HYUNDAI Motor Company has officially launched the All-new Tucson, compact SUV, in Africa and the Middle East. Offering a bold and athletic design, new technological features and class-leading driving performance, the new model has been designed to set new standards for its sector and provide an enticing alternative that ticks all the boxes for young families looking for a highly versatile car. Available in GL or GLS trim levels, prices for the All-New Tucson will start from $19,500 depending on the market and various specifications. By combining competitive pricing with a model that embodies the Hyundai Motor Company's Modern Premium brand direction, the third generation All-New Tucson is perfectly placed to build on the popularity of its predecessor, which was the company's third biggest-selling model across the region and the volume leader in the compact SUV segment in 2014. Jin (James) Kim, Vice-President and Head of Hyundai Motor Company Africa and Middle East, said: “The compact SUV market in Africa and the Middle East is highly competitive, but with the All-New Tucson we are confident that we have a car that provides everything that car buyers in the class look for. It represents a bold new step forward in the history of Tucson, bringing premium levels of quality, technology and style to the customers.” Available with 10 exterior colour options featuring two entirely new variants, the model's sharp lines exude sophistication, from the signature hexagonal grille and sleek headlamps at the front, along the dynamic side profile with its expressive ‘Z' character-line and ‘square-shaped' wheel arches, to the distinctive rear lamps and wide, sporty bumper at the rear. The equally stylish and refined interior benefits from the careful attention paid by designers to the ergonomics and use of high quality and soft-touch materials along with passenger power seats offering unbeatable lumber support. Additional cabin features include a newly designed dashboard featuring an 8” display and extended super vision cluster and new door trims for a sportier feel. For the first time on a Hyundai Motor Company compact SUV, the All-New Tucson introduces a smart powered tailgate that opens at the approach of the key-holder, and a Blind Spot Detection system that monitors the side and rear of the vehicle for approaching vehicles. These cutting-edge technologies are complemented by other useful features such as the smart entry and engine start, an electric parking brake, automatic cruise control and a next-generation navigation system that offers improved convenience and smart driving. When it comes to protecting occupants the All-New Tucson has been designed to be one of the safest cars in its class, as reflected by the 5-star rating it has received in both the European and North American NCAP crash tests. When it comes to active safety systems, the model can be specified with hi-tech features such as a parking assist, an intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system, Electronic Parking Brake and Hill-start Assist Control. Built on a completely new platform, All-New Tucson delivers ride comfort without compromising driving dynamics. Every element of the chassis has been developed to ensure enhanced high-speed and cornering stability. Best-in-class aerodynamics and structural rigidity combine with an improved front and rear suspension and the integration of enhanced noise reduction techniques to establish the model as truly premium package. Ensuring that customers can choose from a suitably impressive range of engines to complement the high quality driving experience, the All-New Tucson offers a choice of Gamma 1.6 GDi and NU 2.0 MPI petrol engines with a top speed of 182 KPH, and two diesel units. The R 2.0 VGT with a top speed of 186 KPH and the manual U2 1.7 litre CRDI with a top speed of 176 KPH, depending on transmission, drive train. All units are mated to 6-speed gearboxes, with both 2WD and 4WD models dependent on specification and market availability. Always focused on being economical, the fuel consumption of the All-New Tucson has reduced by 13% compared to its predecessor. With families in mind, Hyundai Motor Company designers took time to ensure the new compact SUV offers the highest levels of comfort and versatility. The luggage compartment is over 10% bigger than in its predecessor, while the larger dimensions deliver more headroom, shoulder room and front row legroom. At the same time, taking the region's climate into account, fans under the seat cushions pump out chilled air on models equipped with air-ventilated front seats, while rear air vents and a panoramic sunroof are also available. — SG
