2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON : To think outside the box, we first threw away the box.
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The 2011 Hyundai Tucson is a midsize crossover SUV which is available in four models, GLS, Limited, SE, and Limited V6. The GLS and Limited models are powered by a 4-cylinder 2.0 Liter engine rated at 140 horsepower. While one can equip The GLS versions with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, the limited model is equipped only with an automatic transmission. The SE and Limited V6 models are powered by a 2.7 Liter V6 which is rated at 173 horsepower. Both models are equipped with automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
The 2.0L engine for the GL is more fuel efficient than the CR-V and RAV4, while the 2.4L engine for the GLS and Limited has plenty of horsepower to keep up with your daily adventures.
The 2011 Tuscon GLS is equipped with air conditioning, a steering wheel that has tilt, an automatic cruise control system, seats made of cloth, bucket seats in the front, driver seat that can be adjusted according to the height of the driver, a seat in the back that is split and can be folded, a music system that can catch and play AM/FM/CD and a console in the centre.
The SE version of 2011 Tuscon is equipped with air conditioning, a steering wheel wrapped in leather, cruise control, a music system that can catch and play AM/FM/CD/Cassettes and MP3 music and a computer. The 2010 Tuscon Limited and Limited V6 models are equipped with a system that controls temperatures inside the vehicle, an air filter inside the vehicle, front seats that are heated, a music system that can catch and play AM/FM/CD/Cassettes and MP3 music with the CD and MP3 player located in the dashboard.
The 2011 Tuscon is equipped with a system to control traction and a system to control skidding, air bags in the side for those seated in the front, curtain airbags that run the entire length of the vehicle. There is plenty of room in the Tuscon for passengers to stretch their legs while seated in the front, less so in the back.
Little more than ten years ago, the meat and potatoes of the automotive universe were C and D segment sedans. Think Corolla and Camry, Focus, Fusion and (old) Taurus; Civic and Accord. But then, for better or for worse, something significant shifted in that old sales paradigm. Specifically, crossovers. Also known as CUVs, the overgrown wagons still ride around on C and D platforms, only a foot higher off the ground. Why? Blame the SUV craze and/or what automakers refer to as the "command seating position," an odd euphemism for sitting up high.
A momentary flirtation with $4 per gallon gasoline has – for the most part – shut down the large SUV game. But for whatever reason, consumers still want and demand command seating, so much so that Hyundai believes the compact CUV segment will experience more growth than any other niche in the market. Hyundai knows this specialized segment well, as the outgoing Tucson – the Korean brand's previous generation small CUV – has sold more than one million copies. However, the Tucson has been around since 2005, and to put it nicely, the old Tucson wasn't exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer. And this is a gun fight. Knowing that, Hyundai has just rolled out its newest car, the 2010 Tucson. But is it a killer?
Judging by nothing except the flowing new sheetmetal, we'd argue yes. Hyundai has banned boxy from its styling lexicon and is calling its design language of both the new Tucson Fluidic Sculpture." The name is so contrived that Hyundai's affable President and CEO John Krafcik apologized for the art school jargon during the Tucson's introduction. But silly name notwithstanding, the results are noteworthy, if not striking. The central idea is that, "the line flows around the vehicle." As opposed to say one box grafted onto a larger box. Like the old Tucson.
Hyundai is actively seeking to establish an emotional connection with its customers. Something that, no matter how you slice it, the previous Tucson could never do. And really, most older Hyundais. No one's every been turned on by inoffensive and generic. Fluidic sculpture on the other hand, is anything but. The new curves have the potential to attract some while turning off others. That's a good thing. The best view of the Tucson is the front three-quarters where, starting with the fancy wrap-around headlamps, you can see the thrust of the design's flow and how winds its way around the car.
The sloping hood and highly raked windshield, combined with the grille, comes off as distinctive yet pleasantly restrained – especially in this era of giant, gaping maws. And while there's a little bit of an insect face to the front end, it's used to good effect. We should point out that the rear spoiler is standard – not because it looks good (it does), but because it aids fuel economy. Overall the new Tucson looks several orders of magnitude better than the old one. And much of its competition.
At 6.5-inches big, the nav screen is only one and half inches larger than modern smartphones. Meaning it's difficult to clearly see streets and, frankly, just too small. However, when displaying the contents of your iPod (or similar), the touch screen works exceptionally well and the iPod integration is worlds better than the last generation Hyundai software we experienced in the big dog Genesis. Speaking of MP3s, those who opt for the navigation package get treated to a sweet sounding 360-watt stereo system that takes iPod, Aux or USB. The nav system also includes a back up camera, a first for the segment. Overall, the Tucson's interior is a big improvement over the last generation, but constrained by the reality of the vehicle's $18,995 starting price. As such, a completely tricked out Tucson Limited with every option including all-wheel drive will set you back $28,695.
The new Tucson is motivated by Hyundai's Theta II 2.4-liter I4. The power numbers are class-competitive, 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 168 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm. For comparisons sake, the 2010 Honda CR-V produces 180 hp and the 2010 Toyota RAV4 generates 179 hp and 172 lb-ft or twist. However, there are a few howevers. The big one being gas mileage. Hyundai is serious about becoming the "global fuel economy leader," and as such has bent over backwards to ensure the new Tucson gets more MPGs than the competition. Despite every emotion in our being shouting "WRONG!" at the top of our lungs, higher mileage is probably more important than beating a CR-V in a drag race. Those wanting to beat up on a CR-V (or even the mighty 269-hp V6 RAV4) will have to wait until 2011 when a turbocharged version of the Theta II finds its way into the Tucson. Curiously, Hyundai elected not to put the Theta II GDI (gasoline direct injection) motor from the upcoming Sonata into the Tucson (reason: cost benefit of having just one motor), though we were told that mill will eventually be offered.
Equipped with the optional six-speed automatic (a six-speed manual is standard) and front-wheel drive, the 2010 Tucson delivers 23 mile per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway. None of its class competitors can even claim 30 mpg on the highway, let alone 31 (the larger 2010 Chevrolet Equinox claims a freakishly high 32 mpg highway, but Hyundai doesn't consider the two vehicles in the same class). In a suddenly mileage conscious America, this is a big selling point.
