Car Craziness

You might have seen this face out and about on the road already. In fact, you probably have – the chances are, you just haven’t noticed it. That’s because the Hyundai ix35 is one of those cars that’s proven popular, but remains rather anonymous.

Its anonymity is in spite of a plethora of creases, folds and swoops to the bodywork that Hyundai has added in an effort to make it look interesting. Whether this tactic has worked or not will depend on you - looks are subjective, of course. But value isn't, and with its long warranty and low list prices, there’s no two ways about it: value is what the ix35 brings to the small off-roader party.

Space

The Hyundai ix35’s boot is one of the largest in its class, which means you should have no trouble fitting in a buggy, a couple of sets of golf clubs, or even the result of a shopping spree at the local furniture emporium.

And while the rear seats don’t quite fold flat, they don’t leave a nasty ridge behind like some rivals, which will make loading that coffee table you just couldn't say no to a breeze.

The spacious theme continues up front, where driver and passengers alike get plenty of head, leg and elbow room.

Thanks to the high seating position, it’s very easy to slide into the ix35, too.

Dashboard

Most of the ix35's dash is laid out pretty well, with clear dials, and a fast and reasonably intuitive touchscreen system mounted high in the centre console.

The console itself isn’t too overloaded with buttons, and there’s a big, easy to spot hazard light switch in the centre. True, the heated rear screen switch and radio volume knob are a bit of a stretch to reach, but not unduly so.

In fact, the only real bugbear in terms of the ix35’s ease of use are the stalks on the column, which are overloaded with functions and pictograms, that make them tricky to understand and use, especially at night.

Easy to drive

The stubby nose of the car slopes away so much that it’s impossible to tell where it ends from inside, a problem compounded by the lack of front parking sensors on either the standard or optional equipment list.

What’s more, the curving window line at the rear makes for huge blind spots when looking over your shoulder. There are more blind spots at the front thanks to the huge chunks of bodywork between the windscreen and front windows, and these are compounded by large door mirrors that also get in the way.

If the 2014 JD Power customer satisfaction survey is anything to go buy, ix35 drivers are a pretty happy bunch. The model came 23rd out of 109 cars, and 5th of the 15 off-roaders in the survey, which is a respectable showing.

Affordability

The big plus point of any Hyundai is a low purchase price, and the ix35 is no different. You can buy a basic one for the same sort of price as a high-end small hatchback, making this quite a lot of car for your cash.

Hyundai dealers, like Group 1 Hyundai, also offer reasonable discounts, so if you manage to catch one at the right time of the month, you might find that you can net a serious bargain on the Hyundai ix35 for sale.

Servicing and maintenance won’t break the bank, though carbon dioxide emissions are high, which will cost you more in tax, especially if you’re a company car driver.

Safety

The ix35 comes with plenty of safety kit; you get a full complement of air bags and lots of electronic wizardry that should help to stop you skidding, whether you’re going around a corner or in a straight line, and should also prevent you from rolling over.

Interestingly, there’s also a system which helps keep you stable if you’re towing, too, and every ix35 will also hold the brakes on momentarily when you’re on a hill, to stop you from rolling back during a hill start.

That’s why we’d ignore it; the SE version is a better bet, as it gets you a fantastic amount of kit for the cash. 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, automatic headlamps and wipers, cruise control and LED rear lights all come as standard.

The SE Nav version then adds – you’ve guessed it – satellite navigation, as well as a very decent sound system with a subwoofer. Crucially, you also get that cracking touch-screen system, which is why it’s the one we’d choose.

Choosing a Premium model then adds 18-inch alloy wheels, leather trim and Xenon headlamps, while the top-of-the-range Premium Panorama nets you a panoramic sunroof.

The verdict

If you really are on a budget, or all you want is an off-roader that’s cheap, dependable and spacious, the ix35 fits the bill. Lots of toys and an excellent warranty are juicy bonuses that only make it even better value. Just keep in mind its prodigious fuel consumption, and steer well clear of the automatic.

