Hyundai Tucson Review – Best Compact SUV In The UK

Read our latest Hyundai Tucson review:

The last Hyundai to bear the Tucson name in the UK was a rather boxy affair, built around function rather than style and from a time where Hyundai’s were perceived as cheap and cheerful.

By the time the ix35 was launched in 2010 a lot had changed, with Hyundai designing cars with improved looks and build quality. With the ix35 they now had a car able to confidently compete in the growing SUV market

Improving on the ix35 was no mean feat and with it competing with the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, Hyundai knew they had some tough competition to take on.

Hyundai certainly came out fighting when they launched the new Tucson in September 2015.

Taking its styling cues from the larger Sante-Fe, the Tucson is a handsome looking car with imposing front grill, sharp lines, stylish alloy wheels and wrap around rear lights emphasizing it’s muscular stance.

The Tucson feels more premium than the ix35 with improved build quality and upmarket interiors.

Its dashboard feels solid and is better laid out, seat fabrics and the leather used for it’s high end Premium and Premium SE models have a high quality feel about them and there’s more space inside with improved visibility.

Read more about the Hyundai Tucson color range here…

Hyundai Tucson trim levels in the UK

There are a total of 5 different models in the Tucson range, these being:

S, SE, SE-Nav, Premium and Premium SE available in petrol and diesel with power outputs ranging from 116PS to 185PS, in both 6 speed manual and 6 speed automatic.

All-wheel-drive is available but only when specified with either the 136-ps or 185-ps 2.0 CRDi engine.

Out on the road the Tucson is a big improvement over the iX35, with the responsive engines offering improved performance and fuel consumption each capable of hauling a family of five plus luggage with ease.

The ride quality has been improved along with handling and steering.

The iX35 was often criticized for it’s lack of steering feel, this is not the case with the new Hyundai Tucson which is now sharper and more responsive making it a nicer car to drive through the corners.

Safety wise the 2016 Tucson is brimming with no less than 31 safety features ranging from 6 air-bags, lane departure warning, blind spot detection and autonomous braking to name just a few.

Whilst features such as lane departure warning feature on models SE upwards, items such as autonomous braking and blind spot detection only come with models Premium and Premium SE.

Recommended:

We’d recommend visiting the Wessex Garages Hyundai website http://www.wessexgarages.com/hyundai/new-cars/hyundai-tuscon/ for a detailed list of the Tucson range to see which one is right for you.

Smart parking assist

Other interesting features include Smart Parking Assist and Smart Electric Tailgate.

Smart Parking Assist works when at a touch of a button the Tucson will locate a parking space and then proceed to park it for you. It can do this with both parallel and bay parking scenarios. It’s a fantastic feature and makes getting into tight spaces an absolute breeze.

Now it may feel strange the first time you use it, as after all taking your hands off the wheel when parking isn’t the most natural thing to do, but once you get used to it you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

Smart Electric tailgate

The Smart Electric Tailgate allows the boot to open without having to reach for the key fob, instead it does it by sensing your presence.

Simply stand by the tailgate for 3 seconds with the key about your person and the boot will automatically open, a useful feature that comes in very handy especially when you’re weighed down with luggage or shopping bags.

It should be noted that the smart electric tailgate is only available with the Tucson Premium SE models and due to the way smart parking assist operates it can only be specified with the automatic transmission versions of the Tucson Premium and Premium SE models.

UK Tucson pricing

The all-new Hyundai Tucson range starts from £18,995 for the 1.6 GDi petrol S model rising to £32,345 for the range topping 2.0 CRDi 185ps 4 wheel drive Premium SE automatic.

Hyundai warranty

All Tucson models come with Hyundai’s 5 year triple care warranty which gives owners a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty, 5 year breakdown cover and 5 year paintwork warranty.

In addition to this there is a 7 year perforation warranty which when combined offer extra peace of mind and are transferable between owners during that period.