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Car Comparison: Hyundai Tucson takes on VW Tiguan

Cape Town - Launched in 2016, the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan have made quite the impression on South Africa’s motoring public.

Both SUVs made such a ding that they have been named as finalists for the 2017 SA Car of the Year competition. But as great as this accolade/nomination may be, these vehicles offer a completely different package to buyers, despite there only being a R6000 price difference.

Here are five differences between the Tiguan Comfortline R-Line and Tucson 1.6 Turbo Executive.

1. Drivetrains

Both SUVs make use of turbocharged petrol engines that are mated to six-speed manual gearboxes driving the front wheels, but that’s about the only similarities they have. The Tiguan’s 1.4-litre engine kicks out 92kW/200Nm compared to the Tucson’s 130kW/265Nm. The Tiguan feels slightly more responsive than the Korean SUV, because its torque is already available at 1400rpm.

LONG-TERM TEST: Hyundai Tucson at home on the West Coast

The Hyundai’s engine only peaks at a very high 4500rpm! But on the open road the Tucson is the better choice; providing pulling power even in sixth gear without the need to cog down to fifth for that extra punch.

2. Weight and size

As with any SUV, these vehicles need to supply in families’ needs. And for that to happen both need to be big, without looking and/or feeling bulky. The Tucson is the heavier of the two (2120kg vs. 1960kg), but it has a lower ground clearance than the Tiguan: 172mm vs. 191mm. Thanks to 19” tyres on the Tiguan and 17”s on the Tucson, both vehicles have proper road holding abilities despite their sizes. Speaking of, size rarely comes into play and stopping these 2-ton machines is never an issue.

READ: The new Tiguan is the SUV Volkswagen desperately needs

Both seat five occupants, but when the rear bench is folded flat, the Tiguan’s load volume increases from 520-1655L and the Tucson’s from 488-1478L. 

Clearly, then, the Tiguan is lighter, has better ground clearance for gravel roads, and rides on bigger tyres for improved stability than the Tucson. Plus it has the space a family would need.

3. Performance

Thanks to its power advantage, the Tucson will sprint from 0-100km/h in 9.2 seconds over the Tiguan’s 10.5sec time. It will also outrun its German counterpart in the top speed department: 203km/h vs. 190km/h. But the Tiguan claws back some ground with a fuel consumption that is rated at 6.1-litres/100km over the Tucson’s figure of 8.3. Theoretically, the Tiguan should be able to reach 951km when its 58L fuel tank is filled to the brim and the Tucson 747km from its 62L tank. The Tucson would outrun the Tiguan in a 100m race, but the Tiguan has the legs for distance.

4. Tech and features

In the technology department the Tiguan has the better of the Tucson. Both have standard features such as Bluetooth and AUX/USB connectivity, cruise control and an on-board computer to mention but a few, but the German is one ahead of the Korean. Our test Tiguan boasted adaptive cruise control that adjusts the cruising speed to the vehicle’s ahead, keyless entry/start, an electric boot, and a panoramic sunroof. The Tucson does have a rear view camera and the Tiguan not.

A photo posted by Wheels24 (@wheels24_sa) on

5. Warranties and Service plans

Both vehicles' service intervals are due every 12 months or 15 000km - whichever comes first. The duration of the service plan is for five years or 90 000km. The Tiguan's warranty will expire after 120 000km or three years, whereas Hyundai gives its clients a greater piece of mind with a warranty that will come to an end after five year or 150 000km. In addition, Hyundai has a warranty on its drivetrain for seven years or a mammoth 200 000km!

*Please note pricing for the vehicles were at the time of the vehicles being on test and are not the updated, current prices.

Wheels24 team opinion

Janine Van der Post: The Hyndai Tucson ticks all the right boxes in my books. It's good-looking, practical, frugal and really comfortable to drive. It's even spacious enough when there's family visiting. It's sophisticated, yet can handle any rugged roads you might venture across, so its as home on gravel as it is on the tar.

My little on's car seat is quite vertical so when she falls asleep, and she doesn't have her sleep pillow, her tiny head hangs heavy and always looks uncomfortable while I drive. I love that the rear seats in the Tucson are reclineable for this very reason. It means her car seat can tilt back and she can sleep more comfortably on the long road.

On the Tiguan: Even if Volkswagen's Tiguan was horrible inside and had many flaws, it would probably still be forgiven just based on its desirably good looks. Like a Siren, its one of the cars you can't pass by without stopping to take in its beauty.  The latest offering is a huge step up in styling from its predecessor, and its packed with standard features and niceties. German engineering at its best; it's a thrill to drive, yet pleasant enough as a family vehicle.

It would be difficult to chose between the two, but if it had to be based on just looks, its obvious the latter would be my choice.

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