A strong and unconventional aesthetic personality, comfort in abundance and technology where it is needed. The fourth generation of Hyundai Tucson does not go unnoticed and ANSA Motori tested it in its hybrid version, the 230 HP 1.6 TGDI HEV 2WD. The first impact is with the external design outside the box, which needs to make the eye and which allows the Tucson to stand out from the competition. The shapes are angular and deliberately in plain sight. The spirit is blatantly modern, different from the usual and really makes a difference.
The hi-tech look is guaranteed by the front grille and front daytime running lights which, once turned off, are indistinguishable in the grille. The actual headlights, on the other hand, are those integrated into the sides of the bumper. Same features also on the sides, where the shape seems to have been obtained with skilful strokes of hatchet, for the occasion unleashed by capable Korean designers.
Our test takes us aboard a Tucson powered by a 1.6-liter turbo-petrol engine for 180 HP, combined with a 60 HP electric motor, with a 1.49 kWh battery: the system power thus reaches 230 hp and 350 Nm, more than good for tackling everyday routes, between urban and extra-urban with moderate distances. With full hybrid technology, the Korean SUV alternates electric driving with that controlled by the double thrust of the petrol engine together with the electric one.
To start off, no gear lever, six-speed automatic, to move. In its place, comfortable buttons and with the ‘D’ off you go. The lever, on the other hand, is there to choose the driving modes between Eco or Sport. In Eco mode, the Tucson Hybrid starts on electric, with the internal combustion engine coming in shortly after. To be able to proceed exclusively in electric it is instead necessary to accelerate very slowly, which is not always possible in the hectic traffic of the urban jungle. With a light foot, consumption is more than satisfactory. The ‘hybrid’ Tucson suffers only a little more, in terms of consumption, on the highway.
On board, the comfort is truly ‘premium’ and the cabin of the Tucson confirms the revolution that has changed the exterior. The dashboard has a shape that converges in the large central area where each command is touch-sensitive. Particular and effective are the micro-holes for the 3-zone climate control system, while on the display dedicated to infotainment it is also possible to recreate natural environments with related background sounds, so that the Tucson turns, if necessary, into a room for relaxation, perhaps after a day of work.
There is wireless charging for the smartphone, which is also ‘cooled’ and the system that reminds you to check the rear sofa to not forget anything before getting off is very useful. An extra eye on safety.
Essential, on a Hyundai, are now the very comfortable virtual rear-view mirrors, or those that project the external images directly on the dashboard every time the arrow is put on. Even those sitting in the rear seats travel very comfortably, who can count on dedicated air vents and the ability to adjust the temperature to their liking with respect to the front part of the passenger compartment.
A lot of space available, thanks also to the step that grows by 1 cm. The trunk of about 600 liters satisfies everyone.
In short, the Full Hybrid version of Tucson is a hybrid but without charging anxiety, which instead takes place in motion with braking and slowing down. In the name of the revolution in design, Hyundai has hit the mark and the sales trend of the Korean SUV already confirms it.
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