TOKYO: The all-new Hyundai Tucson will arrive in showrooms on August 1, replacing the popular ix35 SUV. The change in name will also bring a shift in its official size classification, with the 30mm wider, 65mm taller and 30mm longer-wheelbase Tucson pushing the SUV firmly into the mid-size ring to compete more closely with the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail.
An extra trim level will also be added, with the ActiveX to join the existing Active, Elite and Highlander lineup.
The Tucson range will kick off with the $27,990 Active variant, although it won’t be arriving locally until after the more expensive models’ August debut. This represents a $1000 increase over the ix35’s base price, but brings several additional standard features.
Under the Active’s bonnet is a 2.0-litre multi-point injected petrol engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels? Swapping the manual for a six-speed automatic adds $2500.
The entry-level model will score a reversing camera, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Engine outputs, efficiency figures and exact specifications for the Active will be confirmed closer to its on-sale date in the fourth quarter.
However, Hyundai has previously confirmed the entry-level model will score a reversing camera, as well as Apple CarPlay (after September) and Android Auto (in early 2016) smartphone connectivity systems.
Stepping up to the $30,490 ActiveX puts the more-powerful 122kW/205Nm 2.0-litre direct-injected petrol engine from the outgoing ix35 in the engine bay, paired with a six-speed manual transmission in front-wheel drive. Again, swapping to the six-speed auto in adds $2500.
The ActiveX will add rear parking sensors, seven-inch touchscreen multimedia system, auto headlights, front fog lights, LED DRLs, leather-appointed seats, six airbags, multi-function steering wheel and 18-inch alloys.
Sitting second from the top in the lineup, the Elite variant provides the greatest choice in drivetrains amongst the Tucson range.
Priced from $35,240, the Elite gets the same 2.0-litre petrol engine from the Active paired to the six-speed auto.
Also available in the Elite is a version of the 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine found in the Veloster SR, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto driving all four wheels for $38,240.
The existing 135kW/392Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel from the ix35 is also available with the Elite, paired with a six-speed auto and all-wheel drive from $40,240.
The Elite adds keyless entry and start, hands-free powered tailgate, LED headlights, auto wipers, dual-zone climate control, trailer stability assist, electronic parking brake and it rides on 17-inch alloys.
The Elite also features an eight-inch touchscreen multimedia system and satnav, but does not get the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity available in the Active and ActiveX. It also features cloth seats as opposed to the ActiveX’s leather-appointed ones.
At the top of the Tucson tree is the Highlander variant. Priced from $43,490, the Highlander gets the 1.6-litre turbo and seven-speed dual-clutch auto, or the 2.0-litre turbo diesel with six-speed auto priced from $45,490.
The Highlander also adds front parking sensors, AEB, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, leather-appointed seats, heated/vented front seats, LED tail lights, panoramic glass sunroof, tyre pressure monitoring, 4.2-inch information display for the driver and 19-inch alloys.
2015 Hyundai Tucson list pricing
Tucson Active – 2WD petrol manual – $27,990
Tucson Active – 2WD petrol automatic – $30,490
Tucson ActiveX – 2WD petrol manual – $30,490
Tucson ActiveX – 2WD petrol automatic – $32,990
Tucson Elite – 2WD petrol automatic – $35,240
Tucson Elite – AWD petrol automatic – $38,240
Tucson Highlander – AWD petrol automatic – $43,490
Tucson Elite – AWD diesel automatic – $40,240
Tucson Highlander – AWD diesel automatic – $45, 49
