Long before the Hyundai Creta set the Compact SUV segment on fire it was its big brother, the Hyundai Tucson, doing exactly the same in the mid-sized SUV market. While the love for mid- to big-sized SUVs hasn’t died down, the market seems to be gravitating to smaller SUVs. In this scenario, does the new Hyundai Tucson have enough to get this segment a much-needed atten­tion? We are here to find out.

FEATURES

Variants: 2018 HyundaiTucson

Price : Rs 9,496,000 – Rs 11,096,000

Engine : 1998cc

Power : 165 bhp

Torque : 197 Nm

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>Front, Side & Curtain Airbags

>ABS and EBD

>Auto Locking Doors

>Steering Wheel Multifunction Controls

 

Exterior

The front is unmistakably Hyun­dai: the first thing you notice on the Tucson, or on any other Hyun­dai for that matter, is that signature cascading grille. The grille comes embellished with strips of chrome with the Hyundai logo. The large, elongated and swept back head­lamps that house the daytime run­ning lights look sleek; the fog lamps are housed next to the grille, making for a smart look.

The side profile of the Tucson adds a sporty dimension to the car, thanks to the window line that rises up, and to the roof line arc which in turn makes for a unique C-pillar. This design sits on a gor­geous set of fresh new alloys which enhances the sporty look of the vehi­cle. You also get a redesigned rear, which is now less aggressive but sleeker. The new set of tail lights are beautiful, and the black on black spoiler and shark fin treatment draw many eyes.

Interior

The interior of this is better than the already beautiful exteri­or. Fresh is the word we are look­ing for because almost everything in this new Tucson is spanking new. Let’s start with the central console; you get a floating tablet design where a 7 inch touchscreen is housed. The infotainment is smooth and intelli­gent and using it is easy thanks to hand buttons on either side.

You get new, larger AC vents and the controls for the air con on the console are new and more premium as well. The new leather seats can be adjusted, heated and ventilated electrically, which not only feel luxurious but also makes for a commanding driving position thanks to the wide adjustment and better visibility on all directions. Leg room and head room in the second row seats are ample and the feeling of claustrophobia is kicked out of the door when you open that wide, panoramic sun roof.

Performance

Powering the Hyundai Tucson is a 2-liter petrol motor mated to a 5-speed automatic transmis­sion, which churns out 165 bhp and 197 Nm of torque. While the numbers may not seem a lot, the delivery is smooth. The acceleration is linear and responsive; the steering is light, too light if we are nitpicking. You get three driving modes. While Eco and City mode are suited to fuel efficiency, Sport is geared towards more performance and the one we recommend you drive in at all times.

The drive inside the city is like a gentle wind while the drive on high­ways will have you wanting more feedback from the steering wheel even in the sport mode. On the safety front, the Tucson comes well equipped, you get ABS as standard. There is also Vehicle stability man­agement, whether you’re on wet or slippery roads.

VSM helps you drive with extra confidence, ensuring stabili­ty through co-operative control between Electronic stability control (ESC) and Motor driven power-steer­ing (MDPS). You also get Downhill Brake Control and Hill-start Assist Control. The body itself is Advanced High Strength Steel ensuring the best-in-class skeletal rigidity. And as an icing on the cake, you get six airbags.

Verdict

The Hyundai Tucson is one of those cars where the flaws are close to being non-existent. The car looks beautiful, and staying inside is a complete treat thanks to the use of plush materials and a bucket of crea­ture comforts. Driving it around the city is an absolute pleasure, and the highways are full of comfort minus the feedback of the steering wheel. Safety is uncompromised and you and your family will be the safest on the road. All this put together in a beautiful package makes the Hyund­ai Tucson ooze confidence and that should be enough to breathe new life into the segment.