Hyundai Tucson Premium 1.6 Hybrid review – SUV strikes out at rivals

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With the latest generation of the Tucson, HYUNDAI has made a huge leap forward over its predecessor.

The striking exterior look of the compact family SUV from the Korean brand is complemented by a stylish interior with impressive technology.

And the smart technology under the hood of the test car that I recently sampled also makes it so easy to drive.

The model in question, which cost from £ 34,660 on the road, was in the mid-range premium spec and was powered by Hyundai’s 1.6 T-GDi 230hp hybrid engine.

But even before I drove the car, it had won my admiration for its roadside appeal. A curved silhouette and sharp angles created by geometric patterns give it a muscular yet elegant look.

The Hyundai Tucson
(Image: Hyundai)

These “parametric jewels”, as the brand calls them, are most striking in the bold grille with seamlessly integrated front lights.

The rear light clusters, like the rear bumper, continue the design theme with three-dimensional parametric details. Good use of brightwork and distinctive 19-inch alloys complete the picture.

Inside, I loved the horizontal lines that brushed across the tidy dashboard and into the door panels. The clean look is achieved in part through the fully digital and configurable cockpit experience.

This consists of an “open” digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster in front of the driver and a central 10.25-inch touchscreen that provides access to infotainment and two-zone climate functions.

The cabin is more spacious than before and offers a comfortable long-distance travel environment for four adults or a family of five, as I learned on a road trip from Glasgow to Newcastle upon Tyne and back.

The Hyundai Tucson
(Image: Hyundai)

And the 616-liter trunk of the hybrid easily swallows holiday luggage or golf equipment, a full 1795 liters are available when the rear seats are folded down.

The premium version offers impressive features – whether comfort or safety aid.

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The infotainment system includes an intelligent navigation device and full smartphone compatibility as well as USB ports on the front and rear and a wireless charging pad.

App-based Bluelink Connected Car Services are also part of the package and offer intelligent functions such as the last mile on foot, live parking services and calendar integration.

Other extras include keyless entry and start, automatic lighting (including high beam) and windshield wipers, adaptive cruise control with stop / go function, auto hold, and front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera.

The Hyundai Tucson
(Image: Hyundai)

The driver assistance systems include front, intersection, blind spot and rear collision avoidance systems, an intelligent speed limiter, a lane following assistant and a driver attention alert.

I was particularly impressed by the drive and chassis settings, which made driving the tested Tucson Hybrid really pleasant.

The former consisted of a 44.2 kW electric motor paired with a 1.49 kWh battery, a 1.6 liter gasoline engine and a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.

And since the car cleverly regenerates the battery power itself, it does not have to be connected at any time.

A selection of Eco or Sport modes influenced both the engine’s responsiveness and the new electronically controlled chassis technology and the steering feel.

The Hyundai Tucson
(Image: Hyundai)

With Eco as the standard mode, the ride felt smooth and stable, with plenty of grip that allows for smooth and safe cornering.

Sport mode spiced things up nicely, sharpening acceleration and steering, and giving a greater sense of precision on country roads near Hadrian’s Wall.

The 230 hp on tap also make this Tucson quite sporty – the sprint to 100 km / h takes only eight seconds and the top speed is 120 km / h.

And I’ve gotten close to the official average of 49.6 mpg during my time in the car, which puts CO2 emissions at 130 g / km.

In short, the vastly improved Tucson certainly has the ability to take on its many competitors in this hugely popular sector of the auto market.

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