Hyundai set to launch new Tucson

Friday, 29 January 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Hyundai Sri Lanka Head of Sales Tharanga Vithanage, Hyundai Sri Lanka Chairman Heinz Reuter, Hyundai Sri Lanka After Sales General Manager Sandeep Katipearachchi

Into the increasingly competitive compact SUV space comes the all new Hyundai Tucson. The 2016 edition is the third generation in the Tucson range and sees it reinvent itself with a striking exterior, an upscale feature set, while still retaining the high level of value that Hyundai has become renowned for.

“When I look back, during the time that we have been selling Hyundai’s here in Sri Lanka, I must say that the Hyundai models have taken a giant step and are now in terms of quality, technology and environmental aspects on the absolute top level in the world,” explained Chairman Hyundai Lanka Heinz Reuter, at a press event on Tuesday announcing the launch of the new Tucson.

“Hyundai is currently the 5th largest car manufacturer in the world. We have climbed from number 9 to number 5 in just the last 6 years. It is the aim of Hyundai to be in the next 4-6 years the number 1 in the world,” he added.

From a design standpoint can be seen Hyundai’s Fluid Sculpture 2.0 design theme that debuted on the 2015 Genesis, with the Tucson employing “refined aesthetics with sculpted body forms and sporty contours for an athletic, bold and striking appearance.”

Better looks however don’t necessarily mean a compromise on space, with the new Tucson offering greater interior volume and versatility. Along with reclining seat backs, the rear quarters feature ample leg room and head room, while cargo room (31 cubic feet) is up more than five cubic feet from the previous model; a dual-level rear cargo floor further enhances cargo carrying versatility.

As far as performance goes, the 2016 Tucson comes with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission, with both diesel and gasoline variants. An advanced AWD system developed by Hyundai in conjunction with Magna Power train is also on offer. In addition, steering feel has been enhanced with an improved motor-driven power steering system to offer greater driver comfort.

Where the 2015 Tucson truly makes its mark though is in its safety features, with it expected to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) thanks to good crash-test results and an available slate of crash-avoidance features.

Reuter meanwhile feels that the true selling point of the vehicle will be when you get behind the wheel, as well as any potential resale price.

“You come have a look at the vehicle, you drive the vehicle, and I don’t think that we have to talk about it after that,” he stated confidently.

“Also in the past few years, for models like the Tucson, the resale price is quite high. Earlier there was talk that Korean cars didn’t have as much resale value as Japanese vehicles. That is not the case anymore if you look at Tucson and Sante Fe’s.”

The official Sri Lanka launch event for the Hyundai Tucson 2016 will be held at 7 this evening at the Galle Face Hotel.