The first Tucson, introduced back in 2004, was a reliable and practical SUV. While a common sight, its design was anything but aesthetically pleasing. The next one arrived with an extensive makeover - gone were the ruler-drawn lines, instead, the Tucson now sports a flowy body thanks to Hyundai's 'Fluidic Sculpture' design language.
In 2015, the third generation Tucson was introduced, once again with curves aplenty and a sleek silhouette achieved by pulling the A-pillars back, giving the Tucson an air of sportiness that its predecessors never had.
The Tucson has been a highly popular choice in Singapore throughout its first three iterations, and it's easy to understand, they were some of the safest as a practical means of transport. With the current Tucson however, Hyundai has completely re-imagined what the model has meant.
Gone were the bread-and-butter looks. The all new Tucson sets itself apart from all its competitors in the segment, with a bold and revolutionary design, making even the strongest of its rivals look mundane in comparison. Unlike conventional designs, the front fascia consists of a strong, eye-catching grille that has the head lights and daytime running lights integrated within. The rest of this sleek SUV is completed with angular shapes and sharp, crisp lines.
Take a step in and you would appreciate the amount of thought that went into the cabin. Surrounded by premium quality beige leather, chrome and piano black trimmings, the premium vibe it exudes is unmistakable. Excellent fit and finishing can be observed from the integration of each component such as the 8.0-inch infotainment screen and the 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster.
Not forgetting its roots, the Tucson remains an extremely practical proposition. There's ample space to fit five adults within, and the generous 620-litre boot space means packing for road trips will never be a headache. And the best part, its hybrid powertrain offers twice the fuel efficiency of its predecessors.
Indeed, in a segment where traditional wisdom might be to play it safe, Hyundai has done anything but that. With its bold design, premium interior and refined drive, the Tucson stands out from the crowd, well deserving of the Most Improved title this year.
