For its latest Nissan Qashqai rival, Hyundai has dropped the ix35 badge and gone back to
the Tucson name, which is a good thing.
It’s certainly easier for people to remember and it better complements its big-brother
- the Santa Fe - in the line-up.
And, with a new name, comes an all-new car.
Its proportions might be similar, and it’s not that the ix35 was ugly by any stretch,
but the Tucson takes Hyundai into a different league.
We think it’s the best-looking SUV to come out of South Korea, with bold lines and lovely
details which really set it apart and even give the Mazda CX-5 a run for its money.
After the initial wow factor of the exterior, the interior has its work cut out, but you
know what, it doesn’t disappoint.
There’s a really smart look and feel to the dashboard, with well laid-out controls
and a large 8-inch touch-screen on trims from SE Nav and above.
It feels modern and importantly, it feels expensive, and I say that because Hyundai’s
aren’t as cheap to buy as they used to be.
In fact this Premium SE version could pass for a luxury car, with attractive leather
seats, which are heated or ventilated and a heated steering wheel so you can ditch you’re
driving gloves on cold mornings.
There’s also a panoramic sunroof and an electric tailgate.
But, you don’t have to go for the range-topper, because DAB digital radio is standard across
the line-up, along with air-con, Bluetooth and a long list of safety equipment.
In fact, pound-for-pound, you’ll struggle to find a car with more standard kit.
It’s a bit bigger than the ix35 too, with a 513-litre boot swallowing 50 litres more
luggage than before, and 80 more than the Qashqai.
Fold the rear seats down and it expands to 1,503 litres.
Passengers should be comfortable too, with plenty of legroom and headroom and even heated
rear seats on the Premium model…toasty.
OK, so the Tucson looks good, it’s well specced, but it’s pretty average to drive,
right?
Well, actually no.
In fact this could be the area the Tucson is most surprising.
Okay, it’s not quite as fun as the CX-5 on a really twisty road, but how many people
buy a crossover for driving thrills?
And, in every other respect this Hyundai is superb.
Its suspension was partly developed on UK roads, and you can really feel the benefits,
because its ride quality has real panache.
You’ll see bumps in the road, but hardly feel them, and yet, turn into a bend and the
suspension isn’t mushy, and body roll is kept in check.
There are quite a few engines, including two 1.6-litre petrols, but honestly, you’d have
to be a bit of a maverick to choose those.
It’s the 1.7-litre diesel which is expected to take the majority of sales, with 114bhp
and economy of around 60mpg.
If you want a bit more punch, and four-wheel drive, you’ll need the 2.0-litre with either
134 or 182bhp, and even the top engine we’ve got here is very quiet.
Mated with a six-speed auto, it’s extremely relaxed, but can hit 62mph in 9.5 seconds
if you need it to.
The Tucson starts from £18,695, which is close
to the £18,545 Qashqai on price, and undercuts the £22k Mazda CX-5.
The best-seller is expected to be the 1.7-litre diesel SE Nav from £22,795, while you’ll
need £27,175 for a 2.0-litre diesel with an automatic.
The ix35 has been a big success for Hyundai, and we see no reason why the Tucson won’t
perform even better.
In fact, we’d place it near the top of the crossover class, thanks to its impressive
refinement, comfort and just how easy it is to live with.
Take into account its well-specified interior, generous practicality and five-year warranty
and it becomes even more attractive and should make a great family car.
Love the look of the Tucson as much as we do?
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