The third-generation Hyundai Tucson is now three years old. Having been introduced in April 2015, it’s high time the Honda CR-V fighter gets updated. Well, wait no more, because the Tucson facelift has just been unveiled at the New York International Auto Show.
The mid-life update brings about considerable styling changes – from the front, the CUV (crossover utility vehicle) gets a new bumper and redesigned LED headlights with new LED DRLs. The signature cascading grille is bolder and more angular than before as well. Wheel options range from 17- to 19-inch items, and all are newly designed. At the back, the taillights are shaped slightly differently and feature new graphics.
Things are also fairly different on the inside. For example, the top portion of the dash is completely new – the seven-inch Display Audio system is now a “floating” unit and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities. The air vents have also been redesigned, but everything below (climate control and beyond) remains unchanged.
For a bit more money, customers can opt for second-row USB charger and Qi wireless charging pad. Also on is the Blue Link Connected Car System, featuring three years of complimentary services. This includes technologies like Remote Start with Climate Control, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Some of the features can be controlled using Android Wear and Apple Watch smartwatch apps.
Performance-wise, the 2019 Tucson gets two engine offerings in the US – a 2.0 litre direct injection four-cylinder engine producing an estimated 164 hp and 205 Nm of torque, as well as a larger 2.4 litre four-potter (this replaces the 1.6 T-GDI; US only) making 181 horsepower and 237 Nm of torque. A higher-performance Tucson N is reportedly in the pipeline, possibly sharing the i30 N’s 2.0 litre turbo engine that produces a whopping 275 hp and 353 Nm.
Now, both the naturally-aspirated 2.0 and 2.4 litre mills are coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual shifting mode. It also features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for higher fuel economy at highway speeds.
Other markets will still get the 174 hp 1.6 T-GDI petrol unit paired with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch auto (FWD or AWD available), but the lower-tuned 130 hp version gets a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive. The outgoing 184 hp 2.0 litre turbodiesel gets paired with either a six-speed manual or the newly-developed eight-speed auto, whereas the new 1.6 litre diesel producing 113 hp or 131 hp now joins the oil burning line-up.
In terms of safety, both Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) systems are fitted as standard. Optional safety features include FCA with Pedestrian Detection, High Beam Assist, Surround View Monitor, Advanced Smart Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Driver attention warning.
“From a design perspective, onlookers will recognise a generational harmony between Hyundai’s new 2019 Santa Fe and the refreshed Tucson,” said Hyundai Motor America lead designer Chris Chapman. “The signature elements of the Hyundai cascading grille and modern-day surfacing found in the rear view create shadowy, dramatic impressions and represent the Hyundai DNA.”
The 2019 Tuscon is the fifth of eight new or re-engineered CUVs Hyundai is debuting by 2020. Back home, four variants of the Tucson are offered, starting from the base 2.0 Elegance, 2.0 Premium AWD, 1.6 T-GDI and 2.0 CRDi diesel. So tell us, what do you think of the facelifted Tucson?
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To all M’sians, having a turbo is considered whopping!
Please drop this word. Reserve it for something that is 700hp and above.
Proton turbo GDI engines mebbe ?
Good to stay away from small engine cc with turbo as in real world use it doesn’t save the environment as assumed on paper. Durability is way better with a bigger cc engine than small cc with turbo.
Because in Malaysia the road tax for high cc engines are super expensive. So our country prefer the turbocharged engines.