Hyundai Tucson
Photo: Helge Jepsen
The Hyundai Tucson wants to move on to the VW Tiguan, the market leader among SUVs. That could work. The 4.50 meter long car gives a good impression as a plug-in hybrid.
Wyears ago he would have thought that Volkswagen and Hyundai would almost be mentioned in the same breath today? The automaker from the Far East is catching up strongly, and the new Tucson SUV is a serious opponent of the market leader Tiguan. Hyundai has had the now 4.50 meter long Tucson in its model range since 2004; it was now called the ix35, but is now sold worldwide under the name of the city in Arizona. While the three predecessors were visually rather restrained, the design of the fourth generation is downright daring. The high front with daytime running lights sunk into the radiator grille, sharp Z-shaped beads in the rear side doors and the impressive light signature at the rear make an impression. However, not everyone will like the new lines. However, the reactions that we gathered were consistently positive. The drive is provided by petrol, diesel, a plug-free full hybrid and – brand new – a plug-in hybrid. The latter was a guest in the editorial office for 14 days.
The combination of 180 hp 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine and electric motor provides a system output of 265 hp and 350 Newton meters of maximum torque. This makes the plug-in hybrid currently the most powerful and expensive Tucson. Prices start at a confident 42,350 euros. The all-wheel drive available as an option for the other engines is mandatory here. The equipment is extensive: lane keeping, emergency braking assistant with pedestrian detection and high beam assistant as well as two-zone air conditioning, reversing camera, parking sensors at the rear, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports at the rear and three-part folding rear seat backrest are already on board in the basic version.
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