ROAD TEST: Hyundai Tucson 1.6 Turbo Executive
By: Jason Woosey
Johannesburg - Given the likelihood that SUV buyers would rather their vehicle was named after an Arizona desert town than some product-planner’s alphanumeric fantasy, the ix35’s replacement resurrects the Tucson nameplate.
Yet while its name harks back to a previous generation, this is an all-new vehicle, built on a brand-new platform and promising to take Hyundai’s compact SUV game a good few steps forward. Falling behind is certainly not an option, given that its forebear was among the top sellers in its segment and there’s no denying that this corner of the SUV world is getting a little crowded.
We could go on about how the new Tucson is up to 48 percent more torsionally rigid, or the extensive sound-deadening measures in the floor pan and pillars, or the fact that its chassis was meticulously engineered with European roads in mind, but its most impressive advancement is under the bonnet.
Turbopetrol power
Hyundai has finally joined the turbopetrol party in this segment with a development of its 1.6-litre T-GDI engine, fitted to the top two models in the range. The only downside here is that the lower models, which are likely to be the volume sellers given where the rand and car prices are headed these days, soldier on with the 115kW normally-aspirated 2-litre engine.
Sure it helps keep the price down (with the base Tucson starting at a class-competitive R359 900), but then some rivals are solving this dilemma with even smaller-capacity turbopetrol options.
Nonetheless, if you can stretch that budget, to R419 900 for the front-wheel drive mid-spec 1.6T Executive on test here or R499 900 for the gadget-packed 1.6T Elite all-wheel drive, you are in for one peachy driving experience.
The direct-injection turbo motor produces 130kW at 5 500rpm and 265Nm from 1 500 to 4 500 and not only is it pleasantly smooth and linear in its delivery, it’s also gleefully quick. More so than you’d think the average pavement kisser needs to be. Then again, with this segment threatening to send normal sedans and hatches where the dinosaurs and cassette tapes went, heavier-footed buyers are going to want to migrate in rapid comfort. Sure, the Tucson 1.6 T-GDI will never be a hot-hatch alternative like the Subaru Forester XT, but it is certainly a warm performer.
Fun to drive
The FWD Executive version is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, meaning you’ll have to stretch to the AWD Elite to enjoy Hyundai’s new seven-speed dual-clutch ‘box, but as far as stick shifts go, this one is truly top notch. Far cry from the plastic-cutlery shifters of older Hyundais, this manual has a pleasantly short throw as well as a solid, weighty shifting action. It’s actually as if, in today’s endless maze of soulless SUVs, Hyundai tried to make one that’s actually fun to drive. Even the steering has a relatively solid feel to it.
Much of the chassis development was carried out in Europe, with extensive testing around the Nurburgring and Hyundai invested in multi-link rear suspension too, all with the aim of perfecting the ride quality without compromising roadholding. While “developed around the ‘Ring” is usually code for “bone-jarring-ride”, Hyundai has struck a decent balance here that still delivers an ever-so-slightly firm yet comfortable-enough ride, but the nit-picker in me feels the set-up could have been a touch softer had it been developed with the harsher roads of developing countries in mind.
School run slave
We could get carried away with the sporty stuff, but crossovers like this are all too often slaves of the school run and in this ultimate space race the Hyundai delivers what the average family is likely to need. If we’re talking outright size, the Tucson slots neatly between the Qashqai and Rav4 in length, but matches the latter in width.
Rear legroom and headroom are ample and boot space is adequate, measuring 513 litres, but it’s not as spacious as some cave-like rivals, notably the aforementioned Toyota Rav4 and Honda’s CR-V.
Upfront, the new Tucson has a rock-solid look and feel, and it avoids looking cheap in any way, but it’s clearly more of a no-nonsense kind of quality than anything else. It’s all very overcast and grey inside there, functional and easy to operate in the most user-friendly way imaginable, but lacking any kind of pizzazz or sense of occasion. This is almost at odds with how brilliant this vehicle is to drive. It’s also a bit strange that you have to opt for the hedonistically specced, half-a-million rand Elite just to get a touchscreen operating system.
VERDICT
With its more purposeful design as well as its quieter and roomier cabin, the Tucson is already off to a good start in its crowded class, but the new turbo motor and rewarding all-round driving experience raise Hyundai’s game in a surprising way. It’s just that the competition is not leaving a lot of wiggle-room and neither is this Hyundai’s R419 900 price tag, although it must be said that the Tucson remains a very worthy contender in the greater scheme of things and it has a very compelling warranty, covering the drivetrain for seven years or 200 000km. -Star Motoring
FACTS
Hyundai Tucson 1.6 Turbo Executive
Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Power: 130kW @ 5500rpm
Torque: 265Nm @ 4500rpm
0-100km/h (claimed): 9.2 seconds
Top speed (claimed): 203km/h
Price: R419 900
Warranty: 5-year / 150 000km
Service plan: 5-year / 90 000km
ALTERNATIVES
Audi Q3 1.4T S – 110kW/250Nm – R446 000
Ford Kuga 1.5T Trend – 110kW/240Nm – R403 900
Mazda CX-5 2.5 Individual – 141kW/256Nm – R438 800
Nissan Qashqai 1.6T Acenta – 120kW/240Nm – R379 900
VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI Trend&Fun – 118kW/240Nm – R399 100