Hyundai Tucson 2.0 (A) Facelift Review
09 Apr 2014|18,909 views
SUVs play radically different roles in modern day commutes compared to what they were originally conceived for. The fast changing landscape means that they need not get all muddy ploughing the unbeaten tracks.
But of course, there aren't many of those sandy yellow paths lying around anymore - especially in a highly urbanised environment like ours.
Other than the commanding stance that looks like it can take on any type of terrain, there really aren't much that urban crossovers have that can tackle 'uncivilianised' grounds.
But that doesn't mean people have lost interest in them. On the contrary, urban 'off-roaders' are garnering more likes than before, with their pretty faces and purposeful looks.
But of course, there aren't many of those sandy yellow paths lying around anymore - especially in a highly urbanised environment like ours.
Other than the commanding stance that looks like it can take on any type of terrain, there really aren't much that urban crossovers have that can tackle 'uncivilianised' grounds.
But that doesn't mean people have lost interest in them. On the contrary, urban 'off-roaders' are garnering more likes than before, with their pretty faces and purposeful looks.
Up close and Personal
While we are accustomed to extreme makeovers in Korean cars, the latest Tucson doesn't look too different from its predecessor. With very subtle changes to the exterior, the 2014 model is best described as a mild facelift.
Unlike its close cousin - the Kia Sportage - the Tucson looks primed for the concrete jungle. The less rugged overalls, when coupled with the new LED and chromed decorations, give it a more civilised feel.
Likewise, the Tucson's cabin gets a fair share of mild updates. Although the steering wheel retains the same design, it now has multi function buttons which toggle the cruise control, stereo, and the new Bluetooth telephony feature.
Other standard features include USB port for mobile devices, dual-sunroof, reverse camera, cruise control, etc., which is quite a comprehensive list considering its more 'budgetary' roots.
Although ergonomics is good and functions are relatively fuss-free to access, quality of the buttons and trims still feel a tad tacky to the touch. It also lacks the TFT colour display, which is an increasingly common feature in recent cars.
The Drive
The biggest change in the facelift, perhaps, is the new block underneath the hood. The 'NU' spec unit may be slightly less powerful, packing 151bhp and 191Nm of torque compared to the previous 166bhp and 197Nm, but it claims a better fuel economy of close to 12km/L.
Our stint with the car, however, reveals a figure that is closer to 10km/L.
Look past that small letdown and it's not hard to find the treats from the 2.0-litre plant. Despite doing without any form of force induction, the Tucson feels determined to spur on. In fact, pedal to the metal, the Tucson feels quicker than what the 11.5-second century sprint would suggest.
Other standard features include USB port for mobile devices, dual-sunroof, reverse camera, cruise control, etc., which is quite a comprehensive list considering its more 'budgetary' roots.
Although ergonomics is good and functions are relatively fuss-free to access, quality of the buttons and trims still feel a tad tacky to the touch. It also lacks the TFT colour display, which is an increasingly common feature in recent cars.
The Drive
The biggest change in the facelift, perhaps, is the new block underneath the hood. The 'NU' spec unit may be slightly less powerful, packing 151bhp and 191Nm of torque compared to the previous 166bhp and 197Nm, but it claims a better fuel economy of close to 12km/L.
Our stint with the car, however, reveals a figure that is closer to 10km/L.
Look past that small letdown and it's not hard to find the treats from the 2.0-litre plant. Despite doing without any form of force induction, the Tucson feels determined to spur on. In fact, pedal to the metal, the Tucson feels quicker than what the 11.5-second century sprint would suggest.
Its on-road behaviour also contrasts what you'd have expected of a car of its size - hefty, sludgy, and lethargic. Instead, the Tucson feels light on its feet, thanks to the linear power delivery, an effective six-speed gearbox and lively handling.
Conclusion
Hyundai has come a long way in bringing cars of good value for money to the mass market. Considering the slew of standard equipment, the Tucson is fairly competitively priced at $168,999 (as of 9th April).
Its rivals, however, are just a notch away. The dated but popular Tiguan 1.4, for instance, is pegged at $171,800. Those looking for a more bang-for-buck alternative will also consider its closely related cousin - the Kia Sportage - which is going for $7,000 less than the Tucson.
That said, the Tucson's capable drivetrain still makes it an attractive package - especially now that it has gained a prettier face.
Conclusion
Hyundai has come a long way in bringing cars of good value for money to the mass market. Considering the slew of standard equipment, the Tucson is fairly competitively priced at $168,999 (as of 9th April).
Its rivals, however, are just a notch away. The dated but popular Tiguan 1.4, for instance, is pegged at $171,800. Those looking for a more bang-for-buck alternative will also consider its closely related cousin - the Kia Sportage - which is going for $7,000 less than the Tucson.
That said, the Tucson's capable drivetrain still makes it an attractive package - especially now that it has gained a prettier face.
SUVs play radically different roles in modern day commutes compared to what they were originally conceived for. The fast changing landscape means that they need not get all muddy ploughing the unbeaten tracks.
