Hyundai Aims At Japan With The New Tucson.
Forget about buying your new RAV4, CX5 or X-Trail, Hyundai have unveiled the new Tucson, the replacement for the long in the tooth ix35.
Available in four models, with three engines and transmission choices, Hyundai has set their sights and are targeting the Japanese cars so many see as first choice. 
There’s the Active with 2.0L MPI engine, the Active X (expected volume seller), with 2.0L GDI, Elite and Highlander with 1.6L turbo that out torques the 2.5L Maxx Sport CX5 and a 402Nm 2.0L diesel.
There’s a six speed manual and auto, seven speed dual clutch auto for the 1.6L and, as expected, razor sharp pricing. Rolling stock varies from 17 to 19s on the Highlander with Continental tyres.
On road the pick is the diesel, with that never ending surge of torque, however the Active X, with just over 200Nm and a slick shifting six speed auto, never seemed lacking for urge, even with four boofy blokes aboard.
Ride quality is superb, with firm yet compliant suspension around town, with many drivers drawing attention to the refinement and quietness of the cars inside, plus the high quality look and feel to the cabin and plastics.
At the dealership launch, all four were put through their paces in a city based driving environment, with plenty of curious glances from passers by.
The Elite fitted with the 1.6L and seven speed auto drew favourable reviews, as it should, with 265Nm.
There’s plenty of cargo room (488L) versus 403L for the CX5, a bigger towing limit and more power for the diesel against the RAV4’s 2.2L (1600kg v 1000kg, 402Nm v 340Nm), rain sensing wipers, dusk sensing headlights, 10 way electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, satnav and better economy (7.7L/100km v 8.3L/100km) from the Elite turbo v the X-Trail 2.5L auto ST.
You can also expect to see Android Auto and Apple Car for the Active and Active X later this year.
Hyundai anticipate vehicles being available from early to mid August.
Contact your Hyundai dealer for more details.
Level 2, 9 Help Street
Raymond Tierney says:
Hi there. Have you any prices ?? Ray.
July 28th, 2015 at 1:48 pm
Dave Conole says:
Hi Ray, Hyundai will confirm prices for you here: http://www.hyundai.com.au/cars/suvs/tucson. In regards to your query on a 2WD ASX, I regret that I have not had access to that model, only the AWD diesels.
August 4th, 2015 at 8:57 am