The fourth generation Tuscon is quickly becoming one of Hyundai’s major global models. It’s not just the captivating looks, as powertrain preferences range from diesel and gasoline engines to mild hybrids, hybrids and plug-in hybrids. In addition, there is now an extended wheelbase model for China and, for the first time, for US production.
That’s the global picture and here in the UK the NX4 series model is big news too. In a segment that was once defined by the Qashqai, the new Tucson stands out. Just take a look to see why. The front has Hyundai’s increasingly famous large grille and multiple lighting elements (you can count at least ten), the side panels are full of contrasting angles and bubbles, and at the rear end it’s just as noticeable with some fang-like taillights and the H badge not on the body, but positioned at the bottom of the tailgate window. The days of the anonymous Hyundai are a distant memory.
design
In a way, with that focus on cars, Hyundai has followed Peugeot with a lot of drama in their looks. That ends as soon as you open one of the front doors. The dashboard is a more conventional affair. The steering wheel has a sleek design that is neither small nor flat at the top or bottom. And maybe the company is up to something here, as the cozy cockpit approach may put some people off. There are a lot of people who just want a round steering wheel, and if you can also give them a decent touchscreen that isn’t cluttered with menus, plus a couple of big digital dials for speed and engine RPM, so much the better.
The overall feel of the Tucson is exactly what the brand has consistently focused on: a kind of Korean Volkswagen. Let’s call it more ambitious than bulk premium like Mercedes, and HMG has plans to expand Genesis’ global reach for it (soon to China and Europe) anyway.
It’s hard to find cheap trim pieces because most plastics are soft, the carpet is far superior to the shiny material we saw earlier in Hyundais, and the inside door handles have a comfortably firm weight. The dashboard itself has a wraparound top that’s not dissimilar to that of the Jaguar XJ. This adds to the ambience, which is far more stylish than we once expected from the brand.
Hyundai – Hunting Kia in Europe
While the Tucson is new and the regional market is volatile to recover, Hyundai is suddenly doing really well. In fact, so good that it recaptured the leadership of Kia in March, ACEA data shows their registrations as 50,131 (+ 73%) and 48,468 (+ 27%). Hyundai ended March with a 3.6% share of the European market compared to 3.4% a year ago and was 3.5% in the first quarter. Sales in the first quarter were down 0.9% (108,048) and Kia stayed ahead (+ 0.7% to 113,812). Regardless of the pecking order, it’s good news for HMG to have two brands this strong.
The number of new or refreshed Hyundais that have arrived in the UK recently has given the brand a boost. Sales in March rose by 25% year-on-year to 9,065 units. The market share was 3.2% last month. The Tucson is likely to play an increasingly important role as new derivatives such as the recently announced N Line and N Line S model classes hit the market. The new fairings start at £ 31,110 and are available for T-GDI and 48V mild hybrids. Hybrid and plug-in hybrids will follow.
The cheapest Tucson costs £ 28,710 and you get a 150hp gasoline engine in SE Connect form for that. There are other powertrain options for a fairly well-equipped base tier. This can be the same engine but as a mild hybrid with manual / E-clutch or dual clutch transmission and a hybrid automatic (£ 32,235). Above these four variants are the N Line and N Line S variants as well as more expensive premium and ultimate alternatives. The maximum amount you can pay is £ 41,975 (Ultimate PHEV).
Here are all the options:
- 1.6 TGDi 150 PS manual
- 1.6 TGDi 150 PS 48 Volt MHEV manual + eClutch (iMT)
- 1.6 TGDi 150 HP 48 Volt MHEV DCT
- 1.6 TGDi 180 HP 48 Volt MHEV 4WD DCT
- 1.6 TGDi 230 PS hybrid automatic
- 1.6 T-GDi 265 PS plug-in hybrid automatic
There is also a 1.6 liter diesel (115hp or 136hp as a mild hybrid), but not available in the UK.
The 150hp mild hybrid offers a good compromise between decent performance and fuel economy (mid-40s to 50 MPG is possible), although I would probably recommend the 180hp alternative as it is all-wheel drive and doesn’t use it gets so much more gasoline. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is another great choice, and far better than most of the DCTs you’ll find in Volkswagen Group vehicles, especially at the lowest speeds. In short, it works just as well as the best automatic torque converter.
production
The 4,550 mm long Tucson for Europe is made in the Czech Republic and accounts for around 70% of total production at the Nošovice plant, while the Beijing-Hyundai L model for China is 4,630 mm. The wheelbase dimensions are 2,680 and 2,755 mm.
Construction in the US began in February and that is in Montgomery, Alabama, while the main facility – one of HMC’s Asan factories – began manufacturing the NX4 series model for the South Korean market last September. The facilities in Brazil (Anápolis) and India (Chennai) are also expected to adopt the new shape, replacing the third generation Tucson that is still assembled in both countries.
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