2016 Hyundai Tucson: It’s About Time!
Hyundai's designers haven’t been slacking. Most of the brand’s vehicles have either had mid-gen updates or been entirely revamped in recent years, but that’s certainly not the case for the Tucson, which was starting to show its age. Since it was unveiled in 2009, the six-year old was considered an old-timer by automotive standards.
The new Tucson has the Santa Fe’s nose—especially the trapezoidal front grille. The rear treatment also bears some resemblance to its big brother, if you put the two back-to-back. In fact, the part that is most similar to the Santa Fe is the window that rises toward the back, and which will almost certainly block visibility.
Overall, the look is much more dynamic than before. The dashboard really stands out, and I think it’s much nicer than the one in the Santa Fe. It features softer, more flowing lines. Since the unit on display at the pre-launch event was a pre-production model, it came as no surprise to see low-end plastics and questionable fit and trim.
Something old, something new
The North American versions will come with a 2.0L four-cylinder that delivers 164 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque (according to the press release, these figures are just an estimate, but it looks a lot like the current 2.0L!). This engine will be connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. There will also be a 1.6L four-cylinder turbo that generates 175 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. It will be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. If I understand the press release correctly, both of these engines power the front wheels, but all-wheel drive is available on option. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the vehicle can either have 100% of the power sent to the front wheels or up to a 60/40 split between front and back.
Drivers can select Normal or Sport modes. The press release also claims that the electric power steering offers improved steering feel, more precision and better feedback. We’re looking forward to seeing for ourselves!
The 2016 Tucson’s price will be announced closer to the official launch date, which should be sometime this summer.
