New 2021 Hyundai Tucson priced from £28,495
New family SUV gets choice of non-electrified, mild-hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains
The comprehensively overhauled fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson will go on sale on 7 January, and Hyundai has released pricing and specification details for the variants that will be available from launch.
A total of four powertrains are available initially each based around the brand's 1.6-litre 'Smartstream' turbocharged petrol engine: a 148bhp entry-level option with or without 48V mild-hybrid functionality, a more potent 178bhp mild-hybrid and a full hybrid with 227bhp. Depending on the engine specified, buyers will have a choice of two six-speed manual gearboxes, a six-speed automatic or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic unit, with four-wheel-drive available on certain variants.
Hyundai describes each of the three initial trim packages as "high-specification". Prices start at £28,495 for entry-level SE Connect trim, which is available with a choice of non-electrified, mild hybrid and full hybrid powertrains, and comes equipped with 17in alloy wheels, privacy glass, a leather steering wheel, dual-zone air conditioning, a rear-view camera and a "comprehensive" driver aid offering.
Mid-range Premium trim bumps the price up to £30,195 and adds larger wheels, LED headlights, ambient interior lighting and keyless entry, while the top-rung Ultimate car - from £32,895 - gets the 178bhp mild-hybrid engine option and a raft of extra interior kit including heated rear seats, three-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof.
A performance-inspired N-Line version has been previewed and is set to touch down early next year with styling cues lifted from Hyundai's i20 N and i30 N hot hatchbacks, around the same time as the Tucson gains a new plug-in hybrid option with an electric-only range of more than 31 miles.
No technical details have been provided for the Tucson N-Line, but expect it to be available with the higher-end engine options. It's possible that Hyundai will revised the spring and damper rates for a sportier feel, too.
What's also not clear is whether the N-Line serves as a preview for a range-topping N performance variant coming later on. Hyundai describes N-Line as "an entry level to the N high-performance brand", while a hot Tucson has been rumoured for a few years.
We know that an N version of the smaller Hyundai Kona will arrive next year, but we'll have to wait to see if its larger sibling receives the treatment to go up against the Cupra Ateca.
The latest Tucson features a bold new front grille with what Hyundai calls Parametric Hidden Lights built in. Effectively, the LED headlights and “jewel-like” running lights are integrated into the sides of the grille and can’t be distinguished from it when turned off. The grille features 3D parametric graphics, which are used as highlights elsewhere on the car.
Side on, the angular theme continues, while at the back, the window wiper is hidden in the roof-mounted spoiler – a first for Hyundai – with the brand’s logo set into the bottom of the rear windscreen.
At 4500mm long and 1865mm wide, the Tucson is 20mm longer and 15m wider than before, with the 2680mm wheelbase stretched by 10mm. Although two wheelbase versions will be built, only the shorter variant will come to the UK. Buyers can choose from 17in, 18in and 19in wheels and two-tone colour combinations.
Eduardo Ramirez, Hyundai Europe exterior designer, described the new Tucson’s design as “quite brave”. He added: “We’re experimental, always trying to find a very distinctive character in design. Although that doesn’t mean we’ll apply the same formula to every car.”
Ramirez continued: “It’s always a big challenge to replace a car that’s been so successful. We’re so proud of Tucson, but we didn’t want to fall into the trap of trying to retain what we had achieved and not go further. We felt free to innovate, which is how ideas like the hidden lights came to life.”
The interior also marks a radical departure from previous Hyundai models, with a minimalist, ‘layered’ design. Hyundai has introduced new ‘Multi-Air Mode Technology’, which combines the direct and indirect air vents to reduce the space they take up and enable a gentler air flow.
The bulk of the physical controls have been removed, with the infotainment and heating controls accessed through a 10.25in vertically mounted touchscreen. There is also a 10.25in digital dashboard, configurable ambient lighting and a wireless smartphone charger.
The infotainment uses the latest version of Hyundai’s Bluelink system, including a range of connected car functions such as Last Mile Navigation, which allows owners to switch route guidance to their smartphone if they park close to their destination.
Hyundai says it has increased rear leg room. All models feature the same interior dimensions, with the batteries in the hybrid variants mounted under the rear seats.
Hyundai has also added a number of new safety and driver assistance features, including a central airbag and remote parking on the hybrid and PHEV models.
Hyundai has also worked to improve the Tucson’s ride and handling. Vehicle dynamics engineer Julio Varela said the focus was on making it “more comfortable and fun to drive”. It's the first Hyundai outside of the N performance range to be offered with the firm’s Electronic Controlled Suspension, which includes Normal, Eco and Sport driving modes. There are three extra off-road-focused modes on four-wheel-drive variants.
European versions of the new Tucson will be built in the Czech Republic.
*READ MORE*
*Hyundai launches new Ioniq sub-brand for electric models *
*Hyundai Santa Cruz pick-up confirmed for 2021 launch *
*First drive: 2020 Hyundai i20 MHEV prototype*