Hyundai presented in Argentina the fourth generation of the SUV Tucsonthe best-selling model by the Korean brand in our country in its entire history. And at the same time, he confirmed the arrival of the HB20the popular model that is manufactured in Brazil and that should arrive early next year.
With 31 years in the local market, Hyundai has gone through different situations: from becoming one of the companies that sold the most imported models, to drastically reducing its presence in the market due to import restrictions in recent years.
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 of vehicles.
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 that was presented worldwide in 2021 but could never reach Argentina.
Now it is initially presented with two mechanical variants, which not only involves the engine and gearbox but also the traction system, and a high level of equipment in both cases.
What does the new Tucson bring?
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.
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 and the height is 1.66 meters. It also increased its wheelbase, which now reaches 2.75 meters.
The front-wheel drive version has a 2.0 liters of 156 horsepower and 186 Nm of torque and 6-speed automatic transmission. The four-wheel drive variant, on the other hand, comes with a gasoline engine but of 1.6 liters, 180 horsepower, 264 Nm torque and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Its exterior design stands out for the different strokes and cuts that show its lines throughout the body. It has a particular system of LED lights that when turned off seem camouflaged in the grill.
Inside, the style is completely new and different from the models currently sold in the country. Dominated by the large floating board with 2 12.3-inch screensthe interior stands out for its great spaciousness that is completed with the floating type center console.
In terms of safety, it incorporates a driving assistance package with autonomous emergency braking (now with left turn assistance), lane maintenance and centering system, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Gorear occupant warning and tire pressure monitoring.
The new generation of Tucson also incorporates a driver profile recognition by fingerprintl, automatically configuring steering wheel, mirrors, seat, temperature and multimedia positions.
It also has simultaneous connection for 2 phones and dual-zone temperature control with heated and ventilated seats. The opening of the trunk is automatic and electric, as well as the adjustments of the front seats (driver and passenger).
The new Hyundai Tucson is available in the local market with prices of US$ 53.900 for version 2.0 with single drive, and US$ 65.900for the most powerful variant with all-wheel drive.
When does HB20 arrive?
During the presentation of the new Hyundai Tucson, the confirmation of the arrival to the local market of the HB20, the compact model that the Korean brand produces in Brazil and which was the best-seller in the neighboring country on more than one occasion, was surprising.
Although it was not reported which bodies (there are hatchbacks and sedans) and versions will come to the national market, its confirmation would end up giving a new alternative among the most economical models in the country. Its arrival is expected to take place in early 2025..
There are also no details about its engine. In Brazil, it is offered with 1.0-liter engines: an aspirated version with 80 horsepower and another turbo that reaches 120 horsepower. Transmissions are manual and automatic.
The HB20, originally developed for the Brazilian market, It has been manufactured since 2012 in Piracicaba, state of San Pablo. Its nomenclature refers to the target market (Hyundai Brazil) and the segment to which it belongs (small cars in the Korean company are identified with the number 20).
It is an absolutely popular model in the neighboring country, so much so that in 2021 and 2022 it was the best-selling car in the Brazilian market, only surpassed by the Strada pickup. And in the last decade it has remained on the podium of the most chosen in the neighboring country.