Visually striking Hyundai Tucson replaces iX35
Hyundai Motors Nigeria, locally assemblers of and distributors of some Hyundai automobiles in the country under the National Automotive Industrial Development Plan (NAIDP) have joined other Hyundai dealerships across the world in unveiling the all new third-generation 2016 Tucson Sport Utility vehicle (SUV)
The new Hyundai Tucson which is spacious with generous standard kits was introduced last week to the buying public in Lagos by the marketing team of Stallion-owned Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited (SMNL) before motoring journalists.
The drastically improved SUV was also test-driven from the Victoria Island dealership of Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited through the Eko Bridge to Maryland. From the Maryland cane market turning point, the convoy of four vehicles with a Police pilot Pick-Up truck made its way and back through the Ikorodu road linking the Town Planning Way exit Ilupeju, using the Third Mainland Bridge to connect Victoria Island.
According to the franchisee, the visually striking 4WD Tucson replaces iX35 as Korean automaker’s rival for best-sellers like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Skoda Yeti, Renault Duster, Ford Escape and Mazda CX3.
Redesigned from ground up with a brand new chassis, Tucson is another step up from its predecessor offering distinctive styling and tremendous features that make a distinction from competitors in the mid-size SUV crowd.
Hyundai has styled the Tucson to look like a mini Santa-Fe striking characteristic. Competitors would have to contend with in successive years to oust this nicely styled car that has all the trappings of a luxury.
Inside-out, the Tucson is no doubt an inspiringly beautiful SUV with attractive features, fantastic build quality, efficient engines and a strong suite of safety kits backed by Hyundai ambitious five years or 100, 000km warranty.
The squared-off wheel arches for instance and the Z-shaped shoulder crease on the car flanks give impression the Tucson is moving even while it’s stationary. This is in addition to the smart rounded rear end and the rear light clusters that are similar to some Hyundai’s models.
Coupled with this is the evidently inspiring gasping chrome grille in the front that links up to the headlights and stretched backwards on to the front wings. Against notable competitors, the Tucson is incredibly spacious and could dwarf rivals in practicality, boot space and generous amount of standard kits too.
Standard equipment on the Tucson is reasonably impressive with air-condition, alloy wheels, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB ports, 18 inch alloy wheels, child safety PR DR lock, keyless entry with burglar alarm and automatic headlights.
Available in Elegance and Evolution variants, the Evolution has optional features including auto Defrog system, ECM+Rear view camera, leather seats, power seats, parking assist, cruise control, privacy glass, button start (smart key) among others.
The Tucson recently scored a perfect 5-star rating from the EuroNCAP crash test – thanks to a full suite of safety kit such as Blind Spot Detection System, Rear Traffic Alert and Autonomous Emergency Braking. It scored 85% for adult and child protection respectively. Described as Hyundai’s best car yet, some market watchers say it could dominate the medium-size SUV segment so it seems.
Among the most attractive lures is the new suite treated to the automaker’s latest ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0’ design that gives the car sporty forward stance and sharp creases like the Santa-Fe. This semblance is noticeable in the large trapezoidal grille and new chassis, which now uses 50% high-strength steel compared to its predecessor’s 18%.
Under the hood, Hyundai Tucson’s powertrain offerings is enhanced with top efficient Nu engine family 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine with 164 brake horsepower (bph) and 151 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed automatic offers SHIFTRONIC manual shifting mode and includes an overdrive lock-up torque converter for higher fuel economy at highway speeds.
HMNL’s head of sales and marketing, Jatin Nadkarni said at the product presentation that the new Tucson has lots of cabin space for five adults and ample boot capacity than most rivals in the mid-sized SUV segment.
The second-row of the five-passenger interior has similarly improved in size and sophistication with a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and lumbar support. The design progress is glaring with a mix of sophisticated, cohesive, premium shine plastics with splashes of chrome and smooth rolling dials that gives high-end feels.
MIKE OCHONMA