FLUIDIC Sculpture 2.0 distinguishes the third-generation Tucson from its predecessors.
Photos by Aida Sevilla-Mendoza
WHEN the second-generation Hyundai Tucson was unveiled in 2009, it was totally different from the first generation, flaunting as it did the brand’s dramatic new Fluidic Sculpture design language.
Now comes the third-generation Tucson, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in 2015 in time for global sales in 2016—again totally different because of its Fluidic Sculpture 2.0.
The 2016 Tucson has grown, not only in size, but also in maturity. Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 is less radical and edgy, as if Hyundai Motor’s designers wanted to create something that would still be relevant years from now.
In the first half of 2016, the Tucson was the best-selling compact SUV/crossover in the country. Since most of the Tucsons seen on Philippine roads belong to the second generation, the question arises whether the less flamboyant third-generation model will continue leading the segment’s sales.
Tried and tested
The prospects are good, since the 2016 Tucson has a lot going for it, starting with Hyundai’s durable, tried-and-tested 2.0-liter common rail direct injection (CRDi) diesel e-VGT (variable geometry turbo) engine.
Aside from the Kia Sportage and Chevrolet Captiva, both of which did not make it to the top 10 list of best-selling compact SUVs/crossovers in the first semester, the Tucson is the only five-seater CRDi compact SUV in the market.
Given the lower pump price of diesel fuel compared to gasoline, sometimes as much as five pesos less per liter, no wonder consumers prefer diesel motor vehicles.
Four 2016 Tucson variants are currently available, all 2WD with six-speed A/T except the basic GL gasoline variant (P1.098 million) which has a 6-speed M/T.
The GL gas (P1.188 million), GL CRDi (P1.348 milliion), and top-of-the-line GLS CRDi (P1.518 million) complete the lineup.
A 4WD GLS CRDi with six-speed A/T (P1.748 million) is included in the online price list of Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, but not in the Tucson specs brochure. Perhaps it will be added to the lineup later when HARI sees a market for it.
Intended market
But as of now, the Tucson’s intended market appears to be young starting families, not off-road enthusiasts or speed demons.
This is indicated not only by the absence of a 4WD variant, but also by the 2016 Tucson’s clean, inoffensive styling and its easy, refined drivability—plus the absence of paddle shifters.
INSIDE, a multifunction leather steering wheel, 3.5-inch mono TFT LCD + trip computer
Built longer and wider on an increased wheelbase and resembling its bigger sibling, the Santa Fe, the new, well-damped Tucson performs smoothly, competently and comfortably down the road with little or no wind or road noise intruding the cabin.
It tackles urban and rural roads with equanimity, rarely troubling the driver and passenger when driven over bumps and uneven, rough pavement.
The 2.0-liter CRDi engine delivers 183 bhp at 4000 rpm and 402 Newton meters max torque at 1750 to 2750 rpm.
Bucketful of torque
That is quite a bucketful of torque, but the engine does not feel particularly muscular, although in general, the Tucson accelerates adequately. The drivetrain strives for a balance between sportiness and family needs.
The motor-driven power steering is precise and well-weighted, but lacks feedback and verve. Pressing a button near the gear shifter allows the driver to choose from Normal, Eco and Sport driving modes. In Sport mode, the CRDi Tucson delivers more gusto, albeit not so much as to make it exciting to drive.
In the cabin, headroom and legroom have increased, thanks to the larger wheelbase. All-around visibility is good, but a substantial amount of hard plastics somewhat compromises the upscale ambience of the interior.
The interior has a simple, businesslike layout with a center console, a 3.5-inch mono TFT LCD instrument cluster, trip computer, and a 3.8-inch mono LCD/radio/CD/USB/AUX with six speakers.
Audio and Bluetooth remote controls are found on the leather steering wheel of the GLS variant.
The seats of all the variants, including the top-end GLS, are covered with fabric. In the GLS, the driver’s seat is eight-way power adjustable and two-way lumbar support-adjustable.
AT THE BACK, horizontal boomerang tail lights, a rear spoiler with high mount stop lamp
The backrests of the rear seat, which splits 60/40, are easily folded down to extend cargo space.
GLS specs
Although all the variants are equipped with electronic stability control and ABS with EBD, the GL models have a driver airbag only, while the GLS has dual front airbags.
In addition, the GLS has electric folding side mirrors,
downhill brake control, hill start assist control, smart key system with push button start, rear parking assist system, rear air-con vents, among other convenient features.
Summing up, the all-new 2016 Tucson is a handsome, young family-oriented five-seater compact SUV, nothing spectacular to look at with its subdued Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 exterior.
It is not exactly fun to drive, and the lower-end variants do not have the same level of kit and safety specs as the competition, but the robust CRDi powertrain of the diesel variants more than countervails that.
Moreover, the Hyundai Tucson CRDi has earned recognition over the years for its reliability, stability and high resale value, making it a smart choice and worthy long-term investment.
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