Photos by AZLINA ABDULLAH
WE had the range-topping 1.6T Max variant of the fourth-generation 2024 Hyundai Tucson for a few days, and enjoyed the ample power on tap from its punchy 180PS/265Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged Smartstream petrol direct injection engine, mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
There was plenty of muscle for quick sprints and overtaking manoeuvres, while gear shifts are buttery smooth, and power delivery felt linear and predictable.
The suspension setup is pleasantly comfort-oriented, we found ride quality to be smooth and supple, and occupants were well cushioned from road imperfections.
While the 2024 Tucson is not a sports performance sports utility vehicle (SUV), it does offer decent handling and road holding at higher speed and during spirited driving.
The 19-inch Nexen Roadian GTX 235/55 tyres provide excellent grip and contribute to the comfortable ride, while the motor-driven power steering is precise and responsive.
Now, its RM195,888 (on-the-road without insurance) price tag pits it against C-segment SUV rivals such as the sixth-generation 2.0-litre Honda CR-V e:HEV RS hybrid (priced at RM195,900) and 2.5-litre 228hp/420Nm turbocharged Mazda CX-5 2.5G AWD High (Premium) priced at RM192,060.
This means the Tucson 1.6T Max faces stiff competition as the CR-V e:HEV RS has a powerful, responsive and fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain (rated at 5.0 litres per 100km) while the turbocharged CX-5 2.5G AWD High (Premium) comes with all-wheel drive and a lot more punch with 228hp/420Nm.
It's also worth noting that its rivals throw in more attractive vehicle warranty and after-sales packages.
Against the competition, the Tucson 1.6T Max is no slouch with its striking, chiselled exterior design and upmarket, well-appointed interior.
Step inside the Tucson 1.6T Max, and you're greeted by a cabin that exudes premium comfort and a cosseting wrap-around design, with lots of high-quality materials as well as a space-saving push-button gear selection (R, N, D, P) on the centre console.
A drive mode selector switch (Eco, Normal, Sport, Smart) is also on the centre console.
All controls are positioned for easy reach, and we liked the interior mix of smooth plastics, polished metallic surfaces, fabric trim on the doors and dashboard, and nice leather upholstery.
There's a digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, while the infotainment system utilises an 8-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
We also liked the touch sensitive controls and physical selector switches for air-conditioning, which we feel is more convenient compared with some cars where almost all vehicle functions are accessed via a huge touchscreen.
There are lots of storage options with front seatback nets, cup holders, door bins and a deep centre storage box (between the front seats).
With the rear seats up, there is 582 litres of rear cargo space which can be expanded to a huge 1,903 litres with the rear seats folded.
To charge mobile devices, there are four USB-A ports and wireless phone charging.
Regarding fuel economy, we found the Tucson 1.6T Max to be reasonably efficient after driving nearly 343km on a mix of congested city and free-flowing highway routes over five days, and car's drive computer displaying mileage of 9.4km per litre, and 215km remaining before a refuel stop.
The drive computer had showed 563km remaining before a refuel stop, when we first took the car from Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors.
We mainly drove using the Eco and Normal modes, and occasionally Sport mode when we wanted more spirited and fun motoring.
We think this is decent fuel efficiency for a C-segment SUV with a potent 1.6-litre turbocharged mill, especially as we are heavy-footed and impatient drivers.
The leather clad seats are solid and comfortable, and provided nice support for long journeys.
We also found plenty of rear headroom and legroom for adult around 1.7m tall.
As expected from a premium Hyundai SUV, there is excellent control in the area of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
The cabin is well-insulated from road and traffic noise, creating a serene environment and comfortable drives, and allowed us to better enjoy music from the six-speaker audio system.
Imported from South Korea, the new Tucson is also offered in two other variants at RM158,888 (2.0 Lite) and RM178,888 (1.6T Plus).
Exclusive kit on the range-topping Tucson 1.6T Max includes an eight-way powered front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, aluminium roof rack, a powered tailgate, automatic wipers, and a comprehensive suite of Hyundai SmartSense ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems) including Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go.
The new Tucson comes with a rear view camera but we feel that this is quite disappointing as nowadays, many new cars including those priced below RM100,000 are fitted with 360-degree multi-view camera systems which provide much more convenience and safety especially when parking bigger C-segment vehicles.
We think that the Tucson 1.6T Max offers quite a potent yet decently fuel-efficient powertrain, a roomy and premium interior with nice occupant comforts, and solid, confident handling as well as lots of safety technologies.
At its price tag, the provision of more compelling features and value proposition will help Tucson go a long way in a brutally competitive segment where buyers are spoilt for choice, especially with the rapid entrance of more new and updated models.
