Hyundai has launched a new Tucson which promises to be both sportier than ever, and more configurable thanks to the choice of wheelbase length and propulsion stems – at least for the rest of the world.
There’s still a while to wait for the new car, though, with Hyundai predicting first Korean sales to start this time next year, and Australian cars – including the spunky N Line – arriving at the beginning of 2022.
Hyundai is offering both between traditional and plug-in hybrid power for the new Tucson, though Hyundai is clear that the electrified powertrains are still under consideration for Australia at the moment.
The new Tucson – you won’t mistake it for the current one.
Safety levels will be bolstered by the availability of blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree monitor, adaptive cruise and AEB with junction assist.
Adopting design cues from Hyundai’s other SUV like the recently refreshed Santa Fe and full-size Palisade, the fourth generation Tucson has taken a turn to become one of the more attractive Hyundais, at least in our eyes.
In fact, the new vehicle is near unrecognisable as a Tucson, eschewing the current model’s flabby rear end for more confident and aggressive lines. The brand has employed parametric design principles as found on the Genesis GV80, cropping up in the broad grille and squat stance of the new design.
Parametric design and a hybrid powertrain.
For now, we’ll have to live in doubt about the availability of a hybrid or PHEV Tucson, with Hyundai Australia keeping these powertrains “under consideration”.
Exact details of the PHEV are still unconfirmed, but Hyundai has revealed the vital statistic of the series-parallel hybrid, combining a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for combined outputs somewhere of around 171kW and 348Nm. In our eyes, an electrified powertrain would help make the new Tucson a real competitor for the popular Toyota RAV4 hybrid.
For now, Hyundai Australia has confirmed that the Tucson will arrive with an updated selection of currently on offer engines. That is, a direct-injected two-litre four-cylinder, a two-litre turbodiesel, and a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
But the electrified Tucson has not been confirmed for the Australian market.
Under the skin, Australian delivered Tucsons will all be the long-wheelbase variants. They will also be equipped with unique springs and dampers to suit the Australian market, something that has always worked well for the Korean brand.
Inside the Tucson will be an eight-inch touchscreen on the entry-level variants, swelling to 10.25-inches in size for the upper-grades like the Highlander and N Line. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will make an appearance across the range, too.
Adding to the convenience will be a digital key that works in conjunction with Hyundai’s smartphone app, and the offer of a Bose premium sound system for the glitzier variants.
Hyundai also teased us with brief information about the sport Tucson N Line which is due to be revealed shortly. Details about pricing and model line-up will be announced closer to that fourth-generation Tucsons arrival early in 2022.
