Hyundai launches the dynamic new Tucson

Hyundai has launched the all new Tucson.

The Tucson's new exterior styling expresses Hyundai's evolving Sensuous Sportiness design identity, with what Hyundai designers call 'parametric dynamics' kinetic jewel surface details that emphasise the Tucson's distinctly different identity in a crowded segment.

At the front, half-mirror type daytime driving lamps are assimilated seamlessly within the parametric grille and only revealed when illuminated.

The kinetic design is also carried over to the rear, where the full-width tail lamp incorporates half-hidden triangular shapes that are only visible when lit, echoing the lights on the front. The Hyundai logo has also moved up and is now integrated into the glass while the wiper also moves up to hide under the rear spoiler.

At 20mm longer, 15mm wider, and with a wheelbase that has been increased by 10mm against its predecessor, the all new Tucson is more spacious than ever before. Boot space has also increased to 620 litres overall (dependent on trim and drivetrain) with the seats up and up to 1,799 litres with the seats folded.

European Tucson customers can choose from nine exterior colours overall, including three new ones: Shimmering Silver, Amazon Grey and Teal. Moreover, the option of a two-tone roof in either a Phantom Black or Dark Knight will offer even more scope for personalisation. Each exterior body colour can be combined with the two-tone roof.

The interior of the new Tucson sports a 10.25-inch Supervision Cluster touchscreen exempt of hard buttons, a multi-air ventilation system and an open, hoodless digital gauge cluster.

The multi-air ventilation system disperses air into newly added multi-air slots in the front, in addition to the normal air vents, reducing direct air contact to create a more pleasant indoor environment.

64 configurable colours and 10 levels of brightness will be offered from the ambient lighting system to fit every mood and offer even more scope for personalisation. In addition, customers can choose from three interior trims, including one-tone Black in fabric or leather, two-tone Black and Beige in fabric or leather and the Teal colour pack.

The Tucson's second-row seats will also feature fold-and-dive functionality for flexible allocation of space between passengers and cargo. An enhanced natural language voice recognition system also now includes Speech-to-Meaning and Deep Meaning Understanding technologies.

The hybrid Tucson utilises a 1.6-litre Turbocharged Gasoline Direct-Injection (T-GDI) engine and a 59bhp electric motor, fed via a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and available with two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

The system is the most powerful in the all new Tucson's powertrain lineup, with a combined output of 223bhp, meaning it offers low emissions without compromising on driving fun.

Two 1.6-litre T-GDI engines will also be offered for European customers, with 48V mild-hybrid technology. The first, a 148bhp unit, will be available with six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (6iMT) and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT). A 178bhp 1.6-litre T-GDI, will also be offered with with six-speed iMT with two-wheel drive or the 7DCT with four-wheel drive.

Customers can choose between two different suspension systems for the all new Tucson. The Electronic Controlled Suspension's (ECS) adaptive damping technology will give the Tucson a very versatile driving behaviour, adapting the level of damping by taking into account driving conditions such as speed, road surfaces, cornering, stopping requirements and acceleration.

By controlling the damping force on each individual wheel, ECS reduces roll, pitch and vertical motion to enhance ride and handling. The car will also deliver an extra level of response and control when Sport mode is selected.

Meanwhile, the conventional dampers also utilise a new valve technology that offers more tuning flexibility. A MacPherson strut on the front and multi-link suspension on the rear ensure good levels of comfort and handling.

The Tucson is now equipped with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, which sounds alarms when a collision becomes imminent with cars, bicycles, or pedestrians ahead. Another new feature is Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) which will display speed limits on the instrument cluster. ISLA will also automatically adjusts the car's speed so that drivers do not exceed the limit.

A new Blind view Monitor will also display a view of the blind spot of the respective side on one of the two main dials of the 10.25-inch Supervision Cluster when the driver signals a lane change.

Hyundai plans to offer an N Line Tucson variant globally with a launch date to be announced later.