No, it's not 2004 and you haven't slipped through a rift in time and space. It's just that Hyundai has taken the unusual step of reviving an old model name from its back catalogue. Well, it's not that unusual but it generally only happens decades after an original has been discontinued.
This new Tuscon replaces the ix35, a name-plate which seems to have been around for a mere instant, in the scheme of things. Still, in that brief time it built up a huge following for Hyundai, giving the Korean brand a serious weapon in the fight against the all-conquering Nissan Qashqai.
So why the name change? Well, it’s more to do with the fact that Tuscon is a global name now, and has more resonance in other markets than the ix35 ever had or will have. Plus, linking it, by dint of American geography, to the runaway success of the larger Santa Fe will do it no harm at all.
Styling cues
Hardly a surprise then that it looks a lot like a Santa Fe, especially from the front. The big, upright grille, the narrow headlamps with piercing LED daytime lights. There’s a slight American inflection in its styling, which I rather like, but it’s a minor disappointment that Hyundai appears to have copied and pasted from so many rivals. There’s a lot of Audi in the styling, a good bit of Mazda CX-5 and some hints of Lexus NX. Perhaps inevitably Hyundai wants this car to have mass appeal, so of course it’s going to riff on successful others.
Inside, it looks much as does any other current Hyundai, with a couple of twists. The plastics used are of a high grade, the seats in the front are comfy and the instruments, at last, look as expensive and as clear and crisp as you’d want them to. There’s a new 8-inch touch screen infotainment system, available on higher-end Executive and Premium models. Lesser Comfort and Comfort Plus variants get a mere 3.5-inch screen, but Hyundai reckons that the Executive will be by far its best-seller, so most Irish cars will have it. There’s a huge panoramic sunroof too, which lifts the ambience more than a little, and Hyundai is keen to push the premium buttons for the Tuscon, so you’ll be able, optionally, to spec it with dark red leather seats.
High spec models
I seem to be speaking a great deal about optional equipment here, which might give the impression that the Tuscon is not well equipped. This is hardly the case, and in fact the car represents almost a return to the massively-equipped Hyundais of old. The most basic Comfort model, retailing at a Qashqai-troubling €26,995 for the 1.7 diesel, comes with 16” alloys, some splashes of leather trim, LED running lights, air conditioning, remote stereo controls, Bluetooth, cruise control and rear parking assist.
The expected best-seller, the €29,995 Executive, gets bigger wheels, that 8” touch screen, rear view camera, heated leather seats, satellite navigation and automatic air conditioning. This is a well equipped car.
A big car too, beating the rival Nissan in most dimensions, and offering considerably more space in the back and boot. There’s a healthy 513-litres of luggage space to play with and, I reckon, just about enough width in the back seat to get three child car seats abreast. Maybe.
Back in the front, there is one disappointment and that’s the steering wheel - supposedly leather wrapped on even the base model, the leather feels far more like plastic to my fingertips. Still, at least it commands a decent dynamic performance.
The Tuscon lacks the throroughbred handling repsonses of a Ford Kuga or Mazda CX-5 but it trundles along pleasantly enough. The steering is quick and accurate, but devoid of proper feedback. The suspension itself is well judged though - the Tuscon doesn’t roll much through corners but it also doesn’t crash and bounce over every obstacle in your path.
Diesel economy
It’s not exciting then, but I suspect it will tackle the mundane rough and tumble of everyday family life with aplomb. With refinement too - the 1.7 CRDI diesel engine has never been quieter from within the cabin, and it’s punchy too. Hyundai claims 4.6 L/100km (61mpg) on the combined fuel economy cycle and 119g/km of CO2 emissions too, so it should prove affordable to run. A larger 2.0-litre diesel is also available, with optional four wheel drive, and there’s a 1.6 petrol too for the growing band of Irish diesel-phobes.
It won’t always be so affordable to buy though. Hyundai made it clear at the launch that the prices for the Tuscon won’t survive the Christmas break - they’re an aggressive punt in an effort to knock the Qashqai off its best-selling perch, and will rise by between €500 to €1,000 once reviewed. Even at that level, the Tuscon will still be decent value for money but it’s worth bearing in mind.
The Lowdown:
Hyundai Tuscon 1.7 CRDI Executive
Price: €29,995; range starts at €25,245 for th 1.6-litre petrol
Power: 116 bhp
Torque: 280 Nm.
0-100kmh: 11.0 sec
Top speed: 180km/h
Claimed economy: 4.6l/100km. (61.4mpg)
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
Motor tax: €200
Verdict: Slick, sensible and very well thought out. Aggressively priced too, even if that's only temporary. Expect to see Tuscons everywhere this time next year.
Our rating: 4/5
