Hyundai has unveiled the 2023 Tucson, it will take the fight against Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tiguan and the likes
Hyundai India has unveiled the 2023 Tucson SUV. The Korean brand’s flagship is the fourth generation model and gets a thorough redesign inline with the company’s current design trends. It will take the fight head-on against its rivals in the entry-level luxury SUV segment.
Hyundai calls the new design, ‘Sensual Sportiness’ and the Tucson gets good-looking cuts and creases throughout the body. The beautiful large jewel-like grille is the highlight of the front while the sharp dual-tone alloy pattern accentuates the design at the sides.
The DRLs are now part of the grille while the headlights are placed in separate housings on the bumper, a strait seen on most Hyundai cars in the last couple of years. The trapezoidal bottom grille features a curvy shape and gels well with the top grille.
At the rear, the SUV sports connected tail lamps, again, as per trend. On the both the sides of the tail gate, the tail lamps gets a downward facing arrow like design. The rear bumper features a quited pattern in grey overlapped by the large skid plate.
The 2023 Tucson features a floating roof ending in a roof-mounted spoiler and a shark-fin antenna. The wheelbase is 2755 mm which is among the longest in the segment. But, the SUV is a 5-seater only. Rear passengers get huge space than what’s seen on the third generation model.
The SUV sports 18-inch wheels against the 19-inchers it gets abroad. But, that shouldn’t be a problem as smaller wheels get slightly bigger-side-wall tires for better ride quality, especially in Indian conditions.
On the inside, the Tucson misses out on the free-standing infotainment system of the previous generation. But, it makes up for the same with intelligent technologies and a long list of safety and innovative features.
Power comes from a set of 2 engines – Nu 2.0 Petrol and New R 2.0 VGT Diesel. The petrol engine is a 1999 cc unit that exerts 153.8 HP at 6200 RPM and 192 Nm at 4500 RPM mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The diesel, on the other hand, is a 1997 cc unit that churns out 183.7 HP at 4000 RPM and 416 Nm at 2000-2750 RPM, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The SUV features HTRAC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system along with multi terrain modes (Snow/Mud/Sand).
As far as suspension duties go, the front gets McPherson struts while the rear features multi-link coil springs. Hyundai says, the updated suspension geometry has paved way for higher roll centre for minimal body roll and increased knuckle arm length has ensured NVH isolation on rough road surfaces. A new inclined strut bearing helps in smooth steering feel.
The features on offer include Bose premium sound system with 8 speakers, hands-free smart power tail gate with height adjustment, driver power seat memory function, electric parking brake, wireless charger, rain-sensing wipers, remote engine start/stop with smart key, 2nd row reclining function, passenger seat walk-in device, 2nd row folding boot lever.
The SUV gets over 60 connected tech features from Bluelink including HD wide screen, split screen display, embedded voice commands, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, full touch centre fascia integrating infotainment system and HVAC controls, multi language support, segment first Home2car with Alexa and Google Voice Assistant in English and Hindi, OTA updates, ambient nature sounds, valet mode, and user profiles for personalisation.
The safety features include 6 airbags, front and rear parking sensors, ESC, and hill descent control. For the first time, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson gets ADAS features. They include Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist ( car, pedestrian, cycle, and junction turning), Blind Spot Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Warning, Blind Spot View Monitor, Safe Exit Warning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist, and Surround View Monitor.
Hyundai has sold 7 million units of the Tucson so far since the launch of the first generation model in 2004. Expect a price tag of Rs. 25-30 lakhs (ex-showroom) when the SUV goes on sale here. It will compete against the likes of the Jeep Compass, Citroen C5, Skoda Kodiaq, and VW Tiguan among others. The launch and price reveal of the all-new Tucson will take place on 4th August.
