at this year's Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai continues its strategy to introduce 2017 twenty-two new models and derivatives. From July 2015 is now the "new" Tucson with new design and engines on buyer hunt with a starting price of € 22.400.

Before the new Tucson finally goes to the German market, we are allowed to test drive it around the contemplative Jagdschloss "Platte" near Wiesbaden.

Immediately when boarding the high-quality materials immediately catch the eye. Here was largely waived hard plastic and so the Tucson also looks very valuable inside. All instruments, such as on-board computer data, tachometer, speedometer and the navigation device are in the prudent driver's perspective. As a result of the wheelbase that has grown to 35 mm compared to the ix2.670, five people can be comfortably accommodated. And the space available in the rear is sufficient for three adult people.

The optionally available panorama glass sliding roof, which is offered from the "Trend" equipment line, makes the compact look even larger and brings a sense of well-being to the car. Driver and passenger and also the passengers in the rear have a clear view to the sky. Hyundai did not save on trunk volume either and immediately achieved the “best-in-class” values. Thus, the vehicle offers space for the whole family and in addition a trunk of 513 liters. With folding seating even 1.503 liters.

The engines are quite clear. In addition to the diesel units, Hyundai offers its customers two gasoline engines with two output levels. Both engines have a displacement of 1.6 liters. The "blue 1.6 GDI" with 97 kW (132 PS) is only available as a front-wheel drive. In contrast, the 1.6 Turbo with 130 kW (177 PS) both as a front-wheel drive and as an all-wheel drive version. If the "blue" engine is only presented with a six-speed manual transmission, the 1.6 Turbo variant can also be combined with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

The diesel gensets we tested can be ordered in three performance levels and two drive types. Diesel entry is provided by a 1.7 liter 85 kW (116 hp) engine, which seems a little too weak to us at a torque of 280 Newton meters at 1250 - 2500 revolutions. The two “blue” 2.0 CRDI engines with 100 kW (136 hp) and 2.0 CRDI engines with 136 kW (185 hp) impress with their increased torque. When the 136 HP unit comes on the road with 373 Newton meters at 1500 - 2500 revolutions, the 185 HP engine pushes forward with a good 402 Newton meters at 1750 revs. But the revised steering of the Tucson also convinces and lets the vehicle steer very confidently both in urban traffic and on the highway. According to Hyundai, the consumption values ​​can be achieved. If the “smaller” diesels are under five liters, the “big” diesels promise not only driving pleasure, but also 5,9 liters per 100 km in combination with the six-speed manual transmission, and moderate consumption. This results in CO2 emissions of 154 grams per kilometer for the common rail four-cylinder.

The subject of safety is a top priority for this vehicle in the C-SUV segment, as Hyundai puts it. All trim levels offer seven airbags, including front and rear curtain airbags. ESP, ABS and ISOFIX child seat fasteners on both outer rear seats are a common standard here. In the field of pedestrian protection, Hyundai uses the "active hood". In the event of a pedestrian accident, the bonnet swings up to 5 centimeters to avoid the hard impact of the engine block.

With the four equipment lines “Classic”, “Trend”, “Style” and “Premuim”, the car manufacturer from Korea offers enough options for every taste. The basic “Classic” equipment already includes air conditioning with a pollen filter, electric windows at the front and rear, a height-adjustable driver's seat, an RDS radio with steering wheel controls, a USB port and six speakers including Bluetooth hands-free system and hill start assist. The Tucson gets the final “touch” in terms of equipment with the “Premium” package. Parking sensors front/rear, LED low beam, navigation device with 8-inch display and reversing camera as well as a rain sensor are on board as standard.

Other security features and option packages complete the offer. Among other things, Hyundai offers a safety package consisting of an autonomous brake assist (AEB), front impact warning system (FCWS), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA) and blind spot assistant (BSD) in the amount of € 1.100 for the equipment "Style" and "Premium". The driver assistance package with the features Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) and traffic sign recognition for speed limits and overtaking bans are already included as standard. For the start of sales, Hyundai wants to make its customers financially easier for the entry into a diesel engine and with a diesel surcharge of only € 2.350 instead of as usual € 3.200 on the offensive.

And finally ... All in all, the Tucson meets the word "compact SUV" very well. The combination was successful.

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CDRi 4WD Premium:

Photos in the article: Stefan Beckmann Cover photo: Stefan Beckmann