2016 Hyundai Tucson launched at Rs 18.99 lakh

Update: Read our 2016 Hyundai Tucson India review

The new Tucson is available with a choice of two engines – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit and a mainstream 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. The petrol unit is good for 155hp and 192Nm and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. The diesel unit, on the other hand, pumps out a more significant 185hp and a meatier 400Nm. The diesel unit too is offered with the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. There is no all-wheel-drive option.

Hyundai is offering the Tucson in three trim levels – 2WD M/T, 2WD A/T GL and 2WD A/T GLS  – with the top trim exclusively available as a diesel only.

The Tucson is fitted with a fair bit of kit and comes with standard equipment such as, automatic projector headlamps, reclining rear seat, heated wing mirrors with electric adjust and retract, puddle lamps, cruise control, rear parking sensors and camera, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen AVN system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice recognition. Safety features include dual airbags and ABS.

The entry-level model though misses out on features such as auto climate control, rear air-con vents and leather upholstery which are available on higher trims. Additionally, the top trim gets some standout features such as LED headlamps, 10-way power adjust driver seat, electric parking brake and hands-free tailgate operation. The top trim also gets additional safety kit such as side and curtain airbags and stability control.

Hyundai is offering a three year, unlimited kilometre warranty on its new SUV with loyal customers additionally getting a fourth year coverage as well.

While Hyundai has priced the Tucson agresively, the SUV has few direct rivals in the market. The petrol Tucson is a direct rival to the Honda CR-V (Rs 22.23 - 26.37 lakh) which is available with a choice of petrol engines. The diesel Tucson has no direct rivals, but with the recent price cuts, the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Ford Endeavour now fall in the same price bracket.

(All-prices ex-showroom, Delhi)