Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDI 115 CV 4x2 BlueDrive, a very sensible SUV put to the test

Hyundai managed to square the circle when the Hyundai ix35 launched more than 10 years ago. It represented a major generational leap and was a sales success, and now it tries to repeat that feat with the launch of the new Hyundai Tucson. The successor to the ix35 arrives with important novelties and significant improvements to create an SUV with a robust image, interior quality on a par with any German model, and a tuning that markedly improves on its predecessor’s behaviour.

The Highmotor test team took the wheel of a very sensible version, since we tested the Hyundai Tucson with the 1.7 CRDI diesel engine of 115 CV and front-wheel drive. This is the entry-level version of the diesel range, but it will surely also be the one most buyers choose.

Exterior design, a big change from the ix35

The exterior lines of the Hyundai Tucson are one of its strong points. The designers at the Korean firm have achieved a design that is elegant while at the same time having the robust image typical of an off-roader, and which is close to the exterior design of the Hyundai Santa Fe. That said, the exterior look is more urban than rugged despite the large wheel arches. At the front, the large grille and the new headlights with LED technology for the daytime running, position and dipped beam lights stand out (what is inexplicable is that the high beams use bulbs, with poor illumination).

At the side, the first thing that catches the eye is the alloy wheels, standard at 16 inches. Our version came with 17-inch wheels in 225/60 R17 sizes, ideal for more off-road use or for uneven asphalt surfaces given the tyre profile (although our unit was a 4×2), though they also took away some effectiveness on difficult roads.

It is worth highlighting the large sunroof, which opens more than the ix35’s and lets a lot of light into the cabin (although headroom is reduced when the roof is fitted). At the rear, the huge tailgate and the lights, which use LED technology for some lighting functions, stand out.

Interior design, quality for the European taste

The Hyundai Group has for some years strengthened its staff with hires from firms such as BMW, or even former members of the Audi design team. All of this is being felt and is evident in both the exterior and interior designs. A clear example of this is the interior of the Tucson , which seems more typical of a German model than a Korean one. On taking the wheel, the first thing we noticed is the enormous interior space It stands out for its habitability and interior space of this Korean SUV. The new platform has lengthened the wheelbase, and this translates directly into more interior room (especially in the rear seats).

The dashboard has harmonious shapes, with quality finishes (almost all the plastics used are pleasant to the touch and soft) and good ergonomics and layout of the controls. In fact, the driving position is comfortable, we got used to it very quickly, and visibility is good. The instrumentation features a colour screen with all kinds of information about the car, the multimedia system and even navigation.

In the rear seats, the most notable thing is the space for feet and head: two adults will travel very comfortably, while the central rear seat is more uncomfortable, having a raised transmission tunnel and a backrest that is somewhat firmer in the middle.

Storage and boot

As regards storage, Hyundai has worked on habitability mainly in the front seats, with a medium-sized glovebox, several storage spaces in the centre console for small objects, plus the central box and the front door pockets, which are a decent size. In the rear, the door pockets are smaller and barely fit two half-litre water bottles.

The boot is another strong point of the car, with a capacity of 513 litres or 488 litres depending on whether it has a spare wheel or not (one of the best figures in the segment; a Nissan Qashqai has 430 litres). The boot also has a false floor, which is practical for storing smaller items underneath and keeping them from rolling around the boot.

Engine and performance

The Hyundai Tucson’s engine range consists of three diesels: 1.7 CRDi with 116 CV, 2.0 CRDi with 136 CV and 2.0 CRDi with 184 CV, and two petrols: 1.6 GDi with 132 CV and 1.6 TGDi with 176 CV. We tested the well-known 1.7 CRDI engine with 115 CV, one of the most in-demand diesels alongside the 136 CV performance version.

The 115 CV diesel moves the Tucson with considerable easeAre 115 CV enough? At first glance the answer is yes. We had some doubts about whether the small 1.7 would be able to move the Tucson with real ease, but day to day it surprised us (this 1.7 CRDI engine is a true marvel within the Hyundai Group), and the answer is good in 80% of situations and more than sufficient to move the Hyundai Tucson with reasonable ease.

The powertrain starts pushing at 1,500 rpm and does so with force up to 3,000 rpm, when it starts to lose its puff. On the road or in the city it is more than adequate, moving the Tucson without problems, and it is worth noting the torque figure of 280 Nm. We notice most that we only have 115 CV when the car is loaded or on motorways when tackling long gradients. There, with three or four occupants, we have to use the gearbox and drop a gear to climb with more ease.

However, when overtaking or in mixed city-road driving, its 115 CV are more than enough, and behind the wheel the car feels agile for its size. The gearbox paired with this engine has six ratios, quite long especially sixth, with a correct feel.

Handling

Behind the wheel the predominant sensation is calm and comfort. The Tucson’s driving is very relaxed, helped by notable interior soundproofing and a suspension that seeks occupant comfort at all times. It is a car that does not fear uneven asphalt or even passing the typical speed bumps that dot our roads with complete comfort. That said, the dynamic side is compromised by that pursuit of comfort. It is predictable in its reactions, but its ideal habitat is not a mountain pass.

In the city it is a comfortable car, thanks to the driving position; it has parking sensors and a rear-view camera, and the engine pushes forcefully in towns with good acceleration. When we get onto the open road is when it offers the greatest comfort, with the electric steering standing out, which has several modes that adjust its firmness (normal and sport), although it is not as direct as we would like.

