2016 Hyundai TucsonJeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
The vehicle
The remade Tucson is Hyundai's entry-level compact crossover for singles, couples or new families. Hyundai calls this one a "value" rig for active types or new parents or grandparents. The Tucson was last completely re-done at the end of the last decade, so the timing is more than right for Hyundai to insert a new player in Canada's hottest segment. One in three new vehicles sold in Canada is a crossover or an SUV (sport-utility vehicle).
Signature feature
Has to be the 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder mated to Hyundai's first seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT). This is an outstanding combination. Note the torque, not horsepower: 175 hp/195 lb-ft which is available at 1,500 rpm. The closest rival is the 1.6-litre EcoBoost four in Ford's rival Escape crossover.
What else is new
The exterior design fits nicely into Hyundai's family look, right down to the LED headlights. The cabin has received a makeover that has stripped out the cheesiness of the outgoing Tucson and replaced it with something fresh but not fancy. A more rigid structure had led to a better, quieter ride. A rearview camera is standard and available safety features include blind spot detection, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and rear parking sensors.
Under the hood
The pure starter version is powered by a carryover 2.0-litre four-banger, non-turbo. Performance numbers 164 hp/151 lb-ft of torque are similar to the 1.6-litre turbo, but where the latter is quick and lively, the 2.0-litre is a little dull and sluggish by comparison.
When can we buy it, and for how much
Prices range from $24,399 to $39,599. On sale now.
Cool quotient
3.5 stars (out of five)
That turbo four is very sporty and this sort of powertrain is highly unusual for the segment. Serious rivals such as the Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V do not have a similarly slick engine to match it.
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