Lifestyle

Hyundai Tucson

Urban style with a rugged heart – Hyundai’s tech-tastic SUV promises good looks, lots of kit and plenty of space, making this crossover a firm favourite for anyone seeking a practical family car

Since its launch last year the Tucson compact SUV has steadily been changing perceptions. With its confident and athletic design, high levels of comfort and convenience, and extensive new technology, the Tucson packs a lot into this popular family crossover. The design of the Tucson sees sleek, urban style combined with the strong ruggedness typical of an SUV. Refined, flowing surfaces, bold proportions, sharp lines and hexagonal grille give the car its distinctive identity.

A wing-shaped horizontal bar at the front bumper, which incorporates the LED daytime running lights, gives the car a unique look and provides a visual reference for the car’s wide track. Inside, new soft-touch, high-quality materials are used across the spacious cabin’s surfaces, creating a refined ambience. The new horizontal layout of the centre console conveys the car’s elegance while increasing the feeling of roominess. Optional heated seats and steering wheel, cooling seat ventilation and long seat cushions with eight-way power adjustment and two-way powered lumbar support for the driver promise a truly comfortable experience.

The Tucson includes a Smart Power Tailgate with the widest opening in its class that opens as the keyholder approaches. Keyless entry and engine start and an electronic parking brake offer added convenience. The Smart Parking Assist System, available with automatic transmissions, can help with both parallel and bay parking. Using radar technology, the system identifies a free parking space before reversing the car into it, with only the brakes operated by the driver. Other clever technologies improve both safety and the driver experience. Autonomous Emergency Breaking alerts drivers to unexpected emergency situations, automatically breaking if required. The Lane Keeping Assist Systems avoids unintentional lane departures caused by driver distraction, while the Blind Spot Detector uses radar technology to monitor rear corners and alert the driver if another vehicle is detected.

Additional features include a real-time speed limit display, a radar to scan for approaching cross-traffic when reversing, and a number of passive safety features, including six airbags. Customers can choose from one of the widest powertrain ranges in its class. These include a 132 PS (1.6-litre GDI) engine and three diesel options: 116 PS (1.7-litre), 136 PS (2.0-litre standard power) or 185 PS (2.0-litre high power).

The 1.7-litre diesel option includes Hyundai’s sevenspeed dual-clutch transmission, which offers drivers fully automatic operation or sequential manual gear changes. This transmission features a high top gear ratio which lowers engine revs during high-speed cruising, enhancing refinement, while improving fuel economy and cutting exhaust emissions. Compared to a six-speed automatic transmission, fuel efficiency could be improved by up to 20%. Prices for the Tucson start at £18,995 for the entry level S trim, which includes standard features such as DAB digital radio with MP3 compatibility; Bluetooth connectivity, with USB and AUX connections; 16-inch alloy wheels; air conditioning; and automatic headlights with dusk sensor. Every Tucson comes with the company’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard.

SMITHS HYUNDAI Bretton Way, Bretton, Peterborough PE3 8YL. 01733 907664, www. smithshyundai.co.uk

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