Consumption

The consumption of this 115 CV engine is quite far from the 4.6 litres per 100 km it homologates, but it stays at a fairly good figure relative to the car’s size, weight and power. On the road, the normal figure tends to be around 6 litres per 100 km, and being careful with the accelerator it is relatively easy to get down to 5.5 litres per 100 km.

On the motorway, on our usual route, the figure we obtained was 6.2 litres per 100 km. In the city, on our usual test route around Vigo, consumption was around 7 litres per 100 km, a good figure.

Equipment

Another strong point of the Hyundai Tucson is its standard equipment. It comes in four trim levels – Essence, Klass, Tecno and Style – and even the base trim already comes with what is necessary for its price and segment. As for safety equipment, the comprehensive standard specification stands out, along with additional safety extras more typical of the premium segment (traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, among others).

From the base trim – Essence – it already comes with: front, front side and curtain airbags, stability control, active head restraints, tyre pressure monitoring, hill start assist, 16-inch alloy wheels, audio system with Bluetooth, USB and AUX with 6 speakers, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, cruise control, light sensor and LED daytime running lights, among other elements.

The Klass trim adds: 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, front fog lights and LED rear lights, among other elements. Meanwhile the Tecno trim – our unit – adds navigation (with TomTom technology), front parking sensors, rain sensor, heated seats, lane departure warning, Optionally, the Safe Pack is available with various driver assistance systems (1,800 euros), traffic sign recognition, push-button start, among other elements. Finally, the Style trim completes the equipment with: leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking, electric front seats, electric tailgate opening, sunroof, among other elements.

The multimedia system with navigation and 8-inch touchscreen is available on the Tecno and Style trims. The navigation is designed by TomTom and, in addition to touch operation, it also has buttons at the bottom for mixed control, which is very successful as it is very easy to use and quite intuitive. The sound from the six speakers was more than adequate.

Our unit, in addition to the safety equipment standard on it, had the Safe Pack (1,800 euros), which includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection and LED front headlights. It is a recommended pack, but what caught our attention is that the headlights use LED technology for the daytime running, position and dipped beam lights, and not for the high beams (which, being bulbs, did not provide good illumination).

Prices of the Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is available from 18,900 euros with all applicable discounts and with the 131 CV petrol engine, while the diesel starts at 21,674 euros (115 CV).

• TUCSON 1.6 GDI 131 CV 4X2 ESSENCE 23,590 euros
• TUCSON 1.7 CRDI 115 CV 4X2 ESSENCE 25,540 euros
• TUCSON 1.6 GDI 131 CV 4X2 KLASS 25,290 euros
• TUCSON 1.7 CRDI 115 CV 4X2 KLASS 27,240 euros
• TUCSON 2.0 CRDI 136 CV 4X2 KLASS 28,940 euros
• TUCSON 1.6 GDI 131 CV 4X2 TECNO 27,590 euros
• TUCSON 1.7 CRDI 115 CV 4X2 TECNO: 29,540 euros
• TUCSON 2.0 CRDI 136 CV 4X2 TECNO 31,240 euros
• TUCSON 2.0 CRDI 136 CV 4X4 TECNO 33,340 euros
• TUCSON 2.0 CRDI 136 CV 4X4 Aut. TECNO 35,540 euros
• TUCSON 1.6 TGDI 176 CV 4X4 STYLE 38,440 euros
• TUCSON 2.0 CRDI 136 CV 4X4 STYLE 37,990 euros
• TUCSON 2.0 CRDI 186 CV 4X4 AUT. STYLE 41,990 euros

Opinion and personal assessment

The Hyundai Tucson has left the test team with a good impression, since in addition to an eye-catching exterior design, it doesn’t fall short inside, being one of the most spacious SUVs in its segment, with enough room for feet and head both in the front and rear seats (even being comfortable for tall people, though without the panoramic roof, which reduces headroom). It is oriented towards comfort; its dynamic side is not its strong point. The Tucson is an ideal vehicle for covering kilometres on country roads or motorways in comfort, with good interior soundproofing standing out.

115 CV or 136 CV? If we opt for the base trim – Essence – the starting price is from 21,674 euros (with all discounts and PIVE), compared with 25,575 euros for the 136 CV in Klass trim (there is no Essence in 136 CV). That is a big difference if you start from the base trim, and the engine alone does not compensate for it. With the same trim – Klass – between the 115 CV and the 136 CV there is a difference of approx. 2,000 euros, which can be worth it if you will be driving a lot on the motorway or with the car fully loaded (moments when the 115 CV become noticeable).

4×2 or 4×4? Despite its exterior look, the Tucson is an SUV with an automatically engaged all-wheel drive system that provides genuine off-road capability. Moreover, to choose the 4×4 version the engine must be at least the 136 CV, and consumption also increases when all-wheel drive is fitted. In other words, unless you regularly use it in adverse weather or on tracks and surfaces with poor grip where 4×4 traction becomes an ally, for everything else, or for occasional driving on dirt tracks, the 4×2 Tucson is more than sufficient.

We liked the complete equipment, both standard and the various safety systems available as options. These are systems found in premium segments, and being able to equip them on an SUV starting from 18,900 euros is a point in its favour.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverHyundai Tucson27 versions · from 35,525 €