Previously, the Tucson came standard came with the Nu 2.0 MPi engine with an ouput of 155PS.
The new turbo petrol and diesel engine ups the game with a much higher output of 177PS and 178PS respectively.
These front wheel drive urban warriors offer more power for your driving pleasure and we got our hands on the 2.0L diesel which is the focus of this review.
Exterior
Design-wise, this is a big, bold SUV with a commanding front fascia what with its chunky grille slats and chrome trims.
The striking LED headlamps flair out to the sides without any hint of subtlety and on top of that sits the sizeable hood.
And you are not going to miss the sculpted front bumper which houses the foglamps and LED daytime-running lights (DRLs).
While it is all business in the front, the SUV gets sportier with its slanted roofline to the rear and an atheletic stance.
The sharp creases on the body also adds a sense of power to the overall design.
Performance
The Tucson R 2.0 CRDi diesel engine produces 178PS at 4,000rpm and 400Nm of torque between 1,750rpm-2,750rpm.
The transmission is a 6-speed automatic and this combination is potent as peak torque already kicks-in at a very low RPM.
It is simply effortless to move this SUV with this amount of twisting force and power.
You can also choose how you want to car to behave by pushing the Drive Mode button and you will be able to select between Normal, Sports and Eco modes.
Interior
The test review unit came in black leather seats with red stitching and honeycomb-type pattern which is not only cool to look at but comfortable too.
The driver gets an 8-way powered seat with lumbar support for the optimal seating position and a leather-wrapped steering wheels with audio and cruise-control switches.
The dashboard has a functional design with a flush Android-based Audio Visual Navigator screen and a series of buttons and dials to operate the entertainment system and climate control.
This goes for the very legible instrument cluster as well with a 4.2inch TFT LCD with loads of driver information available at your disposal.
Right down the center you’ll find the gear lever, two cupholders, two 12v charging points, USB and AUX jacks and buttons for Auto Hold, Drive Mode, Downhill Brake Control, Front Parking Sensor and electronic parking brake.
It’s a clear and simple layout which makes it easy to understand and operate without much fuss.
However, the plastics here don’t feel as solid as the competition.
Practicality
The passengers have plenty of leg and headroom and there is the rear-air conditioning vents too so there is constant air-flow throughout the cabin.
Luggage space is more than ample at 488 liters and there is more to be had as the rear seats fold 60:40.
Loading and unloading is a breeze here as the tailgate opens wide at 1,094mm and sits low so you don’t have to strain yourself with your luggage.
Ride & Handling
The Tucson is an enjoyable SUV to drive since it has so much torque that it pulls away easily and you won’t find it wanting when you are going up hill slopes.
Even though the car gives you the perception of being large, it’s an incredibly simple car to manouvre.
The steering is light and the turning radius is good that you can be forgiven to thinking you are driving a small car.
It also gives you confidence behind the wheel as the Tucson hugs corners and turns well.
The suspension set up provides a firm yet comfortable drive yet at the same time, absorbs the impact of undulations and potholes quite nicely.
If you want more out of the Tucson, just select sports mode and you are good to go.
The only complaint here is that the cabin is slightly noisey due to the clatter of the diesel engine.
Safety
-six airbags
-anti-lock braking system (ABS)
-electronic stability control (ESC)
-vehicle stability management (VSM)
-hill-start assist control (HAC)
-downhill brake control (DBC)
-rear and front view camera
-safe driver recorder
Equipment
-keyless entry
-smart key with start stop button
-8-way driver power seat
-LED headlamps with static bending light
-LED daytime running lights
-3 drive modes (normal, sports and eco)
-leather seats
-auto cruise control
-auto brake hold
-powered tailgate
-leather wrapped steering wheels with controls
-audio visual navigation
-AUX, USB, Bluetooth connectivity
-park assist system
Price
RM155,788 (on-the-road without insurance)
Warranty
5 years or 300,000km (terms and conditions apply)
Summary
The Tucson is a well equipped SUV and one of the very few that offers a diesel engine. This engine is fuel efficient - I drove from Petaling Jaya to Putrajaya and back without so much as the fuel needle moving - and, on top of it, comfortable, convenient, powerful and spacious.
The only cons this car has is the audible engine noise coming into the cabin and the plastics used in the interior is just not as comparable to the competition.
