Hyundai revert to Tucson name for model that’s bound to be a success

By Gerry Murphy

You would think that changing the name from the iX35 back to the Tucson should not have a detrimental effect on the sales of Hyundai’s most successful model ever.

Nor should it, but there is a risk and while eventually people will get used to the change, in the long run, this new model will probably be even more successful than the name that it replaces.

It meets pretty much every demand that customers of this sort of vehicle expect. There are five varieties from the basic Tucson Comfort thru the Comfort Plus, the Executive, Premium and Premium Plus make up a line of models that should suit all the needs of the modern SUV/Crossover buyer.

Looking somewhat like a smaller version of their flagship Santa Fe, the Tuscon designers have delivered a car that makes crossover motoring as popular as it is these days.

The Tucson two-wheel range range comes with a choice of a 1.6 litre 2WD petrol version which is retailing from € 25,245 and the popular 1.7 litre 2WD diesel version from € 26,995. Four-wheel models will be fitted with at 2.0-litre diese in the Executive specification.

Visually, the Tucson has a bolder look with a whole new front end and additional space inside. Basic models sit on 16” alloy wheels and the list of standard feature is extensive. These include: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Body Coloured Mirrors, Electronic Convex Heated Mirrors, Front Leather Arm Rest, Rear Armrest with Drinks Holder; Height Adjustable Drivers Seat and Projection Head Lamps.

Hyundai say that the Tucson 1.7 litre, which will be the most popular with Irish buyers emits 119g/km of CO2 putting it into Tax Band A2 with an annual road tax charge of €200. They also claim fuel consumption of 4.6L/100km which converts to 62 miles per gallon.

The Hyundai Tucson has received a five-star rating from the Euro NCAP team and is covered in Ireland by limitless 5-year warranty, five years AA roadside assistance and five years of health checks at Hyundai dealers where the new car has already arrived.