Hyundai standardises active safety on auto Tucson

HYUNDAI Australia has reshuffled its Tucson mid-size SUV line-up, replacing the entry-level Go variant with a new Active grade while also increasing specification levels and pricing on all but the penultimate Elite and top-spec Highlander.

Now opening at $29,290 plus on-road costs for the front-drive 2.0-litre GDi petrol Active with a six-speed manual, the point of entry to the Tucson is now $1140 costlier than before, while the six-speed automatic version still adds $2500 to the asking price.

Buyers can also opt for the all-paw 2.0-litre turbo-diesel-powered Active paired exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission for $37,090, which is also $1140 pricier than the equivalent outgoing Go version.

As a result, the Tucson is now fitted as standard with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of advanced driver-assist systems including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, driver attention alert, and rear park sensors, as well as 17-inch wheels, a leather-appointed steering wheel and gear selector, and a one-touch driver’s power window.

However, Hyundai notes that all new safety features excluding lane-keep assist apply to automatic variants only.

Carryover equipment from the Go includes a reversing camera, six airbags, hill-start assist, automatic headlights, a full-size spare wheel, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, cruise control and roof rails.

Likewise, the second-tier ActiveX grade also moves up $940 to $32,290, $34,790 and $40,090 for the 2.0-litre petrol manual, 2.0-litre petrol automatic and 2.0-litre diesel automatic respectively.

For the extra spend, customers are now treated to the same SmartSense features as the Active, while gear such as 18-inch hoops, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with satellite navigation and digital radio, leather-appointed seats and heated exterior mirrors carry over.

Of note, the ActiveX loses tyre pressure monitoring in this update.

As for the Elite and Highlander grades, pricing remains static and ranges from $37,850 to $48,800, although the AEB system in the two top grades has been improved with radar sensors for pedestrian detection and expanded functionality.

Elite variants gain blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, chrome exterior handles, s cooled glovebox, automatic wipers, dual-zone climate control, push-button start and a powered driver’s seat.

Finally, the top-spec Highlander features 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and tail-lights, heated and cooled front seats, a 4.2-inch multi-function display, wireless smartphone charging and a twin-tip exhaust.

Hyundai’s Tucson is available with three different engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol that develops 122kW/205Nm and sends drive to the front wheels.

Paired with a manual gearbox, the engine is available on the Active and Active X grades, while the six-speed automatic version is also offered in Elite form.

Stepping up to the automatic-only 2.0-litre turbo-diesel nets buyers a 136kW/400Nm engine and all-wheel-drive traction, which is available on any of the Tucson’s four grades.

The final powerplant offered is a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol unit that sends 130kW/265Nm to all four corners. It is partnered exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and only offered in the Elite and Highlander variants.

2019 Hyundai Tucson pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs