The Tucson is the best seller in the world of Hyundai. Since its launch at the end of 2015, more than 544,000 copies have been sold worldwide, which means that it is an important model for the Korean manufacturer, that it is necessary to make live.
This is precisely the case today, with a traditional mid-career restyling. And change, there is, ultimately more than one could think.
Indeed, the changes are both aesthetic, both inside and outside, but also technical, with a redesign of the engines, and a novelty that we will probably see more and more appear on future models : a micro-hybrid system. With a goal, in the face of severe penalties and the transition to the new standard WLTP (which is on average increase CO2 emissions), to limit consumption and therefore carbon dioxide emissions.
But let's start with the aesthetic evolutions. The Korean gives its compact SUV the new cascading grill in English, typical of the brand and found on the i30 and Kona. Its shape is more flared than before. The shield is redesigned and the optics adopt a new wing-shaped LED light signature.
On the profile, we will note only a new set of rims, from 16 to 19 inches, while at the back, a new shield accompanied by a double exhausted exit, more straight lights and a hatch more hollowed out at the opening handle make the style evolve smoothly.
The restyling continues in the cockpit, where the entire upper part of the dashboard is revisited. In the drawing already, with a multimedia screen either integrated within it, but now placed on the headdress, in an ideal place for visibility, but a little less for the quality of integration precisely. This touch pad 7 or 8 inches depending on the finish is the same as that of the i30 and Kona.
The seats are also new, and now heated but also ventilated at the top end.
With measurements that do not evolve, the habitability ratings remain stable. And good for the category. The rear seats are spacious, the roof guard comfortable, while the trunk volume remains at 513 liters bench seat and 1,503 liters bench folded. A volume, which, when we opt for the micro hybridization option, will unfortunately lose 54 liters, down to 459 liters, because of the 48V battery located under the boot floor. It's a shame, because the loss is consequent.
This new system, unpublished at Hyundai allows us to continue on the technical chapter. It is currently reserved for the largest diesel engine, the 2.0 CRDI 185, which is only coupled to the all-wheel drive (including a differential lock) and a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The 1.7 CRDI 116 and 141 hp is replaced by the newest 1.6 CRDI, in two power levels: 115 and 136 hp, the first is coupled to a manual transmission only and 4x2, the second can benefit from the transmission 4x4 and the double clutch gearbox 7DCT. This 1.6 IDRC will also be able to benefit from the micro hybrid option during the year 2019.
On the gasoline side, we find the 132 GDI 1.6 GDI and the 1.6 T-GDI 177 hp, choice 4x2 or 4x4 and manual or 7DCT.
All engines are reviewed and corrected to pass the new Euro6 temp pollution standards. But official consumption and CO2 emissions are not known because they are still in the process of being approved.
Chassis side, no changes to report with this restyling.
We chose for this test to drive a model 2.0 CRDI 185 BVA8 4WD, with the option micro hybrid 48V, it seemed interesting system to discover ...
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