Hyundai debuts new Tucson SUV

Wednesday, 16 September 2020

Hyundai's fourth-generation Tucson is here. (Hyundai promotional video)

Hyundai’s fourth-generation of Tucson SUV has launched in full, showing off a new design, “eco-focused” powertrains and new technologies.

The large SUV is the best selling vehicle for Hyundai, both in New Zealand and globally, racking up sales of more than 7 million units since its debut in 2004.

Hyundai revealed the new model online, showing off new looks both inside and out. The ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design has been evolved with what Hyundai is calling “parametric dynamics”, which refers to the “kinetic jewel surface details” that help the Tucson stand out from the crowd. This can be seen in the half-mirror daytime running lights (DRLs) that merge with the grille.

The new grille is a standout feature of the fourth-generation Tucson.

The new Tucson will be longer and wider than previous-generation models, offering a long bonnet and short overhangs on a stretched wheelbase. From the side, angular body panels offer yet another interpretation of this parametric design with chiselled surfaces, and angular wheel arches.

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More than happy with the trend of full-width LED rear lights. This one looks especially good with the triangular light motif.

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Inside is, obviously, very luxurious. There is also plenty of digitisation with three new screens present.

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Around back are similar lighting cues to the front, with half-hidden triangular shapes that are only visible when lit.

Inside is a new lower-mounted instrument display which leads to a more minimal appearance. The broad ridge of the dashboard blends seamlessly with the doors to wrap around the front occupants while Hyundai says that the vertically oriented forms of the fully integrated centre fascia was inspired by waterfalls.

Two 10.25-inch touchscreens take care of infotainment and HVAC duties, the latter now comprising a “multi-air system” which replaces vents with slots perforated with tiny holes. A digital gauge cluster rounds out the major interior changes.

Power will come from a variety of petrol and diesel engines, along with hybrid or plug-in levels of electrification.

The 1.6-litre engine produces an estimated 134kW, with a combined hybrid output of 171kW. It also produces 264Nm of torque from the petrol engine and 348Nm of torque from the combined hybrid powertrain, though this is still under consideration for New Zealand.

Hyundai NZ has only confirmed the upgraded Smartstream petrol and diesel engines, without going into output specifics. Overseas, Tucson can also be had a 2.5-litre four producing 140kW/247Nm.

Tucson will also get an N Line version this time around, with more details on that to come.

We’ll see the first fourth-gen Tucsons land in New Zealand in the first quarter of 2021. Price and final specifications will be announced closer to then.