Hyundai Tucson
By Bill McCarthy
PARAMETRIC design is a key feature of the new Tucson, now into its fourth incarnation and longer, wider and more spacious than before. I certainly hadn’t got a clue what that meant, so best leave it to Hyundai.
The firm says the geometric patterns known as ‘parametric jewels’ appear throughout the SUV’s design. The look is enhanced with the use of these lights – a design innovation which seamlessly incorporates state-of-the-art lighting technology into the Tucson’s parametric jewel pattern grille which forms the car’s striking light architecture.
To the rear, the wide light clusters feature cat’s claw like shapes, while the new bumper also integrates parametric pattern details with a three-dimensional effect. Phew! So there you have it.
More simply put, it is a stunning looking SUV. It looks like it may have been chiselled from an ice block, with its sharp lines, acute angles, bold haunches, 17-inch alloys giving it a striking profile and yes, those jewelly light things.
It looks good and the interior features high level trim, soft touch finish, logical controls and switchgear, ventilated seats and three-zone climate control to offer an executive feel. In addition mood lighting offers 64 configurable colours and 10 levels of brightness.
This SE Connect ‘entry level’ model is still packed with kit including privacy glass, and body-coloured bumpers. Interior features include a leather steering wheel and gear knob, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control, heated and folding door mirrors, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
Dominant is the 10.5 inch touchscreen which controls a premium sound system, navigation, smartphone connectivity, wireless phone mirroring and wireless charging while also monitoring hybrid driving mode via the latest Bluelink® and LIVE Services features.
SUVs are practical cars and the Tucson is no exception, offering up to 513 litres of luggage capacity with the seats up and up to 1,503 litres with the seats folded on this particular hybrid model. For improved convenience, the rear seats can now be folded in a 40:20:40 ratio and can even be completed remotely
Power is provided by the combination of 1.6 litre petrol and engine and 44.2 kW electric motor running from 2.49kW lithium ion battery, mated with a six-speed auto box. This delivers a combined power punch of 230PS.
Like most hybrids, it offers good pace, together with excellent economy, although emissions are surprisingly high.
Available in four wheel drive or in this case two wheel only, on the road, the handling defies the usual SUV drawbacks, feeling sharp, with little wallow and stable ride. It is very brisk off the mark, hitting 60mph in around 8.5 seconds, but still delivering economy of around 40mpg.
Its the first Hyundai SUV to receive an Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) and this adaptive damping technology, allows seamless drive mode switching to provide the appropriate ride. Use ‘Normal’ or ‘Eco’ mode for a comfortable, flat and stable ride, even on the most challenging roads.
The ECS automatically and continuously controls the vehicle’s suspension to maximise driving comfort and performance. In ‘Sport’ mode, drivers enjoy an extra level of responsiveness and control.
It all adds up to an enjoyable drive, while noise like wind, road and engine are virtually absent.
It is also packed with a host of safety kit, both active and passive, including the likes of stability control, lane departure, cross traffic, blind spot and leading vehicle departure alerts.
It’s quite a package for a relatively modest price over just over £32k and includes a five year, unlimited miles warranty.
FAST FACTS
Hyundai Tucson SE Connect hybrid
Price: £32,255
Mechanical: 230PS, 1598cc, 4-cylinder, petrol engine and electric motor driving front wheels via six-speed auto box
Max Speed: 125mph
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
Combined MPG: 40.4
Insurance Group: 20
C02 emissions: 127g/km
Warranty: 5yrs/unlimited miles
On the road 