The Hyundai Tucson mid-sized SUV has scored a range of welcome updates in response to the recent launch of the new Mazda CX-5, landing an equally efficient but more powerful base engine and upgraded infotainment.
Out goes the old 2.0-litre MPi base petrol engine and in comes a new direct-injected 2.0 GDi unit, making 121kW and 203Nm (up from 114kW/192Nm) matched to either six-speed auto or six-speed manual transmissions depending on spec.
There are no changes to the existing 1.6-litre turbo-petrol with DCT, or 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, engines available higher up the range, or to the entry MSRP price point of $28,590 before on-road costs (regularly retailing for $27,990 drive-away).
The other major change is the new range-wide availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all variants in the range. Previously this tech only featured on the Active and Active X, because the Elite and Highlander had an older sat-nav unit.
The upgrades will give the hot-selling Hyundai a boost at the same time as its biggest rival, the Mazda CX-5, enters its second generation.
The Tucson is the ninth top-selling car in Australia this year with 5430 sales, behind only the Mazda on 5973, and just ahead of the Nissan X-Trail.
2018 Hyundai Tucson pricing (before on-roads):
Active 2.0 GDi 2WD manual $28,590
Active 2.0 GDi 2WD auto $31,590
Active 2.0 CRDi 4WD auto $35,090
Active X 2.0 GDi 2WD manual $31,150
Active X 2.0 GDi 2WD auto $33,650
Elite 2.0 GDi 2WD auto $36,250
Elite 1.6 T-GDi AWD DCT auto $39,250
Elite 2.0 CRDi AWD auto $41,250
Highlander 1.6 T-GDi AWD DCT auto $45,450
Highlander 2.0 CRDi AWD auto $47,450
2018 Hyundai Tucson specs by variant
Active
2.0 GDi petrol engine (2WD) or 2.0L CRDi diesel engine (AWD)
Six airbags
Rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines
Rear parking sensors
LED daytime running lights
Projector beam headlights with escort and welcome function
Automatic dusk-sensing headlights
7.0-inch touchscreen, six speakers
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
AUX/USB audio input
Bluetooth connectivity
Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
17-inch alloy wheels with 225/60R17 tyres
Cruise control with steering-wheel mounted controls
60:40 split folding rear seats with multi stage recline function
Roof rails
Active X extras
2.0L GDi petrol (2WD)
Leather-appointed seats
Premium steering wheel and gear knob
18-inch alloy wheels with 225/55R18 tyres
Electric folding side mirrors
Heated side mirrors
Illuminated glovebox compartment
Optional panoramic glass sunroof for $2000
Elite extras
2.0L GDi petrol (2WD), 1.6L T-GDi petrol (AWD) or 2.0L CRDi diesel (AWD)
LED headlights with static bending lights
Electro-chromatic auto dimming interior mirror
Electrically adjusted driver’s seat (10-way inc. lumbar)
Electronic park-brake with Auto Hold function
Dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning
Proximity smart key with push-button start
8.0-inch touchscreen satellite navigation, three-year map update plan
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Hands-free power tailgate)
Privacy glass
Chrome effect front radiator grille, door handles & belt-line moulding
Puddle lights in side mirrors with courtesy light in door handles
LED side repeater integrated into side mirrors
Steering-wheel mounted phone controls
Optional panoramic glass sunroof $2,000
Highlander extras
1.6L T-GDi petrol (AWD) or 2.0L CRDi diesel (AWD)
19-inch alloy wheels with 245/45R19 Continental ContiSportContact5 Tyres
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Blind Spot Detection (BSD) incorporating Lane Change Assist (LCA)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
Front parking sensors
Electrically adjusted front passenger’s seat (8 way inc. lumbar)
Heated and air-ventilated front seats
Panoramic glass sunroof and LED map lights
Centre console driver’s side knee bolster
Twin-tip trapezoidal exhaust
4.2-inch TFT LCD colour display in supervision cluster
Matte grey effect skid plate (front & rear)
Chrome garnish on power window switches
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
LED tail-lights with bulb turn signal & reverse lights
Rain-sensing wipers
Solar-control glass
Glovebox compartment with cooling
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