Article source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/hyundai/hyundai-ix35-review/

Fresh-faced Hyundai Tucson shows a clean pair of heels

What’s the Tucson like to drive?

Do Hyundai SUV owners think of the places their vehicles are named after? There’s Sante Fe in California, Kona in Hawaii and of course Tucson in Arizona.

Personally I don’t make the association. When I hear Tucson I think “easy to drive, well-equipped mid-size SUV with a solid warranty" and that theme continues with the facelifted 2019 Hyundai Tucson.

Hyundai’s proclivity for tuning the suspension of its cars in Australia for Australian conditions continues to pay dividends, the 2019 Tucson delivering buttery smooth ride comfort that will allow grandma to snooze but also the sort of athletic ability that would make Chuck Norris raise an eyebrow.

The entry-level Go and Active X models cruise serenely on their smaller 17-inch wheels (steel and alloy respectively), the recalibrated suspension soaking up road ructions like a sponge. Speed bumps? You barely feel them; it’s really quite impressive.

Mid-level Elite and top-level Highlander model grades ride on bigger alloy wheels (18- and 19-inch respectively) yet are almost as compliant. But it has to be said, all model grades are fun to drive when you turn up the tempo.

On some twisty hills near the Victoria alpine country the latest Hyundai Tucson proved it can dance like Jason Derulo, generating impressive levels of grip with only mild body roll. The steering isn’t particularly engaging (despite a tweaked ratio: 2.7 to 2.5 turns lock-to-lock) but for a medium-sized SUV the car is a great all-rounder and I reckon it comes close to the top-selling Mazda CX-5 for overall ride and handling prowess.

But wait, there’s more! The Hyundai Tucson handled dirt tracks – at regular and warp speeds – with surprising composure. The all-wheel drive models performed better than expected, delivering plenty of feel on loose surfaces and changing direction in a predictable fashion on a short gravel loop.

Around town the new Tucson is very effective and although its 172mm ground clearance is not class-leading, the raised view of the road is above average and like all SUVs the raised hip height improves ingress and egress and cargo loading into the boot – no more bending over and all that.

There’s no engine idle-stop function to save fuel when stationary but the auto hold electronic park brake is a good feature, automatically engaging the electronic park brake when stopped, such as at the traffic lights. The benefit here is you don’t need to constantly push the brake pedal, reducing wear and tear on the brake lines and pads.

But there’s a catch. Only half the range gets this as standard — the Elite and Highlander variants. The base Go and Active X require a SmartSense option pack to get it… more on that issue later.

Which is the best Tucson engine?

The entry-level 2.0-litre petrol engine (122kW/205Nm) lacks the acceleration of its turbocharged sisters but she’s a willing performer and is the most affordable engine type.

I tested the entry-level Hyundai Tucson Go with this base engine and six-speed auto and the latter is a neat shifter and more involving than the average continuously variably transmission or CVT.

One up, the 122kW engine works well but with four or five people and their luggage on board I get the feeling it would struggle up steeper hills without having its neck well and truly wrung.

The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four (130kW/265Nm) is probably the pick of the bunch, but that’s only because the top-shelf 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (136kW/400Nm) costs more.

The diesel mill has the most pulling power and can really hustle. It would suit those who plan to tow from time to time, with a 1600kg braked towing capacity.

For a diesel it’s a quiet and refined engine and hooked up to a savvy new eight-speed automatic transmission (borrowed from the fancy new Santa Fe) that keeps it in the torque band when you want to go fast, yet slots into higher gears when you want to conserve fuel.

The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol is paired with a smooth but responsive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that carries over from the previous model, but I reckon it’s worth the extra moolah.

It’s a great all-round powertrain, the 1.6-litre engine developing lots of mid-range torque that’s great for blatting around in the ‘burbs, plus a tasty top-end that’s welcome while burying the foot during an overtake.

