Hyundai unveiled its all new
Tucson crossover utility vehicle at the New York International Auto Show. The
new SUV offers a fresh, sporty exterior and appealing interior design while
making overall fuel efficiency a top priority, with significantly enhanced fuel
economy ratings over the previous model. Further, the new Tucson, when equipped
with Automatic Emergency Braking, is expected to receive a Top Safety Pick+
from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The vehicle now comes
with a whole load of safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking with
pedestrian detection, Lane Departure
Warning System, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Crosstraffic Alert, Lane Change
Assist, Backup Warning Sensors and standard rearview camera also will be
offered. The new Tucson will arrive at Hyundai dealers in the United Stated in
July, 2015.
The Tucson used to sell in
India a very long time back but now has stopped for lack of adequate demand.
This one’s also unlikely to make it to India, unless of course, if Hyundai
India plans to give a thrust to its luxury cars department.
The 2016 Tucson front has a
hexagonal shaped grille, a key element of Hyundai’s design signature, enhanced
by available high efficiency LED twin projector headlights, LED headlight
accents and integrated LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs).
For the first time, 19 inch
alloy wheels will be offered, with a dynamic asymmetrical spoke design,
surrounded by forward raking wheel arch design. Even the door handles feature
convenient approach LED lamps. The new Tucson’s roof rails are sleek and low
profile, for an integrated, functional appearance. From the rear, a Z shaped
character line above the rear wheels accentuates an aggressive, sporty side
profile. The rear view conveys stability and a wide, sporty stance, for agility
both on and off road. The taillights also utilise LED technology, creating a
premium design element while providing enhanced visibility from the rear.
Finally, twin, bevel cut chrome exhaust tips and a standard rear spoiler add
even more sporty cues from the rear view.
There is a lot of premium
stuff inside the vehicle. A premium, wrapped instrument panel with will be
offered, with extra wide instrument panel contours to enhance occupants’
overall sense of interior roominess. A stitched, premium, soft touch pad is
located near the driver’s right knee, for better comfort during long commutes
or spirited cornering. Interior touch points have been upgraded with premium,
soft touch materials. All interior switchgear has a more refined feel during
operation. The overall ambience of roominess is further enhanced by an
available full length panoramic sunroof, allowing both front and rear
passengers day or night skyward visibility.
The 2016 Tucson is longer,
wider and has a longer wheelbase than the previous model for greater interior
volume and versatility. Overall, cargo room has been increased to 31.0 cubic
feet, a full five cubic feet over the previous model, with a dual level rear
cargo floor further enhancing cargo carrying versatility. The rear lift gate
opening has been enlarged in every dimension, for greater cargo flexibility.
The 60/40 rear seatbacks have a greater range of adjustable recline for varying
combinations of passengers and cargo, with an increased available recline of 37
degrees compared with 28 degrees for the previous model.
The base models offer a Nu
engine family, 2.0 litre, direct injected four cylinder with an estimated 164
horsepower and 151 lb.ft. of torque, coupled with a 6 speed automatic
transmission. The six speed automatic offers SHIFTRONIC manual shifting mode
and includes an overdrive lockup torque converter for higher
fuel economy at highway speeds.
The Eco, Sport and Limited
models offer a new, Gamma engine family, 1.6litre turbocharged, direct injected
four cylinder with an estimated 175 horsepower and 195 lb.ft. of torque. Peak
torque delivery starts at only 1,500 rpm and holds through 4,500 rpm, for low RPM
responsiveness and performance in everyday
driving conditions. The turbocharger features low inertia turbo spooling response characteristics, and
an electronic wastegate control for more precise control of manifold pressure.
Internally, piston cooling oil jets ensure cooler piston temperatures for
enhanced engine life. Further, the Gamma engine features a new water jacket insert
that automatically prioritises cooling in the upper level of the cylinder
block, where more combustion heat is generated, resulting in lower cylinder
head temperatures and allowing for leaner air/fuel mixtures for better fuel
efficiency.
The turbo engine is coupled to
a new, first in segment seven speed EcoShift dual clutch transmission (DCT).
This dual clutch transmission offers outstanding efficiency with quick, seamless
shifting and brisk acceleration. When compared with some competitors’
continuously variable transmissions, this DCT is able to handle more torque
with minimal power interruption throughout the powertrain operating range and
with greater durability characteristics.
The new Tucson will offer an
advanced AWD system developed by Hyundai in conjunction with Magna Powertrain.
The system includes a driver selectable AWD lock that allows a differentiated
torque split between front and rear wheels, for off road and extremely slippery
road conditions. The system also includes Active Cornering Control, which
automatically transfers torque to the wheels with the most traction. The system
reduces understeer and enhances cornering performance by braking the inside rear
wheel and delivering more torque to the outside rear wheel, providing a torque vectoring
effect. Finally, the system incorporates both Hillstart Assist and Downhill
Brake Control to assist drivers facing sharp incline or decline conditions.