But of course, there aren't many of those sandy yellow paths lying around anymore - especially in a highly urbanised environment like ours.
Other than the commanding stance that looks like it can take on any type of terrain, there really aren't much that urban crossovers have that can tackle 'uncivilianised' grounds.
But that doesn't mean people have lost interest in them. On the contrary, urban 'off-roaders' are garnering more likes than before, with their pretty faces and purposeful looks.
But of course, there aren't many of those sandy yellow paths lying around anymore - especially in a highly urbanised environment like ours.
Other than the commanding stance that looks like it can take on any type of terrain, there really aren't much that urban crossovers have that can tackle 'uncivilianised' grounds.
But that doesn't mean people have lost interest in them. On the contrary, urban 'off-roaders' are garnering more likes than before, with their pretty faces and purposeful looks.
Up close and Personal
While we are accustomed to extreme makeovers in Korean cars, the latest Tucson doesn't look too different from its predecessor. With very subtle changes to the exterior, the 2014 model is best described as a mild facelift.
Unlike its close cousin - the Kia Sportage - the Tucson looks primed for the concrete jungle. The less rugged overalls, when coupled with the new LED and chromed decorations, give it a more civilised feel.
Likewise, the Tucson's cabin gets a fair share of mild updates. Although the steering wheel retains the same design, it now has multi function buttons which toggle the cruise control, stereo, and the new Bluetooth telephony feature.
Other standard features include USB port for mobile devices, dual-sunroof, reverse camera, cruise control, etc., which is quite a comprehensive list considering its more 'budgetary' roots.
Although ergonomics is good and functions are relatively fuss-free to access, quality of the buttons and trims still feel a tad tacky to the touch. It also lacks the TFT colour display, which is an increasingly common feature in recent cars.
The Drive
The biggest change in the facelift, perhaps, is the new block underneath the hood. The 'NU' spec unit may be slightly less powerful, packing 151bhp and 191Nm of torque compared to the previous 166bhp and 197Nm, but it claims a better fuel economy of close to 12km/L.
Our stint with the car, however, reveals a figure that is closer to 10km/L.
Look past that small letdown and it's not hard to find the treats from the 2.0-litre plant. Despite doing without any form of force induction, the Tucson feels determined to spur on. In fact, pedal to the metal, the Tucson feels quicker than what the 11.5-second century sprint would suggest.
Other standard features include USB port for mobile devices, dual-sunroof, reverse camera, cruise control, etc., which is quite a comprehensive list considering its more 'budgetary' roots.
Although ergonomics is good and functions are relatively fuss-free to access, quality of the buttons and trims still feel a tad tacky to the touch. It also lacks the TFT colour display, which is an increasingly common feature in recent cars.
The Drive
The biggest change in the facelift, perhaps, is the new block underneath the hood. The 'NU' spec unit may be slightly less powerful, packing 151bhp and 191Nm of torque compared to the previous 166bhp and 197Nm, but it claims a better fuel economy of close to 12km/L.
Our stint with the car, however, reveals a figure that is closer to 10km/L.
Look past that small letdown and it's not hard to find the treats from the 2.0-litre plant. Despite doing without any form of force induction, the Tucson feels determined to spur on. In fact, pedal to the metal, the Tucson feels quicker than what the 11.5-second century sprint would suggest.
Its on-road behaviour also contrasts what you'd have expected of a car of its size - hefty, sludgy, and lethargic. Instead, the Tucson feels light on its feet, thanks to the linear power delivery, an effective six-speed gearbox and lively handling.
Conclusion
Hyundai has come a long way in bringing cars of good value for money to the mass market. Considering the slew of standard equipment, the Tucson is fairly competitively priced at $168,999 (as of 9th April).
Its rivals, however, are just a notch away. The dated but popular Tiguan 1.4, for instance, is pegged at $171,800. Those looking for a more bang-for-buck alternative will also consider its closely related cousin - the Kia Sportage - which is going for $7,000 less than the Tucson.
That said, the Tucson's capable drivetrain still makes it an attractive package - especially now that it has gained a prettier face.
Conclusion
Hyundai has come a long way in bringing cars of good value for money to the mass market. Considering the slew of standard equipment, the Tucson is fairly competitively priced at $168,999 (as of 9th April).
Its rivals, however, are just a notch away. The dated but popular Tiguan 1.4, for instance, is pegged at $171,800. Those looking for a more bang-for-buck alternative will also consider its closely related cousin - the Kia Sportage - which is going for $7,000 less than the Tucson.
That said, the Tucson's capable drivetrain still makes it an attractive package - especially now that it has gained a prettier face.
Also read our comparison article on:
Tucson 2.0 (A) vs Forester 2.0i-L (A) vs RAV4 2.0 Premium (A)Car Information
Hyundai Tucson 2.0 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|11.9km/L
Horsepower
113kW (152 bhp)
Torque
191 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
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