New Hyundai Tucson launched in Singapore

Posted by Danny Tan

December 1, 2009

Hyundai-tucson

The phasing out of Hyundai’s worthy but dowdy vehicles continues with the new Hyundai Tucson, which arrival was recently announced by the brand’s Singapore distributor Komoco Motors. Order books are open as of now and early birds should get their new SUV before year’s end.

Called the ix35 in other markets, the Tucson is the production version of the Hyundai ix-onic Concept shown at the this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. From the looks of it, much of the concept car’s Russelsheim, Germany penned lines survived the transition from showcar to production, and Hyundai is following the trend to say its SUV has ‘coupe’ style. The new Tucson is longer by 85mm but the 2,640mm wheelbase has gained just 10mm over the old car, meaning the overhangs now take up a larger percentage of the overall length.

The mid-size SUV is powered by Hyundai-Kia’s ‘Theta-II’ 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, and power flows through an all-new six-speed automatic transmission. The twin-cam motor with continuously variable valve timing for its intake and exhaust phases gets a 26bhp hike to make 166bhp and has a peak torque figure of 197Nm (13Nm better). The in-house designed gearbox meanwhile is lighter and quicker than the old model’s ‘box, more fuel efficient and comes with transmission fluid that doesn’t require changing.

Priced at S$79,999 with COE, the new Tucson comes well equipped – standing out from the kit list is a reverse camera integrated with the rear-view mirror.