Since its introduction in 2004, the Hyundai Tucson has been a popular face on our roads. Despite being as aesthetically pleasing as a lunch box, we appreciated this Korean Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) for being an affordable and practical means of transport.
The third and latest iteration of the Hyundai Tucson changes those perceptions - it is bolder yet sleeker, cleverer yet bigger. Based on Hyundai's latest 'Fluidic Sculpture 2.0' design, the Tucson is set to be a game changer for the brand.
But will Hyundai's sprightly bag of tricks be enough for the Tucson to fend off rivals such as the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai?
Exterior
In this segment of 'function over form' vehicles, competition is stiff and there are little signs of letting up in terms of demand. However, Hyundai has taken the right step in the design direction of the Tucson and this form may very well seal the deal for the carmaker.
Like the defined muscles of a seasoned athlete, the Tucson's sheet metal structure is a fusion of sharp edges and refined contours.
A sleek silhouette is achieved by pulling the A-pillars further back, giving the new Tucson an air of sportiness that its predecessors lacked.
Apart from having a beautifully sculptured figure, a pretty face is always a welcoming sight. This facial element we speak of comes in the form of a striking chrome grille that sits nicely between an alluring set of LED headlamps.
To maintain a neat and clean appearance, LED daytime running lights are incorporated into the Tucson's wing-like front bumper. The result visually widens the car and increases its road presence.
Interior
Unlike the bold and expressive exterior design, the Tucson's interior tells a different story. The cabin layout is simple and bears a welcoming and cosy ambience.
The unit you see here has black leather seats with matching black interior panels. It is obvious from the moment you enter the car that comfort is of Hyundai's utmost priority. Leather seats are delightfully soft and cabin surfaces are dressed in equally lush, soft-touch materials.
People with a knack for simplicity will enjoy the ergonomics of the centre console. Buttons are easily within reach and cleanly laid out. Although the multimedia system on the Tucson is a little out of style for a car in its time, you still get the usual creature comforts like Bluetooth connectivity and a reverse camera.
However, the latter isn't incorporated into the multimedia system's screen but in the rear view mirror. This idea may not appeal to all but we find the convenience of looking at both the reverse camera and rear view mirror with little need to shift our focus a rather clever touch.
The Tucson also offers ample head and legroom. Five adults will find themselves nestled rather comfortably and those in the rear are accompanied by the comfort of the rear air-con.
This generosity extends into the boot. With all seats up, the Tucson's 513 litres will fit a couple more shopping bags than the 406 litres and 430 litres in the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai respectively.
The Drive
With 153bhp and 192Nm of torque, the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Tucson is by no means slow. Although you won't find yourself flying in between traffic lights, there is enough brawn to tackle steep slopes with a full load.
There is, however, a hint of laziness in the six-speed automatic transmission. But unless you intend to drive it like a go-kart, this doesn't affect the Tucson's appeal too much.
What it does excel in is its notable safety features, which is always good to have with family cars. The Blind Spot Detection function allows for easier lane changes and the Speed Limit Information Function will remind you whenever you exceed the limit - something we especially love considering the amount of pesky speed cameras popping up on our roads.
With 153bhp and 192Nm of torque, the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Tucson is by no means slow. Although you won't find yourself flying in between traffic lights, there is enough brawn to tackle steep slopes with a full load.
There is, however, a hint of laziness in the six-speed automatic transmission. But unless you intend to drive it like a go-kart, this doesn't affect the Tucson's appeal too much.
What it does excel in is its notable safety features, which is always good to have with family cars. The Blind Spot Detection function allows for easier lane changes and the Speed Limit Information Function will remind you whenever you exceed the limit - something we especially love considering the amount of pesky speed cameras popping up on our roads.
If that's not enough, the Tucson even boasts an Active Hood System. What this does is elevate the car's hood to cushion the impact in the event of a collision. As to how well it works, we hope you'll never have to find out.
As with most cars of late, suspension is firm enough for the Tucson to not feel like a boat but still offering a level of comfort that napping babies would approve - all while tackling direction changes with sufficient confidence and composure.
Conclusion
Considering the improvements and equipment that Hyundai has thrown at the Tucson, its $137,999 (as of 8th October 2015) price tag really isn't too much to ask for. If you are in the market for something in this segment, the Tucson is certainly worth considering.
