Hyundai’s Tucson SUV

Redesigned from ground up with a brand new chassis, the
new third-generation 2016 Tucson Sport Utility Vehicle
(SUV) is another step up from its predecessor and it offers
distinctive styling and tremendous features that make a
distinction from competitors in the mid-size SUV crowd,
reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO
Hyundai has styled the new third-generation 2016

Tucson Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to look like a mini
Santa-Fe – striking characteristic competitors would
have to contend with in successive years to oust this
nicely styled car that has all the trappings of a luxury.

The Tucson is no doubt an inspiringly beautiful SUV with
attractive features, fantastic build quality, efficient
engines and a strong suite of safety kits backed by
Hyundai ambitious five years or 100, 000km warranty.
The visually striking 4WD Tucson replaces iX35 as
Korean automaker’s rival for lacklustre best sellers like
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, Nissan Qashqai, Kia
Sportage, Skoda Yeti, Renault Duster, Ford Escape and
Mazda CX3.

The squared-off wheel arches for instance and the Z-
shaped shoulder crease on the car flanks give
impression the Tucson is moving even while it’s
stationary. This is in addition to the smart rounded rear
end and the rear light clusters that are similar to some
Hyundai’s models.

Coupled with this is the evidently inspiring gasping
chrome grille in the front that links up to the headlights
and stretched backwards on to the front wings.

Against notable competitors, the Tucson is incredibly
spacious and could dwarf rivals in practicality, boot
space and generous amount of standard kits too.

Standard equipment on the Tucson is reasonably
impressive with air-condition, alloy wheels, DAB digital
radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB ports, 18 inch
alloy wheels, child safety PR DR lock, keyless entry with
burglar alarm and automatic headlights.
Hyundai Motors Nigeria, manufacturers and distributors
of Hyundai automobiles today joined world renowned

Hyundai dealerships as it unveiled the all new third-
generation 2016 Tucson SUV that successfully mixes
value and practicality.

Available in Elegance and Evolution variants, the
Evolution has optional features including auto Defrog
system, ECM+Rear view camera, leather seats, power
seats, parking assist, cruise control, privacy glass,
button start (smart key) among others.
Hyundai Motors Nigeria Head of Sales and Marketing
Jatin Nadkarni at a product presentation last Thursday
affirmed that the new Tucson has plenty of cabin space
for five adults and ample boot capacity than most rivals
in the mid-sized SUV segment.

Tucson’s second-row of the five-passenger interior has
similarly improved in size and sophistication with a six-
way manually adjustable driver’s seat and lumbar
support.

Also noteworthy is the Tucson’s near flat-folding rear
seats and dual-level cargo floor allowing ample space to
store consignment underneath the floor.
“In fact, four six-footers won’t have any trouble getting
comfortable in the Tucson – thanks to a roomy cabin
that’s top of the class space-wise,” Nadkarni said.

The use of buttons and knobs for climate and audio
functions is no doubt commendable.
Suffice to say the 2016 Hyundai Tucson has made
noticeably gains in overall comfort but most appreciated
is its well-insulated cabin that keeps outside sounds at
bay and a new suspension setup that can easily soak
bumps and nasty road imperfections.

Among the most attractive lures is Tucson’s new suite
treated to the automaker’s latest ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0’
design which gives the car sporty forward stance and
sharp creases like the Santa-Fe. This semblance is
noticeable in the Tucson’s large trapezoidal grille and the
new chassis, which now uses 50per cent high-strength
steel compared to its predecessor’s 18per cent.

Under the hood, Hyundai Tucson’s powertrain offerings
is enhanced with top efficient Nu engine family 2.0-litre
direct-injection four-cylinder engine with 164 brake
horsepower (bph) and 151 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a
six-speed automatic transmission.
The six-speed automatic offers SHIFTRONIC™ manual
shifting mode and includes an overdrive lock-up torque
converter for higher fuel economy at highway speeds.

Tucson has resultantly become quieter with less road
noise in the cabin especially when cruising on the
highway and the body roll has been improved to
eliminate unpleasant leaning through fast corners –
thanks to the excellent body control.

The design progress inside the new Tucson for example
is evidently glaring with a mix of sophisticated, cohesive,
premium shine plastics with splashes of chrome and
smooth rolling dials that gives high-end feels
Even so, the eight-inch touch screen is home to audio,
and a raft of in-car information displays with intuitive
pathways. There’s also good storage pockets with 12-
volt, auxiliary and USB points that are sensibly
positioned forward of the gear change, allowing ease of
access.

Tucson’s second row offers comfort and space for three
with two directional air vents; two back of seat pockets,
partial reclining seats and indoor storage stow.  The
centre belt extends from the roofline, but does its job
nonetheless.
A much-desired electric tailgate reveals a large load
capacity – 488-litres growing to 1478 with the seats
folded flat – that offers a good load height with plenty of
anchor points; a 12-volt outlet and a dedicated light.

There’s also a spot to easily secure the retractable cover
when it’s not in use.
Local drivers especially in Nigeria would find the Tucson
extremely delightful to drive because of the improved
suspension that ensures more precise handling without
sacrificing ride comfort. Hyundai claims to have spent
significant time testing dampers, anti-roll bars, springs,
drivetrains, transmissions and wheel sizes to enhance
the ride quality and deliver perfect balance between
rough terrain and smooth highways.

A world’s first shock-absorber mounting structure, the
2016 Tucson employs a dual-reinforcing panel rear
wheelhouse design, which optimises panels that are
prone to vibration, resulting in a 109 percent increase in
rigidity, reduced road noise levels and ride and handling
improvements.