The big sales hit in our country, the Hyundai Tucson, recently received a refresh in the form of a light redesign of the exterior and somewhat more extensive changes in the interior. The designers did not want to change the successful concept that made this car more than recognizable. We had the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with all the new features of this model during the short drive to Valjevo.
You will easily recognize the latest model by the new daytime running lights. They still have the characteristic shape that sets the Tucson apart from all other models, but now they have fewer rounded and larger LED elements.
The biggest change is in the interior. The dashboard has been completely changed, with a different aesthetic. Until now, the instrument and multimedia displays were separate, but now they are on a common curved surface, slightly rotated towards the driver. Both are 12.3 inches diagonal, with physical buttons for adjusting the temperature of the air conditioning being introduced for safety. The steering wheel is also completely new, as is the position of the gearbox controls. Instead of buttons on the center console, they are now on the lever behind the steering wheel, which frees up additional storage space between the front seats. Of course, manual transmission variants don’t have this convenience, but that’s why there’s enjoyment in manual gear shifting for those who like it. Another big novelty is a partition with a non-slip surface in front of the passenger.
Considering the current trends, the fact that the existing engines have been retained and improved is very important for customers. In particular, diesel fans will be able to breathe a sigh of relief, as the Tucson is still available with a fuel-efficient 1.6 turbo-diesel with 136 horsepower, in both front and four-wheel drive versions. Diesel prices start at 32,490 euros, which is how much you should spend for a Tucson with the basic Vision equipment package. The list of standard equipment includes safety systems such as automatic braking, automatic maintenance of the vehicle in the middle of the lane, reading of traffic signs, a central airbag between the driver and the passenger… The mentioned digital instruments and multimedia are also standard in full size with a diagonal of 12.3 inches, a camera for reversing, contactless unlocking and locking of the vehicle, LED headlights and taillights, automatic two-zone “climate”, automatic demisting of windows, automatic on all four windows, front and rear parking sensors, alloy wheels 17 inches in diameter… All this is standard and in the cheapest version, which includes wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity.
By the way, the 1.6 turbo-petrol with 160 “horses” is 4,500 euros cheaper than the diesel, so the Tucson with the aforementioned Vision equipment package can be purchased for 27,990 euros. However, it should be borne in mind that the diesels are delivered exclusively with a seven-speed automatic transmission with two plates, so in that sense the price difference is not that big. For the sake of comparison, the gasoline automatic with the same equipment package costs 30,990 euros, which is 1,500 euros cheaper than the diesel.
If you want, you can pay extra for four-wheel drive. The surcharge is 2,000 euros for petrol, and 1,800 for diesel. A panoramic roof with opening is also on the list of options, but only for the highest package of equipment and for it you need to add 800 euros. In that case, the Tucson is quite luxurious. You will be greeted by leather seats with electric adjustment, memory and automatic moving away and approaching the steering wheel, ventilation and heating. Ambient lighting and Krell premium sound system ensure a good atmosphere, and safety is ensured by a large head-up display, which is installed in the Tucson for the first time. There is also blind spot control with automatic intervention in case of need, 360-degree cameras, steering wheel heating, 15-watt wireless charger with ventilation, adaptive cruise control, electric trunk opening…
Among the technical improvements, we highlight the adaptive cruise control of the latest generation, which works in conjunction with the navigation map, i.e. the topographic characteristics of the terrain. This means that the car will slow down in a curve or when encountering a roundabout or intersection, without the need for driver intervention. Also, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are expected in the coming period.
For fans of a sportier look, the Ultimate N Line version is reserved. It is delivered with both gasoline and diesel variants, and exclusively with an automated gearbox. The N Line equipment package is based on the highest, Ultimate package, and in relation to it, it additionally contains sports seats and a steering wheel covered with brushed leather and metal pedals. On the outside, it stands out with a different mask, dual exhaust, front and rear diffuser and N Line alloy wheels with a diameter of 19 inches. Configuration with four-wheel drive is also possible.
Hyundai organized for domestic journalists a promotional drive of the redesigned Tuscon to Valjevo, more precisely to the village of Zabrdica, where Nenad Jezdić offered us hospitality on his estate. The famous actor has been collaborating with this Korean brand for many years, on projects that support shared values.
See more photos from this event in the gallery
Source: www.magazinauto.com
