Update: Read our 2016 Hyundai Tucson India review
In recent years, the demand for SUVs in India has seen a major jump with multiple automakers trying to capitalise on the surge. Last year, the launch of the Creta proved to be a big boost for Hyundai, and it became one of the bestselling SUVs in the country. Now Hyundai has further bolstered its SUV line-up with a third model – the new, third-gen Tucson. The Tuscon name is not new to India with Hyundai having originally launched the first-gen SUV back in 2005, though it was dropped from the line-up after only a brief stint.
Now Hyundai seems confident that the Tuscon in its third generation will be able to rack in numbers, especially with the jump in popularity of SUVs in recent years. And given the new SUV’s aggressive pricing, Hyundai is clearly looking to make a big impact in the segment.
Specifications
Hyundai is offering the new Tucson with a choice of a petrol and a diesel engine. The diesel one is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor that develops a healthy 185hp and 400Nm of torque. The petrol engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit that develops 155hp and 192Nm of torque. Both motors are paired with either six-speed manual or automatic gearbox and as only two-wheel-drive.
Features
The Tucson is available in three trim levels – 2WD MT, 2WD AT GL and 2WD AT GLS. The diesel engine is offered across all trim levels, though petrol buyers do not have the option of getting the fully kitted out SUV. Interestingly, this is the same set-up as on the Creta, where too, the top trim is only diesel. Standard equipment on offer in the new Tuscon include automatic projector headlamps, LED daytime-running lamps, fog lamps, height- adjustable driver seat, electric adjust, folding and heated wing mirrors, puddle lamps, cruise control, reclining second row seat, rear wiper, and washer, 8.0-inch touchscreen, AVN system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice recognition. In terms of safety, dual airbags and ABS are part of the standard kit as are rear parking sensors and camera.
The top 2WD AT GLS trim gets some additional goodies such as LED headlamps (segment first), leather upholstery, dual-zone auto climate control with rear AC vents, 10-way power-adjust driver seat, drive modes, hands-free tailgate operation (segment first), side and curtain airbags, stability control, hill-start assist and front parking sensors.
To sweeten the deal, Hyundai is offering a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty along with a three-year/30,000 km free maintenance package and three-year roadside assistance package. Loyal customers get a one-year extended warranty as well.
Price
Hyundai has launched the new Tucson at an introductory price of Rs 18.99 lakh for the entry-level petrol model. The pricelist is as follows:
| Hyundai Tucson prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Variant | Petrol | Diesel |
| 2WD M/T | Rs 18.99 lakh | Rs 21.59 lakh |
| 2WD A/T GL | Rs 21.79 lakh | Rs 23.48 lakh |
| 2WD A/T GLS | --- | Rs 24.99 lakh |
Rivals
The new Tucson is a direct rival to the petrol-only Honda CR-V which comes at the higher end of the Tucson’s price range. While there is no direct diesel rival, the recent price cuts in the likes of the Ford Endeavour and Chevrolet Trailblazer bring them within the same bracket as the smaller Tucson.