The Hyundai Tucson is a real bread and butter car for the South Korean brand, being its best selling vehicle around the world. Getting this new fourth-generation car right was paramount, and with Hyundai wanting to be perceived as a more premium manufacturer, it needs to make a real statement. Our first look at the all-new SUV certainly suggests it’s a job well done.
It’s an interesting thing to look at, isn’t it? Remarkably different from the vast array of other SUVs out there, but conventional enough for it not to split opinion. The overall silhouette is one of a rounded SUV, however, sharp contrasting character lines etch out more unique persona. It’s not all about bold creases though, with more subtle ripples in the bonnet and a sculpted front facia adding some elegance.
The most distinctive part of the design has to be the front lighting signature that’s integrated into the grille. Hiding the headlights in this way gives the Tucson a really unusual look that sets it apart. When the lights are turned off, it is said they can’t be seen through the large grille element at all.
Inside the 2021 Hyundai Tucson is a clean and modern cabin that features a cascading series of surfaces. A flush panel of touch buttons is headed by a 10.25-inch touchscreen that hosts Hyundai’s latest software. Last Mile Navigation can pass directions to your smartphone from the infotainment system to guide you directly to the building you’re heading to.
Rear passengers are also treated to more space than before thanks to a 10mm longer wheelbase. Overall the car is taller and longer than before, but a slightly larger variant will be reserved for other markets and not appear in UK showrooms. Boot space has increased by 33 – 106-litres dependant on variant over its predecessor, now totalling up to 620-litres.
Powering the Tucson is a range of petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains to meet all needs. A 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol hybrid boasts 227bhp. Other power units consist of 1.6-litre petrol and diesel mild-hybrids that feature a 48V system. Power output for those cars ranges from 134bhp to 178bhp with two or four-wheel drive featured. A plug-in hybrid model is expected to join the range next year.
The choice of a 7-speed DCT automatic or new iMT manual transmission is yours. The iMT is actually a totally electronic affair that allows the engine to be decoupled from the transmission at steady speeds to save fuel. The 48V system fills the gap as the engine restarts and reengages when acceleration is commanded.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but we do know that the new Hyundai Tucson will be in showrooms before the end of 2020.
Keyword: Striking 2021 Hyundai Tucson seen for the first time