One colleague mentioned the seven-speed auto had a slow clutch uptake, allowing it to roll backwards under light throttle openings on an incline — like the older VW dual-clutch (DSG) cars — but during my two-day launch drive the Tucson DCT exhibited no such foibles.

What’s the Tucson cabin like?

The facelifted 2019 Hyundai Tucson gets new-look front and rear end designs with angular visuals you can ogle in the video, and I reckon all models look good (even the Go model with its steel wheels and hub caps!), but it’s the interior that makes the strongest impression.

Gone are the older air-vent ‘wings’ that dominated the dashboard and flanked the previous Tucson’s smaller infotainment screen, with bigger 7.0- or 8.0-inch tablet-style infotainment screens perched higher on the dash, making them easier to decipher at a glance.

The dashboard design has improved greatly with better horizontal flow (I’ve been hanging out with car designers too much!) and although there’s still some cheap, hard plastics in evidence, soft surfaces cover all the major touch points.

All model grades except the Tucson Go come with leather upholstery and it looks and feels pretty schmick, especially with the two-tone beige finish.

There’s a clean and fresh look to almost everything inside the new 2019 Hyundai Tucson… except for the instrument cluster. It looks dull — even in on top-spec models. Is Hyundai aping Toyota in this respect? A splash of colour or a different font would be nice, especially for something you look at all day.

There’s only one USB port up front and one for the back seat – except Go models miss out on the back-seat USB port. Go and Active X also miss out on rear-seat air-vents, which is a bit penny-pinching.

Some of the ‘wow-factor’ features on the range-topping Tucson Highlander include heated, cooled and power-adjustable front seats, a wireless phone charger, a massive panoramic glass roof and even a heated steering wheel.

But every 2019 Hyundai Tucson comes with Bluetooth audio and phone streaming plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to streamline functions, all of which work as intended. All models also get steering wheel audio, phone and cruise controls, reversing camera, six airbags, LED daytime running lights and automatic headlights.

All models also get downhill brake control, hill-start assist and Hyundai Auto Link connectivity — a smartphone app that connects via Bluetooth and provides tyre pressure monitoring, driving history, speed statistics, vehicle health checks and more.

It’s pretty handy, and there’s a premium version that involves an in-car SIM card, the subscription for which is free if you service your car at a Hyundai dealer. Given all the telecom systems, you’ll rarely feel like a bandicoot on a burnt ridge (read: lonely).

Height-adjustable front seat support is good and there’s ample room for two big blokes but the back seat isn’t quite as roomy as some of its larger rivals, such as the Nissan X-TRAIL and Mazda CX-5.

The Tucson (4480mm) is shorter than the Mazda CX-5 (4550mm) and Nissan X-TRAIL(4690mm), but boot space isn’t too bad at 488 litres (expanding to 1478 litres), which compares favourably with the CX-5 (442L/1342L) but not so much the X-TRAIL (565L/945L).

All models have roof racks as standard, with a 100kg load limit, and they can easily tow a jet ski with 750kg of unbraked trailer capacity (1500kg braked for petrol models).

All models come with a full-size spare wheel, double-extending front sun visors and acoustically laminated windscreens, the latter helping keep the cabin fairly well isolated from outside noises.

The new 2019 Hyundai Tucson is a well sorted machine. It has a solid five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty – although the company is considering seven years – and service intervals of 12 months or 15,000km (12,000km for the 1.6 turbo-petrol) are generous.

It’s unlikely we’ll see the next SUV from the South Korean automotive giant named the Hyundai Sydney – it’s a place in Florida! – but the Tucson name is starting to resonate with virtues such as quality and value for money, without cutting corners.

The Hyundai Tucson is arguably one of the best vehicles in its class and its new local chassis tune is excellent.

Given the size and competitiveness of the medium SUV market, and the fact it’s about to face more tough competition from all-new Toyota RAV4 hybrid and Subaru Forester models due soon, this upgrade is well timed.

Now, where did that fire-breathing, muscle-flexing Hyundai Tucson N hero model get to?

