Significant transformation of the Czech Hyundai. The new Tucson bet on an unusual look and hybrids

Mild-hybrid, classic hybrid and plug-in hybrid. With the exception of the fully electric version, the new Tucson offers all types of electrified drive. There is almost no room left for classic internal combustion engines.

In the end, there will be only two under the hood – a 16-liter T-GDI petrol engine with 110 kW turbocharging and a 1.6 CRDi turbodiesel with 85 kW output. Both engines will have an exclusively six-speed manual transmission, the four-cylinder petrol engine optionally offers all-wheel drive with several driving modes.

The entrance gate between the electrified variants is a mild-hybrid, using an electrical system with a voltage of 48 V. The same technology has been offered by the ending generation. In this version, 1.6 T-GDI petrol engines with an output of 110 or 132 kW and also a 1.6 CRDi diesel with an output of 100 kW will be available. For petrol engines, it is possible to choose from a manual six-speed transmission or a two-clutch automatic transmission with seven gears, the diesel unit has an exclusively manual device.

The six-speed transmission is intelligent, similar to the upgraded i30. This means that when the accelerator pedal is released, the engine disengages from the transmission and the car switches to so-called sailing mode. When the accelerator or brake is depressed again, the engine is started again even with the gear engaged. According to the carmaker, the whole thing saves fuel in the first place. However, Hyundai has not yet released the exact values. As standard, all mild hybrids have front-wheel drive, stronger petrol and diesel also offer all-wheel drive as an option.

The third variation of the drive is a classic hybrid, which combines a petrol 1.6 T-GDI with an electric motor and a battery with a capacity of 1.49 kWh. The system power of this version is 169 kW, while with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in exactly eight seconds, it is also the fastest version on offer. The choice is front or all-wheel drive exclusively with a six-speed automatic. Next year, the offer will be complemented by a plug-in hybrid with a system power of 195 kW.

Overall, the new generation Tucson is only slightly larger than its predecessor. It is 20 mm longer in length, which means 4.5 meters, and 10 mm more between the axles. The value of 2680 mm is above average among competing SUVs. The car is also 15 mm wider and 5 mm higher than before. Hyundai thus has more interior space in the rear seats, which is also helped by the batteries of the electrified versions located below them.

The luggage compartment was further enlarged. The purely petrol version, which is the largest, now has 620 to 1799 liters, while the smallest diesel mild hybrid offers 546 to 1725 liters. Other motorizations are between these two values. In addition to more space, optional adaptive shock absorbers will also contribute to the comfort of passengers on board.

The exterior design of the car has undergone a relatively significant transformation, the creation of which is mainly due to digital technology. The radiator grille has been enlarged, which is directly connected to the main LED lights. Even with their shaping, they look like a part of a mask with a geometrically shaped grid. The highlighted shape of the fenders in combination with square wheel arches or optional two-tone painting stand out from the profile. The rear lights are interconnected by a bar, an interesting detail is the carmaker’s logo made of polished glass. A total of nine body paints and wheels with a diameter of 17 to 19 inches will be available.

The cab design is somewhat reminiscent of the new generation of the i20. And especially with the same steering wheel. The Tucson also has a pair of screens with a diagonal of 10.25 inches. One is in front of the driver and forms the dashboard, the other is the output of a multimedia system with navigation. There is no lack of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, even in conjunction with the basic eight-inch radio. Extras include premium Krell audio.

A significant novelty is the fact that Hyundai has completely disregarded the physical buttons at Tucson. All functions are controlled either via the multimedia system or touch buttons. There is also a new three-zone automatic air conditioning. Even due to the absence of classic controls, the interior looks relatively futuristic. And it can be expected that the buttons will be absent in other models of the South Korean carmaker.

The offer of security assistants was also expanded. Newly, Tucson has, for example, a helper for driving on the highway, which combines adaptive cruise control with a lane-driving assistant. The car thus maintains its speed and a safe distance from the vehicles in front and at the same time tries to stay in the chosen lane. The SUV can also read traffic signs and automatically adjust the highest possible vehicle speed according to the permitted speed or warn of the car starting in front.

The hybrid and plug-in hybrid can also have the function of automatic parking or, conversely, parking, where the driver can navigate the car using a smart key without having to physically sit in it. In addition to the classic blind spot monitoring, Tucson can use cameras to display the situation behind the vehicle and on the display of digital alarm clocks – just activate the turn signal and the driver will see the situation behind the vehicle to the right or left according to the selected lane change. Some American Hyundai and Kia models have been offering a similar function for a long time, but it is still a novelty in Europe.

The production of the new generation of Tucson will continue to be provided by the plant in Nošovice, Moravia-Silesia. Most variants will go on sale in Europe before the end of the year, and at the beginning of the next year, plug-in hybrid and sports-oriented N Line equipment will come. And there is also speculation about the introduction of a purely sports version of N.

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