Hyundai Tucson 2016 – All New With Top Features To Be Launched in Malaysia

Korean vehicles have progressed quite a bit ever since they started appearing here in Malaysia in the 1970’s. They were plain in design, and although many had Korean-made bodies with Japanese or other mechanicals, they were not well-backed in terms of spares and service facilities – as a result, Korean makes had an uphill battle trying to get market share. It didn’t help that Korean designs were somewhat boring.

Things got better in 2009, when Hyundai introduced the new range with what it calls its ‘fluidic scuplture’ designs, which came with better engines and six-speed automatic transmissions. Six years later, we see a new front mask with a hexagonal grille which gives the model range a more masculine demeanour. Now the new 2016 Tucson is about to make its appearance – some of our local media took a short trip to the Philippines to check it out, yours truly included.

The Tucson is a small crossover SUV, and belongs to one of the fastest growing automotive segments, not only in Malaysia, but across the region and the world. The original term ‘cross-over’ used to be a term used for vehicles that are based on an existing sedan platform, and look very much like the original sedan, but with slightly raised ride heights, due to larger tyres and beefed-up suspension, and with those black plastic surrounds on the lower body and around the wheel wells, supposedly replaceable in case they get scratched.

Crossover vehicles were then made to ‘bridge’ the gap for people moving from sedans to SUV vehicles – SUVs back then were generally larger vehicles with all-wheel drive systems, an evolution of off-road workhorses made more comfortable – these large SUVs tended to be quite intimidating to the ordinary sedan user, thus prompting the development of crossovers. There seems to be some confusion as to what is a crossover and what is a SUV, so it appears that car makers are calling them SUV Crossover vehicles – they are generally mid-sized vehicles that look very similar to the larger SUVs, but with smaller engines, and can come with just one driven axle or two.

The Hyundai Tucson was first introduced in 2004, and the new model is in its third generation, following the second generation in 2009. The second generation garnered some interest with its powerful 164 horsepower 2.0-litre gasoline engine coupled to Hyundai’s own home-grown 6-speed automatic transmission. The second generation Tucson was a huge improvement over its predecessor, and on a spec to spec comparison, it was in fact the industry leader. Competitive pricing plus higher specifications helped somewhat in overcoming prejudice, and although it did make some inroads, the market leader until today is a popular Japanese brand.

The new 2016 Hyundai Tucson continues the brand philosophy of offering more, and thus comes packed with innovative and class leading features. Other than the base safety features such as ABS and associated benefits like BA and EBD, the new Tucson has Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS). Higher grade variants also get Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC).

The third generation Tucson is larger and looks better than the outgoing model, with the overall silhouette taking cues from its bigger brother, the Hyundai Santa Fe. Completely new from the ground-up, the new Tucson is longer (4,475mm, +65mm), wider (1,850mm + 30mm), the same overall height (1,655mm ) than the outgoing Tucson. The wheelbase is 2,670mm, an increase of 30mm. Translated to the real world, means the Tucson is a bigger vehicle, with more space all round.

The front end is more rugged-looking, and carries the new Hyundai signature hexagonal grille. The front and rear ends are more upright, giving the Tucson a more masculine demeanour over the outgoing model. The overall impact is much more pleasing to the eye.

There are some interesting engine options – distributors around the world can opt for the carry-over 2.0-litre engine, re-tuned, and rated at 155hp or 164hp, depending on regional conditions, or go for the recently introduced 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that offers a whopping, and class-leading 175 horsepower. A 2.0-litre Variable Geometry Turbo diesel provides even more power, delivering 185 horses and 400Nm of torque.

We tested the Philippines model recently – it came with a 155 horsepower GDI gasoline engine carried over from the current Tucson. The power is adequate enough, and was pretty good to drive, although the performance was anywhere in the adrenaline-pumping zone. If we end up with this engine in Malaysia, it is likely to be tuned to 164 horsepower. There is a rumour though, that the Malaysian version may get the 1.6 litre turbo-charged version, which will make it very interesting indeed. Besides, there is also a 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) up for grabs – we shall wait and see.

There are two drive train configurations – Front wheel Drive (FWD), and All-wheel Drive (AWD), both of which are available options in Malaysia, so it is highly likely that this will be carried over in the new model.
Given that the outgoing model carried quite high specifications, we would expect to see the Tucson debut here with most of the good stuff as standard. At the very least, we should see at least two or even more variants with different levels of specifications to suit different-sized pocketbooks.

The new Tucson is also available with projector headlamps with LED accents, 6 airbags, and smart phone connectivity.

Our test drive route was approximately 150 kilometres, with two driving sections. I got to drive for about half the distance. The roads we travelled were mostly narrow, with very heavy traffic in most places, and local traffic through the small towns and villages, which included three-wheeled motorcycle ‘taxis’ and the lumbering ‘Jeepneys’, not to mention huge trucks, pre-war buses that somehow have managed to survive, and motor cycles. Add to that the fact that the Philippines is a Left Hand Drive country, driving there in crowded traffic conditions on narrow roads and streets can be quite a nightmare. The going was quite slow, and we could hardly put the Tucson truly to the test like we do to vehicles when we go to other countries. We got to drive the front-wheel-drive only variants, both the petrol and diesel engines.

The 2.0-litre petrol was adequately powerful, with the six-speed automatic transmission performing well to spread the power through the gears, and it should go down well with the typical users of such vehicles. Fuel economy was decent; the rated fuel economy is 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres. We saw numbers of around 9+ litres per 100 kilometres, which is quite respectable.

The 2.0-litre diesel model, which is compliant to Euro 4 diesel, with its 185 horsepower and immense torque on call, made the Tucson a different animal altogether. Overtaking becomes effortless, a fact that might well be appreciated on our trunk roads. Given a choice, I would go for the diesel version. Having said that, the 1.6 litre turbo petrol engine, which we already know exists in the Veloster Turbo, would be quite interesting too.

No prices are available, but traditionally, Hyundai price levels are just a tad lower than its Japanese competitors, and given the current weak Ringgit, my guess is that the local distributors will wait a little for the dust to settle as the ‘big’ boys make adjustments to their vehicle prices before making any announcements. Unless a miracle happens, don’t expect it to be cheaper.