There’s only one car maker in India that can boast a successful portfolio of cars that range from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh. India’s second largest car maker Hyundai is churning out popular cars one after another the last one being the luxury sedan Elantra. The only missing link was a car that would start at around Rs. 19-20 lakh and the new Tucson almost perfectly fills that vacant spot. India missed out on the second generation but the third generation has now knocked on our doors. Now this is a car that has proven its mettle around the world. It’s sold in more than 160 countries that practically means the entire globe. It has already sold 4.5 million units worldwide, need we say more. India is a country that loves its SUVs. Recent sales records show that SUVs are the largest selling passenger car segment in the country and also the fastest growing. That it comes from a reliable car maker like Hyundai only enhances the appeal of the car.
Looks
Born Dynamic is how the Korean car maker is describing the new Tuscon. The fluidic design has found acceptability amongst Indians and how and even the 2.0 theme works wonders. The connection between the hexagonal grille and the dual Barrel LED headlamps looks classy. The clean design of the rear profile further adds to the appeal. It’s certainly not as rugged as some would like it to be but the design philosophy doesn’t subscribe to that. But the black wheel arches and the slim cladding somewhat compensate. The diamond cut alloy wheels are certainly amongst the best in the industry and the 19 inchers on this also contribute to more alluring looks. The roof rails and the big spoiler also add their bit to make the Tucson a good looking car. Overall the car looks more a part of the family and reminds of both the Santa Fe and Creta from certain angles something that may or may not work with customers.
Interiors
There are many 1st-in-Class features inside which includes a Hands Free Smart Power Tail Gate, and Electric Parking Brake. There may be some enthusiasts who may miss a conventional handbrake but largely will suit most customers. The 8.0 inch HD Touch screen Audio Video Navigation System comes with voice recognition and can be synced to both Apple car play as well as Android auto. The driver’s seat can be adjusted in ten different ways and the rear seat can also be reclined. There’s a 60:40 split on the second row and the middle passenger gets roof mounted seat belt which is a well thought of decision. And while the car gets cruise controls it misses out on a sunroof.
The 8.0 inch HD Touch Screen Audio Video Navigation System comes with voice recognition and can be synced to both Apple car play as well as Android auto.
Engine
The new Tucson has both Petrol and Diesel options and both come in manual as well as automatic. Both are 2.0 liter mills but the Diesel is a lot more powerful at 185 PS. The former delivers a maximum power of 155 PS. What greatly impresses is what Hyundai has done with the NVH levels on the Tucson and even Diesel powertrain is quieter when compared to a few other SUVs. There’s minimum sound that gets inside the cabin which works very well for the SUV. Mileage figures are what you expect in a car of this segment. While it hovers around 13 kmpl for the Petrol variants, in Diesel the car gives around 16 kmpl for Automatic and 18.4 kmpl for manual. It’s a seamless gearbox inside the Tuscon and responds to the needs of the driver more so in the Sport mode. Unlike the Automatics, the Manual Transmission comes with Flex Steer to allow drivers to switch among the modes for steering response depending on the road conditions and the preference of the driver. The steering isn’t as light as we’ve seen on some other Hyundai’s and that may not be a bad thing.
Ride & Handling
Handling is what sweetly surprises you on the Tucson. Yes this is a Hyundai and yes this is a SUV but when it comes to body roll both seem like a thing of the past. Unless you really push the Tucson beyond its comfort zone, it handles the way that doesn’t give any discomfort to its passengers. The Tucson has a ground clearance of 172 mm which should suffice well for almost all traffic and road conditions. Good safety features also bode well and these include ABS and EBD along with traction control as standard along with 6 airbags. In fact brakes inspire a lot of confidence and ensure a peaceful ride. It’s one of the few cars sold in India that comes with a five star Euro NCAP rating. Credit for that goes to the use of advanced high strength steels in the body structure that provide good rigidity.
Verdict
The Tucson sits comfortably between other popular Hyundai SUVs, the Creta and the Sante Fe. It starts at Rs. 19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and goes up to Rs. 25 lakhs for the top Diesel GLS variant. These prices are just introductory and looking at the encouraging initial response they may not stay that way for a long time. Once again the Korean car maker has delivered a product that strikes a chord with the Indian buyer. They seem to know the trick many other car makers are struggling to gauge.
Shams Naqvi is an anchor/producer for the News X motor show Living Cars