Hyundai Tucson 3

Eleven years ago, it was just a humble “compact SUV”, spawned from the same project which gave Kia Sportage a second generation. Its sales were good but never great, mostly because its automaker was still struggling to become globally competitive. After Hyundai finally had its breakthrough, with the ‘2008 Sonata, it was just a matter of time for a whole new Tucson to extend this success towards the newly-created crossover category. Five years later, the third iteration arrives with a reputation as high as it can possibly be. But this only means its life will be harder than ever.

After experiencing life as both a stranger and a “celebrity”, Hyundai’s compact crossover has reached maturity. It’s interesting to notice that these ups and downs were somehow represented by the designs it had over the years. The first phase, for example, followed the traditional SUV formula: boxy silhouette, protruding bumpers, lower section painted in black… it looked good, but not to the point of attracting people for its style. The second, in turn, was like those pop singers who become famous overnight: there are people who like them more for being the talk of the town than for how good they are at what they do. The ‘2009 Tucson could be called sporty, trendy, even futuristic, but not beautiful. But, since it came from the same company which makes “the” Sonata and “the” Veloster…

If you doubt it, try comparing it with the Tucson presented by this article. The aforementioned maturity is expressed through the latest interpretation of Fluidic Sculpture 2.0. Stronger creases dissimulate the sheetmetal’s actual size. Sleeker lights makes the car look wider than it actually is. Making the third windows a little bigger aids to a feeling of imponence. Using a taller front grille and placing the rear license plate lower on the trunk lid make better use of both areas. In short, one of the reasons why this car looks so much better is the great balance of proportions. And if you’re thinking it looks more Western than ever, there’s a reason for that. Two, actually: the exterior was designed in Hyundai’s German studio, while the cabin was designed in the United States.

Speaking of the cabin, that feeling of maturity appears once again. Although all elements are in the same place, they received more rectangular shapes and dropped some of the chrome inserts. While some people can argue it reminds a little of older cars, it’s also true that it looks more elegant. Since Tucson’s focus isn’t people-hauling, the internal space didn’t receive any impressive increases: there is more, of course, but it still carries up to five occupants, and without leaving the standards of its category. On the other hand, the trunk was swollen to 513 liters, which Hyundai credits to the whole new platform used by the vehicle. As far as dimensions are concerned, the additional 65 mm in length make it slightly bigger than its most important rival in Europe: Nissan Qashqai.

The new Tucson will also attract by its equipment list. The entertainment package works with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while comfort is enhanced with heated and ventilated front seats, powered trunklid, an improved self-parking system, and, in Europe, a seven-year subscription to TomTom Live traffic services. When it comes to safety, the typical bundle of electronic systems will be available again, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Everything will be powered by up to four engines: the diesel duo has a 113-hp 1.7 and a 2.0 with 134 or 182 hp, while the gasoline group has a 164-hp 2.0 and a 133-hp GDI 1.6. The latter can use turbo in order to reach 174 hp. In this version, it can be equipped with a dual-clutch, seven-speed transmission.