New Hyundai Tucson Launched At Rs 18.99 Lakh

The Tucson begins its second innings today!

Hyundai is clearly betting big on the SUV space. After the Creta met with resounding success, the Korean automaker wants to take a shot at the premium SUV segment with the Tucson. Now, this isn't the first time Hyundai will be fielding the Tucson in our market, the previous generation of the SUV made inroads close to a decade back. The Tucson will be offered in a total of three variants. Prices are as follows: 

Petrol

• 2WD MT - Rs 18.99 lakh
• 2WD AT GL - Rs 21.79 lakh

Diesel

• 2WD MT - Rs 21.59 lakh
• 2WD AT GL - Rs 23.48 lakh
• 2WD AT GLS - Rs 24.99 lakh

(all introductory prices ex-showroom Delhi)

Whats on offer with the new generation?

The Looks

The Fluidic design language has mellowed down substantially since it first debuted in India with cars such as the Elantra and the Verna. The 'Fluidic 2.0' language swaps the creases for clean and crisp line, that give the Tucson an air of understated elegance. Of course, being an SUV, it has the basics - bulbous proportions, big wheels and cladding - ticked right off the bat. Typical Hyundai design traits, such as the cascading grille, a strong shoulder line and wraparound taillamps leave their stamp on the Tucson as well. Goodies on the top-spec version include dual barrel LED lamps, daytime running lamps and 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.

The Cabin

If you've seen or been in the new Elantra, the Tucson's cabin will seem very familiar. While the design is completely different, but the layout will instill a sense of deja vu. The Tucson isn't a seven-seater SUV, and aims at being a plush five seater instead. Being a Hyundai, it is loaded to the gills with features, highlights of which include leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control and a powered tailgate as well. It also gets a 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) paired with six speakers.

The Drive

The Tucson can be had with either a 155PS 2.0-litre petrol motor or a 185PS 2.0-litre diesel. Notably, there is no all-wheel-drive variant on offer, but both engines can be had with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. Just like the Elantra, the Tucson will feature Drive modes (Normal, Eco and Sport) and will also get a host of safety tech like hill start assist, stability management and six airbags. ARAI certified fuel efficiency is as follows:

Diesel - MT: 18.42kmpl | AT: 16.38kmpl

Petrol - MT: 13.03kmpl | AT: 12.95kmpl

We will be driving the Tucson later this week, watch this space for an update. Will the Tucson be second time lucky? Only time will tell. But, Hyundai does have a compelling product on hand.

Recommended Read: Hyundai Elantra Review