Find our more about the Hyundai Tucson’s specs and available Hyundai Tucson offers at Group 1 Hyundai.

Article source: https://we-love-hyundai.weebly.com/blog/hyundai-tucson-2018-review

Reinvented for 2017, the all-new i30 is back and better than ever.

So if you’re in NSW in the Central Coast region looking for a midsize car that delivers on all fronts, don't think twice and drop us a visit at Booth's to check the new Hyundai i30. The vehicle that’s been thrilling drivers for more than a decade.

The i30 Arrives

It didn’t take long for Australians to fall in love with the i30.

Released in 2007, it would go on to win ‘Best Midsize Car Under $28,000’ that year.

The first of many awards the i30 would go on to win over the next 10 years.

The basic SX 1.6L CRDi i30 was the cheapest diesel car available in Australia at the time.

But its low price point wasn’t the only reason Hyundai’s latest creation was a huge draw for Aussie drivers.

The basic SX model came with safety features like dual front airbags, an anti-lock braking system, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The i30 boasted plenty of other standard features that made it something more than your typical family car.

The base model SX featured a four-speaker sound system with an MP3/WMA-compatible CD player, auxiliary jack, USB input, iPod integration and steering wheel audio controls.

It rode on sporty 15-inch steel wheels. Was complete with air conditioning, heated mirrors, power windows and remote central locking.

There was a 12-volt power outlet, adjustable steering wheel and alarm system plus immobiliser for theft prevention.

It was roomy. With folding seats and a 60:40 seat split.

It even featured a unique suspension tune designed specifically for Australian driving conditions.

And with its smart, modern lines the car looked great too!

It was Hyundai’s breakthrough model, here in Australia.

The i30 Revinented

Since its release in 2007, this stylish and practical hatchback has grown up quite a bit. But its price point has remained surprisingly low.

In fact, the price of a brand new, Reinvented i30 in 2017 isn’t much different than what it was in 2007.

But there’s plenty that is different about the updated i30.

Today’s base model is known as the Active.

And it’s an improvement on 2007’s SX in every conceivable way.

On The Outside

For the Reinvented i30, Hyundai looked to European car makers for inspiration.

Striking character lines accent a fluidic design that gives way to redesigned headlights featuring low and high-beam functionality.

A unique “cascading" front grille adds a bit of subtle class; augmenting the new i30’s distinct rounded motif.

They added LED daytime running lamps. As well as rear fog lamps and automatic, dusk-sensing headlamps.

And the new i30 Active now rolls on stunning 16-inch alloy wheels; which come standard.

On The Inside

Comfortable driveability.

It’s how the Reinvented i30’s interior can best be summed up.

Redesigned front seats are soft, well-cushioned, slung low, offer great lateral support and plenty of options for making adjustments. Perfect for travel or longer trips.

The view from the driver’s seat is open. And large side mirrors provide exceptional visibility.

There’s a spacious feeling to i30’s cabin. Hyundai designed it to be 40mm longer, 15mm wider and 20mm taller than the previous generation.

Full of soft touch material and rugged plastics, the Reinvented i30 offers an interior that’s both handsome and well set out.

Safety Features

Hyundai’s new i30 proudly carries a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

With a 53% ultra-high tensile steel chassis, it’s also the strongest i30 ever constructed.

It features seven airbags standard. As well as electronic stability control, rear parking sensors and a rear view camera.

Beyond the base model Active, there is a bevy of additional safety features available on the i30.

Hyundai’s Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system uses radar sensors and a front mounted camera to detect pedestrians, obstacles or vehicles. A warning chime will sound, accompanied by a visual warning, in the event of an imminent collision.

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is a feature that will automatically trigger the i30’s brakes in the event that your FCW system detects a potential collision.

The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) provides drivers with automatic steering intervention designed to keep the i30 from leaving its lane. Like the FCW, audible and visual warnings alert you if the car begins to stray from the lane without indicators activated.

Technology

Hyundai’s most advanced touchscreen multimedia system is available on all variants of the Reinvented i30.

