One of Australia’s favourite SUVs gets a new heart.
For the new model year, Hyundai has announced that it will be upgrading the powertrain and connectivity of their highly-popular Tucson SUV. This, the company feels, will cement the Tucson’s appeal and further its impressive sales figures, with over 20,000 units sold last year, and sits pretty as the second-best selling SUV in its category.
The biggest change is under the bonnet, where the 2.0-litre multi-point injected petrol engine has been retired, and in its place a more advanced gasoline direct-injection (GDi) unit of the same capacity. This new powerplant will be made available in Active and Elite variants, and packs 121kW & 203Nm (up 7kW/11Nm from the old engine). Active and Active X variants will get the choice of a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox with this engine, while the Elite will see use of the six-speed automatic exclusively.
The engine isn’t the only thing that’s been changed, though. For the new model year, Hyundai has decided to throw in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility into its new sat-nav infotainment unit, making smartphone mirroring a standard feature across the range. The Korean company is confident that the updates made to the Tucson will see it continue as a solid seller in its category, offering great value and choice in a burgeoning marketplace.
Pricing remains unchanged, with the Tucson range kicking off at $28,590 for the entry-level Active, rising to $45,490 for the Highlander R-Series.
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