Hyundai SA replaces ix35 with Tucson: Specs and prices

Cape Town - Hyundai has reintroduced the Tucson SUV back into the minds of the public with the new model now available in South Africa.

The Tucson, which was sold locally in 2005, was replaced in 2009 by the ix35. Hyundai SA sold just under 23 000 Tuscons in five years, when the ix35 nameplate was adopted it sold just under 34 000 units in a six year period.

Hyundai SA's marketing director Stanley Anderson said: "The overall total of 56 408 Tucson and ix35 sales is proof of the popularity of Hyundai's SUV, and we are ready to fight for the top position in this very competitive market segment again with the new model,

*Look out for our driving impression next week

Engines/gearboxes

Hyundai will for now, offer the Tucson without a diesel engine option. Instead two petrols, one turbocharged will do duty.

The 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine (130kW/265Nm), from the Veloster turbo is introduced for the first time in a Hyundai SUV in SA. The Korean firm's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is available with this engine and sits at the head of the local range. A six-speed manual is standard.

Image gallery: 2016 Hyundai Tucson

A 2.0-litre normally aspirated engine with 115kW/196Nm is the other option and also only offered in 'Premium' spec. This derivative comes in six-speed manual form or a six-speed automatic.

Four-wheel drive?

Yes, the range-topping Tucson 1.6 TGDi Elite uses a four-wheel drive system, convenient for gravel roads. However, its front wheels receive 100% of torque during normal road driving with up to 50% sent to the rear wheels, automatically, depending on conditions.

A manually-selected 'Lock Mode' splits torque 50/50 for enhanced stability at speeds up to 40km/h.

The 1.6-litre engine can also be had with front-wheel drive configuration in the Executive model: while the 2.0-litre naturally petrol engine in the Premium derivatives is available with front-wheel drive only.

We're driving the new @HyundaiSA Tucson (old ix35) today in the Western Cape. What do y'all make of the new model? pic.twitter.com/EHHRp6544a

— Wheels24 (@Wheels24) March 4, 2016

Features

Elite models are fitted with a large display screen for the new-generation navigation system (a R15 000 option).

A new DAB+ radio with six audio speakers is standard across the range. The usual USB and AUX connections are located in the centre console.

Pricing

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Premium (manual) - R359 900
Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Premium (automatic) - R379 900
Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Elite (automatic) - R439 900
Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Executive (manual) - R419 900
Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Elite DCT AWD - R499 900

Hyundai has upped their five-year or 150 000km manufacturer's warranty, to now offer a 7-year or 200 000km drivetrain warrant is standard on the Tucson.

All derivatives come with a five-year or 90 000km service plan.

A photo posted by Wheels24 (@wheels24_sa) on Mar 4, 2016 at 3:08am PST