This new and improved system includes an 8" touchscreen fitted to a tablet-style display panel positioned above the dashboard; displaying information higher and nearer the driver’s line-of-sight.

Satellite navigation is standard to this new system. And it features live traffic updates plus an extended 10-year update plan.

The touchscreen gives you access to AM/FM radio as well as DAB+ radio stations.

It features iPod compatibility, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, AUX and USB inputs so you can easily enjoy music, make calls or get directions at any stage of your journey.

Bonnet & Boot

The base i30 Active model is equipped with a powerful 2.0-litre directly injected, naturally aspirated, four-cylinder petrol engine. An improvement on last generation’s 1.8-litre motor.

It enjoys a fuel economy rating of 7.4L/100km for the auto and 7.3/100km for the manual.

The new i30’s spacious 395-litre boot is a full 17 litres larger than the previous model.

Just like the original i30 back in 2007, rear seats in the Reinvented i30 feature 60:40 folding.

The height of the boot floor can be adjusted; lowered to maximise capacity, or raised for a flatter, extended loading area.

It’s practical. It’s fun to drive. It’s affordable luxury and leading edge technology.

It’s the five-door hatchback that ticks all the boxes and exceeds any expectations; the undisputed champion of small cars in Australia.

At Group 1 Hyundai - we are committed to finding you a new or used Hyundai i30 that will suit your needs. Find a used Hyundai i30 for sale at a Group 1 Hyundai dealership. The used Hyundai i30 might be exactly what you’re looking for in a car!

The Hyundai i10 for sale is a car that doesn’t make you feel like you bought a bargain-basement model despite its size. Since the first generation came out in 2008, it has given motorists a no-frills yet stylish package for the everyday commute.

Crossover SUVs (CUVs) are swarming American roadways, with no signs of letting up. Especially on the more affordable end of the spectrum, the segment is expanding at a seemingly exponential rate as car buyers ditch sedans in favor of more practical CUVs.

Until its new Kona subcompact crossover arrives in the spring of 2018, Hyundai straddles the line between tiny and compact CUVs with the Tucson. Bigger than a Honda HR-V, but smaller than a Honda CR-V, the 2018 Hyundai Tucson aims to be the automotive equivalent of a “just right" solution to your Goldilocks-style requirements and preferences

What Owners Say

Before we discuss the results of our evaluation of the Hyundai Tucson, it is helpful to understand who buys this Small SUV, and what they like most and least about their Tucsons.

More men are attracted to Tucson ownership compared to the small SUV segment as a whole (47% vs. 45%), and they are older in terms of median age (58 years vs. 54 years). Generationally, just 33% of Tucson owners are members of Generations X, Y, or Z, compared to 45% of Small SUV owners. Median annual household income, however, is about the same ($80,714 vs. $80,425).

Tucson owners rarely deviate from all Small SUV owners when it comes to sentiments related to vehicle ownership. They are less likely to agree that they prefer to buy a vehicle from a domestic company (38% vs. 52%), but that is not surprising. Tucson owners are also less likely to agree that they prefer a vehicle that stands out from the crowd (62% vs. 67%) and are more likely to agree that a vehicle is just a way of getting from place to place (50% vs. 45%).

People who own the Tucson are more likely to strongly agree that they avoid vehicles with high maintenance costs (71% vs. 65%), their choice in a Small SUV perhaps reflective of Hyundai’s comprehensive warranty and roadside assistance plans. Tucson owners are also less likely to pay more for a vehicle that is environmentally friendly (48% vs. 55%).

Owners report that their favorite things about the Tucson are (in descending order) the exterior styling, interior design and seats in a tie, driving dynamics, and visibility and safety. Owners indicate that their least favorite things about the Tucson are (in descending order) the storage and space, climate system, infotainment system, engine/transmission, and fuel economy.

What Our Expert Says

In the sections that follow, our expert provides her own perceptions about how the Hyundai Tucson measures up in each of the 10 categories that comprise the 2017 APEAL Study.

