Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson brand is no stranger to India. It made its first appearance in the market back in 2005, a year after its global debut. It skipped the next generation and reappeared in 2016. Back then the challenge was whether consumers will lap a Hyundai brand for over INR 20 lakh. A lot has changed since then and with Hyundai successfully establishing itself as a premium mass market brand, it is perhaps the best time for the fourth generation Tucson to get lucky.
The car is offered in 5 exterior colors and three options for the interior color theme. There is also two dual tone options of a black roof with red and white.
As is the case with all Hyundais, the car comes feature loaded to the gills especially on safety. There are more than 60 features on offer including lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot collision warning besides the standard ABS with EBD, electronic stability control and vehicle stability management. Also standard are 6 airbags.
The car comes with level 2 ADAS (advanced drive assistance system) that uses automated sensing technology with radars, sensors and cameras to detect obstacles on the road and respond with countermeasures for impact avoidance. While these are increasingly becoming common in luxury cars, Tucson highlights how quickly they are percolating down to premium cars as well.
It has a very spacious 540 litres of boot with the 60:40 split rear seats offering even further room. With the seats completely folded, over 1800 litres of space can be accessed. For enhanced convenience, it has hands free smart power tailgate with height adjustment.
The Tucson is equipped with a 2 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission and a 2 litre turbocharged diesel motor with an 8 speed automatic transmission. The petrol version has a maximum power output of 156 PS and torque of 192 NM to diesel's 186 PS power and 416 NM torque. It misses out on the 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine that is available in Hyundai's global line up. The all wheel drive option is also available only in the diesel version.
The car rides on standard 235/60 18" diamond cut alloy wheels that gives it a commanding road presence. It also gives it a ground clearance of 192 mm.
The infotainment system boasts of 10.25" HD audio video navigation system, steering mounted audio and bluetooth controls with voice recognition. The premium feel of the cabin is enhanced by the 64 colour ambient lighting feature.
Also on offer are multi terrain modes for snow, mud and sand along with four drive modes- eco, normal, sport and smart.
The rear seats can be reclined and one of the many features that enhance convenience for the passenger is the walk in device--basically a button at the side of the front co passenger seat which enables the rear passenger to shift or straighten the seat in the front for more legroom at the back.
The ventilated seats can be chilled and warmed as well.
For the comfort of the driver and front passenger, both the seats are power adjustable and ventilated. It gets Bose premium 8 speaker system including front tweeters, sub-woofer and amplifier.
A long time ago, Audi made a big splash in India with its LED headlamps and in the Tucson, Hyundai has taken inspiration from that. The big talking point with the styling of the car are the dark chrome parametric front grille with hidden LED daytime running lights and connecting LED lamps at the back. Expect DRLs to protrude into the grille even more in cars in the future but it all starts here and in the Tucson, it is stylish and well balanced. It makes it a head turner.
Launched at a starting price of INR 27.7-30.17 lakh for the two petrol versions and INR 30.2-34.39 lakh for the three diesel trims, the car is longer and wider than ever before measuring 4630 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2755 mm and a width of 1865 mm.
More Slideshows
Hyundai Tucson
Audi's new concept car: An oversized urban EV
Kia Carens: A recreational vehicle
Ekonk: All you need to know about India’s lightweight electric hypercar
Nissan Magnite: B-Segment SUV Concept
Audi's first coupe SUV: Audi Q3 Sportback
A Peek inside Data-Driven Autonomous Future
Financial Analysis of Key Auto Companies (FY09-FY19)
Coronavirus impact on auto industry
Making of the 2020 Hyundai SUV Creta
Quark 1: All you need to know about world's first 'class changing' vehicle
Launches and Unveilings at Auto Expo 2020