New Hyundai Tucson for under $28K

Tucson is the new/old name for the SUV replacing the ix35 in Hyundai's local product range from the fourth quarter of this year.

Priced from $27,990 for the entry-level Tucson Active model, the new range adds a fourth level of trim – Active X – between Active and Elite grades. The mid-range Active X grade delivers the buyer leather upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels for $2500 more than the Tucson Active models. At the pinnacle of the range is the Tucson Highlander, with a diesel-engined flagship priced at $45,490.

Four engines power different variants, starting with a 2.0-litre port-injected (MPI) petrol engine for the Tucson Active and Elite grades. This engine is available with a six-speed manual at entry level, with the option of a six-speed automatic for the Tucson Active. The auto is standard when this engine is specified for the Tucson in Elite trim.

A 2.0-litre direct-injected (GDI) petrol engine exclusively powers the Tucson Active X variants, offered with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions, just like the Tucson Active with the port-injected engine.

Priced above the 2.0-litre Tucson Elite is a 1.6-litre turbocharged (T-GDI) variant in the same trim level, with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. This is the only transmission offered with this engine, which can also be specified for the upmarket Tucson Highlander – again with the dual-clutch transmission. Carried over from the Veloster Turbo, the 1.6-litre engine has been revised for the Tucson application.

The sole diesel engine in the Tucson range is a 2.0-litre four (CRDI), coupled with a six-speed automatic. This drivetrain combination can be ordered in Elite and Highlander grades. Only the 1.6-litre turbo and the diesel variants are all-wheel drive; all other variants (Active, Active X and port-injected Elite) are front-wheel drive.

Slightly longer and wider than the ix35, the Tucson rides on a new platform that Hyundai claims is stronger and safer in a crash. The Tucson is also underpinned by suspension calibrated specifically for Australian conditions. According to the importer, the Tucson is quieter and more refined than the ix35.

Safety features available for select models include LED headlights with static cornering lights, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning/Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The Tucson Active and Active X have Apple CarPlay smartphone support installed. All models other than the Active X variants come with Trailer Stability Assist, and all-wheel drive variants feature Advanced Traction Cornering Control.

Hyundai is yet to reveal the precise specification of the base-grade Tucson Active, but has confirmed that the Tucson Active X will come with 18-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera with guidelines, reverse parking sensors, follow-me-home function, auto-on/off headlights, front fog lights, leather upholstery, leather-bound multi-function steering wheel, seven-inch infotainment touch screen, six-speaker audio, electric fold-in/heated mirrors, cruise control and roof rails. Apple CarPlay will be available from launch in this level of trim, with Android Auto to follow early next year.

The Tucson Elite features 17-inch alloys, fabric upholstery, LED headlights with static cornering lights (as opposed to the projector-beam lights of the Tucson Active X) and lacks the Apple CarPlay offered in the lower-grade model.

Additionally, however, the Tucson Elite is equipped with a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, electronic park brake with Auto-hold function, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry/start, eight-inch infotainment touch screen, satellite navigation, rain-sensing wipers, privacy glass, side indicators in mirror shells and phone switchgear in the multi-function wheel.

The Tucson Highlander moves up to 19-inch alloys, front parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, LED tail lights, electrically-adjustable front-passenger's seat, leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, panoramic glass sunroof, Blind Spot Detection/Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Assist/Lane Departure Warning and a 4.2-inch colour TFT trip computer display in the instrument binnacle.