How is the SUV that is ready to play in another category?

Hyundai Argentina has been operating in the country for 31 years. And throughout that period, the SUV Tucson It became the brand’s best-selling model. It is no coincidence, since the fourth generation, which has just been updated around the world and is already available in Argentina, is also the most chosen Hyundai in different markets around the world.

Originally presented in 2021, this generation is only now available in the country. The impediments to importing that accumulated in recent years made the timely launch of this SUV, in addition to other models, unfeasible.

From the importing company today they recognize greater fluidity in the approvals to enter vehicles from abroad and that is why the plans include re-offer a wider range vehicular.

The Tucson is precisely the first of those renewals or new models that will reach the national market. Specifically, it is the update of the fourth generation but which in our market is totally unprecedented.

Available with two mechanical variantswhich not only involves the engine and gearbox but also the traction system, and a high level of equipment in both cases, in Clarion We were already able to test the most powerful and equipped option in the range.

Quality from another category

Coming from South Korea, the new Tucson arrives in Argentina in its largest configuration: The Asian brand has two body sizes available, which not only involves the total length, but also modifies the wheelbase, with a substantial improvement in interior space. The shorter option, for example, is sold in Europe.

Compared to the previous generation, it grew 15 centimeters in length, now reaching a total length of 4.64 meters. The width is 1.86, not counting mirrors, and the height is 1.66 meters. It also increased its wheelbase, which now reaches 2.75 meters.

Its shapes are absolutely novel, not only because this fourth generation took a long time to arrive but because from the beginning this model posed a play of lines, cuts and shapes that stand out from other equivalent models. For some it may seem like an overloaded figure, but it never goes unnoticed.

To this we must add a particular system of LED daytime running lights that when off seem camouflaged in the grill and when on they generate a distinguished presence.

Inside it is also completely new. It is a style that had not yet reached the Argentine market and that surprises with its presentation and quality.

In addition, its space in the rear seats is clearly the largest in the category. Someone 1.85 meters tall could be driving in the driving position and another person of the same size could be located behind him with plenty of room for his legs and at head height.

And those who travel behind the passenger seat have a device to quickly gain more space if there is no one in front of them: on the left side of the seat back, there are two buttons to move it longitudinally or to change the angle of the seat. back.

But the first thing that strikes about the interior is its two curved screens of 12.3” each that form a large piece which occupies two thirds of the width of the on-board plank. These are two displays with great image quality and a quick response in the case of the multimedia center.

A good decision by Hyundai is that it combines digital with analog commands, which are easier to operate and require fewer steps, therefore, less distracting. But digital ones could use some haptic feedback, which sends some signal to the finger once the function is executed. Anyway, everything looks very avant-garde.

This modern image is complemented by a combination of textures and materials that visually significantly elevate the initial perception. Especially in the version he tried Clarionwhich had a light-colored leather upholstery and was combined with other fabric and imitation metal coverings.

Added to this is a high level of finishing and fitting of pieces. More than one luxury brand would like to offer that in its models. This leads to noise-free operation, very quiet and isolated from the outside.

But there is a trick: Hyundai offers with the Tucson different “levels of completion”; which involves anti-noise panels and other elements that contribute to interior comfort. And the importer in Argentina configured it with the highest available. This has its price, which was not informed, but the result is worth every penny: the isolation from the outside is very great.

The engine is a 1.6 turbo gasoline that delivers 180 horsepower and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The engine responds very satisfactorily to low revs, with immediate and energetic reactions. But in medium-high and high ranges it does not push with the same intensity, although it is more than enough to safely overtake.

The gearbox does deserve a special highlight, with very fast and smooth gear steps, almost imperceptible. And it responds very well if used in manual mode: it is unlikely that a modern automatic transmission will respond to two or three immediate downshifts indicated by the driver, and Hyundai’s does.

Dynamic behavior is another high point. Its most notable aspect is its a great ride comfort. The suspensions filter road imperfections very well, helped by Nexen tires that work very well. Although the steering is very indirect, it moves with absolute agility and precision.

The four-wheel drive system automatically distributes the engine’s power between both axles, giving priority to the front, although in rare situations the rear can be the recipient of more force. It allows blocking and the distribution to be 50% and 50% between both axles. It is a system that allows certain excursions off the asphalt but without exaggerating.

Everything is complemented by a high level of equipment, which includes, among other things, cooled and heated front seats, panoramic roof, wireless cell phone charger, wireless connectivity and two-zone digital climate control.

Also includes a fingerprint reader to configure the profile of the driver and that of a “guest”. Once you enter the vehicle, you just have to place your finger on the reader and everything is set according to that profile: the position of the seat and mirrors, the radio memories, the climate control temperature and other preferences.

It is not far behind in safety systems: adaptive cruise control with Stop & Start, autonomous emergency braking, lane centering system, fatigue detector and tire pressure monitoring, among others. By the way, the spare wheel has the same size as the alloy wheel of the “headlines”.

The new Hyundai Tucson arrives with a distinctive figure that somewhat anticipates the degree of excellence that this new SUV delivers in several aspects.

-Start version: Hyundai Tucson 2WD AT US$ 53.900

-Test version: Hyundai Tucson 4WD AT US$ 65.900

Wheelbase 2,750 mm

Trunk capacity 539 liters

Fuel tank 54 liters

Gasoline engine, 1.6L turbo

Automatic transmission, 7 speeds

Maximum speed 198 km/h

Acceleration 0-100 km/h 9.1 seconds

Average consumption 7.7 L/100 km

Front and front side airbags

Stability and traction control

Forward collision assist

Active Lane Keeping Assist

adaptive cruise control

12.3” digital instrument panel

12.3” multimedia screen

Android Auto y Apple Car Play

Wireless cell phone charger

Electric panoramic roof