Auto review
by Veeno Dewan
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson is the Korean company’s fourth generation of its phenomenally successful compact SUV. The bold exterior design continues with Hyundai’s parametric dynamics design language- with creases, folds, and curves in the sheetmetal making for a sleek upmarket design. Hyundai’s compact 5-seat SUV has received some mild trim and packaging changes for 2024 and offer hybrid and gasoline engine powertrains. The Tucson receives: new rear seat side airbags, rear outboard seatbelt pre-tensioners, seatbelt reminders for all seats, and haptic steering wheel feedback for the lane-keeping and blind-spot warning systems.
In terms of powertrain, the Front-wheel-drive gas-powered models deliver 9.4 L/100 km during city driving, 7.4 on the highway and 8.5 combined, this is courtesy of a 187-hp 2.5-litre, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. The hybrid (HEV) models offers a turbocharged 1.6-litre four cylinder that makes a combined 226 hp, or 261 hp in plug-in hybrid models. All models use an eight-speed automatic transmission, apart from the sporty N-Line version. The standard self charging Hybrid (HEV) as tested has a fuel economy figure of around 6.4 L/100 km combined and an All-Electric driving range of 33km.while the PHEV features an all-electric range of 53 km on a full charge and 6.7 L/100 km combined when the battery is depleted. The hybrid (HEV) range starts at $40,099 – $42,499. All Tucson’s come equipped with excellent features as standard – really leaving most of its competition behind. The fully loaded models having all the bells and whistles you could wish for.
We tested the sporty Tucson N Line hybrid. The N Line treatment adds a unique sporty flair with exclusive bumpers front and rear, along with body-color wheel arches. There is black-out treatment around the exterior windows, plus racy split-five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels. Also added is an N Line-only rear spoiler, Single twin-tip exhaust Shift-by-Wire gear selector, Paddle shifters, HTRAC™ All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Drive Mode Select and Electric Parking Brake. Performance upgrades add an optimised Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS), offering slightly edgier handling on the road through adaptive damping technology.
Interior N-Line enhancements include black suede N-branded sporty seats with red contrast stitching dedicated N steering wheel, leather gear shift knob and branded shift by wire console cover. the 2024 Hyundai Tucson N Line is priced at $40,599 plus destination. Fees and taxes. The Tucson is roomy with an acceptable level of head and legroom in all quarters. The front dash is good looking with a nicely rendered design and clear controls. The driver front cabin gains a heated steering wheel, and comfortable power-adjustable seats. The Tucson also features dual-zone climate control, a power liftgate, ambient lighting controls and a wireless phone charger. 10.25” full digital display instrument cluster Entertainment is courtesy if a Bose premium audio system with 8-speakers.The 1,097 litres of space in the cargo area expands to an impressive 2,108 litres when you fold the rear seats down. The rear quarters are spacious as well with adequate leg and headroom.
Ride quality is good ,even with the 19-inch wheels and tires. The Tucson also gains a vectoring control type system for better cornering with Hyundai’s e-Handling technology which meters out braking force to the front wheels through a corner and on exit as the electric motor sends more torque to the rear axle. The Tucson N Line is no super performance CSUV, but sport mode livens up things a little. Well weighted steering, compliant suspension set up and the AWD provide satisfying road feel, traction and inspire a sense of confidence. Downsides are few, Don’t expect a high-performance screamer, however the Tucson N line offers a decent turn of speed and agility.
Instead, driver s get a satisfying, sporty ride, and handling with enough interest to make it enjoyable to drive. It does look the part with its exterior additions and attractive sporty interior .Fuel economy is rated at (EnerGuide Estimate) – City: 6.3 (2023) (L/100 km) – Highway: 6.6 (2023) (L/100 km). The 2023 Tucson N-Line is a compelling buy in this segment. Highly recommended.
2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (HEV) priced from – $40,099 – $42,499.
More info at Hyundai.ca
