Revamped Mid-Size SUV Offering: Hyundai's Tucson now Boasts a Hybrid Drive
Reimagined Article:
Plug-in Hybrid Tucson Now on the Block: A Mid-Size SUV By Hyundai
By Patrick Broich, Kronberg im Taunus
What's the most prevalent Hyundai model swarming the streets? It ain't the electric Ioniq series, i20, i30, or even the stylish Kona. Nope, it's the Tucson, a mid-size SUV whose name might trip off your tongue. So, what's Tucson's secret sauce? Maybe it's the perfect mix of comfort, roominess, and a price tag that won't leave you bankrupt. This 4.52-meter powerhouse, situated between compact and mid-size classes, starts at a reasonable 35,740 euros. Even the base model boasts a 160-horsepower gasoline engine, a manual transmission, plenty of display, LED headlights, navigation, parking sensors, and a rearview camera, all without skimping on aesthetics.
We here at ntv.de didn't get our hands on the entry-level model this time. But Hyundai's got some news on the horizon - the powerful 252-horsepower hybrid can now also be ordered with front-wheel drive. This price-drop delivers a significant saving over the all-wheel-drive top model, now starting from 44,690 euros compared to the 49,800 euros demanded for the latter. However, the shift to a lower trim level "Select" might raise questions about the effectiveness of the front-wheel-drive setup when handling the model's substantive power.
Front-Wheel Drive: Enough for the Powerhouse?
It depends on your lead foot, buddy. The truth is that the front tires bear the brunt when 367 Newton meters of system torque is applied. Interestingly, the new front-wheel-drive model is reported by the manufacturer to reach highway speed 0.2 seconds faster than the AWD version - around 7.9 seconds, mainly due to the model's weight reduction by 60 kilograms.
That said, traction may become scarce when both engines are running at full speed. Green light acceleration demands consistent gas pedal pecking, and even a cautious overtaking maneuver at low speeds can result in noticeable torque struggles. However, in everyday driving, the system operates smoothly with prompt gear shifts and little interruption.
The six-speed automatic transmission ensures seamless shifting, skipping the dual-clutch, which introduces slightly softer transitions. If you're already leaning toward a plug-in hybrid, remember to drive as much as possible in electric mode to maximize efficiency. The battery can be fully charged in under two hours with 7.2 kW, provided a suitable charger is available nearby. With an electric range of 70 kilometers, you'll have more than enough juice for daily commuting. The gasoline engine kicks in when hitting top speeds of 186 km/h.
Nimble Comfort and Practicality With a Hint of Adrenaline
On Comfort. Comfy seats and optional adaptive suspension with noteworthy damping qualities make the Tucson a capable long-distance cruiser. As for infotainment, the Tucson won't leave you hanging. It's worth mentioning that the Tucson boasts ample passenger and cargo space. With the rear seats folded down, you're looking at 1,721 liters of cargo space. Even with the seats up, there's roughly 600 liters to spare. The gasoline engine is the only aspect where it trails the competition in towing capacity - while 1.2 tons is acceptable, it might fall short for horse-trailer enthusiasts.
Apart from its harmonious characteristics, European aesthetics, and richly equipped powertrain options (which include various hybrid gasoline engines and the reliable diesel), the Tucson's popularity may be due to its tax advantages for company car drivers, who enjoy a 0.5% regulation on the plug-in hybrid model.
- Hyundai Models
- SUVs
- Hybrid Cars
- In the automotive industry, the Tucson, a mid-size SUV by Hyundai, is the most prominent model seen on streets, known for its combination of comfort, roominess, and affordable pricing.
- Recently, Hyundai announced that the Tucson's plug-in hybrid version now offers front-wheel drive, offering a significant reduction in price, starting from 44,690 euros.
- With the front-wheel-drive setup, the Tucson manages to reach highway speed 0.2 seconds faster than the all-wheel-drive version, primarily due to a weight reduction of 60 kilograms.
- However, when both engines run at full speed, traction may become an issue, requiring consistent gas pedal application in certain driving conditions.
- Interestingly, the Tucson's six-speed automatic transmission ensures seamless shifting, providing smooth operation and prompt gear shifts.
- The Tucson, with its nimble comfort, practical cargo space, and optional electric range of 70 kilometers, has become a popular choice among consumers, especially considering its tax advantages for company car drivers.
- Electric-vehicles, like the Hyundai Tucson, are becoming increasingly relevant in today's lifestyle and transportation landscape, propelled by advancements in technology and their positive impact on the environment.
