Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) launched its Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) 'Tucson' in India with a CRDi engine as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). Competing with Honda's CR-V, the Tucson is the first premium SUV from the HMIL turf with a price tag of Rs. 16 lakh. This Indian venture of the Korean auto major is likely to contribute in a big way to the company's global sales targets. Tucson is designed for the true motoring enthusiast with a penchant for off-pavement driving, and a bit of power and attitude thrown in.

The compact, 5-seater Tucson offers a chunky SUV presence, a diesel engine, sprightly performance, spacious interiors and easy handling. Though not exactly in the big league of industry leaders like Honda and Toyota, the Tucson will definitely make inroads into the compact SUV market.

The Tucson is powered by a 2.0-litre CRDi engine that produces 111 bhp, and combines the performance of a diesel motor and refinement of a petrol motor. The torque is 25 kgm at as low as 2,000 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission delivers a smooth and dynamic performance. The turbo is a sprinter, both uphill and highway.

Design innovations like multi-curvatures keep noise and vibration levels minimum. Sound proofing material ensures a quiet cabin devoid of road, wind and engine noise. The turbo returns 8/13 kmpl (city/highway). Independent McPherson Struts front suspension comes with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers. The rear features independent dual-link coil springs with hydraulic shocks. The Tucson is quite a smooth performer, both on a highway as well as in the city. Off road, the Tucson's soft suspension does not make for a very comfortable ride.

The driver gets a good, commanding view of the road and enjoys responsive, precise steering with a confident road-holding feel. The electronic variably controlled 4WD system gains over the conventional mechanical 4WD in better traction on any surface.

The Tucson is modeled on neat lines with brawny, muscular looks. A large rectangular grille with the signature Hyundai badge rides up front. Headlamps blend with the hood line and edges of the fenders. A massive front bumper incorporates air vents and fog lights. The rear bumper reaches up to the taillights and protrudes outwards by a few inches for added protection. The protective side garnish provides design continuity between the front and the rear bumpers apart from emphasising the bulk of the body. Roof rails come in handy for ferrying cargo and the flip-up tailglass makes it easier to load small luggage or bags without opening the tailgate fully. Standard exterior features include power windows, power door locks, rear wash wiper, alloy wheels, tubeless tyres, remote boot/fuel-lid opener, front fog lights and rear defroster.

Although not quite luxurious, the interior of the Hyundai Tucson is spacious and elegant with matte black and metallic accents. The sporty instrument cluster incorporates three round analogue meters, a decent-sized speedometer in the centre, a smaller tachometer and a fuel gauge to the side, all of which appear to overlap each other. The centre console features metallic trim, adding to the sporty theme. The tilt adjustable steering wheel is ergonomically positioned and can be adjusted according to the driver's personalised setting.

For the convenience of driver and passengers, there are power outlets, door map pockets, a deep glove box, passenger seat side pockets, a floor console with cup holders, storage trays and a rear-seat hook to hold shopping bags in place. The air-conditioning is very effective in typically Hyundai style. Seats are comfortable and supportive, and can be manually adjusted for height as well as for a comfortable driving position. The headrests in the rear seat can be adjusted to allow maximum visibility from the driver's position.

Standard interior features include air-conditioner, cupholders, map pockets, luggage compartment tray, power outlets, seat back hooks, cargo lamp, power and tilt steering, central door lock, pop-up centre console and 2-tier trays, under seat tray digital clock, an AM/FM radio and a CD player. Standard safety features enhance passenger protection with Anti-lock Braking System, ventilated front and rear disc brakes, driver and passenger airbags, load limiters and seatbelt pre-tensioners.