Exterior

The Tucson’s exterior appearance is the number one thing that satisfies owners, and it’s for good reason. Hyundai’s comparatively mature and sophisticated design lacks the funky weirdness embraced by most subcompact crossovers, giving the Tucson a grown-up appearance. Handsome without overtly seeking attention, pleasing many while offending few, the Tucson is a good-looking CUV with upscale appeal.

Interior

With its black-on-black interior color, my test vehicle’s cabin seemed plain and minimalistic in almost every way. Silver plastic trim surrounding the vents and some of the other controls is the only relief from the monotony. Some people prefer this uncluttered look, with no seams around the dashboard top or any variances in textures, but I’m not among them. Choose a gray or beige interior if you seek greater contrast.

While I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the interior materials in Hyundais I’ve driven as of late, the Tucson’s cabin clearly didn’t reach for higher aspirations than what its price point would suggest. The plastics looked inexpensive and felt insubstantial, and several controls suggested an unbecoming flimsiness. As such, the Tucson is competitive with subcompact CUVs when it comes to refinement of interior materials, rather than traditional compact models.

Seats

Up front, the Tucson’s seats are flat and mildly bolstered, with decent cushioning. Heated cloth seats are always a pleasant surprise, too, and if you get Gray or Beige cloth, it features stain- and odor-resistant fabric.

I was able to find a good driving position thanks to the 8-way power adjustable seat, but my long-limbed husband couldn’t get the right combination of height and distance from the steering wheel that he prefers. The test vehicle’s front passenger’s seat lacked a seat height adjustment, supplying too low a position. Choose SEL Plus or Limited trim to obtain an 8-way power adjustable front passenger’s seat.

In the rear seat, there’s good room for two people, but three will have a hard time fitting. Thigh support is decent, and features like an available panoramic sunroof and rear air conditioning vents should prove appealing.

Climate Control System

Upgrade to SEL Plus, Value Edition, or Limited trim, and a dual-zone climate control system comes standard.

The test vehicle had this setup, the temperature controls comprised of two knobs with buttons for other functions arrayed between them. Everything was clearly marked and easy to use, and the Tucson includes a Clean Air ionizer feature. In my experience, I’ve found this fairly ineffective in controlling odors, whether they come from outside or from my children.

During testing under mild weather conditions, the system had no trouble warming or cooling the cabin as was needed.

Infotainment System

My Value Edition test vehicle didn’t have all the bells and whistles that come with upper trim levels, so I could not assess the navigation system or the Infinity premium sound system that are included with SEL Plus and Limited trim.

It did, however, have a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, providing access to navigation and communication through my iPhone and data plan. Also, the standard sound system’s quality was good enough for me. Therefore, I didn’t feel the upgrade available in top trims was necessary.

Better yet, traditional power/volume and tuning knobs flank the large main menu buttons under the screen, and everything is intuitive and easy to use while driving. Hyundai also provides SEL Plus and Limited trims with free Blue Link subscription services for three full years.

Frankly, I don’t know why so many Tucson owners appear to be unhappy with their infotainment systems. I think it’s great.

Storage and Space

If you choose a small vehicle, you’re going to get a small cargo area, so I’m a bit confused as to why Tucson owners give their SUVs middling marks for storage.

While it can’t match compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, or Toyota RAV4 in terms of space (get the Santa Fe Sport if you want something that size), I thought the Tucson’s cargo area was both roomy and flexible. Behind the rear seats, the Tucson provides 31 cu.-ft. of volume. Fold the rear seats to access 61.9 cu.-ft. of space.

My test vehicle was equipped with a hands-free power opening rear liftgate that activates when you stand near the rear of the Tucson with the key on your person. It’s a convenient feature if your hands and arms are full of parcels and bags, and you don’t have to wave your feet around in an awkward dance, which can be downright dangerous on ice and snow.

Inside, Hyundai provides storage bins and cubbies throughout the cabin, and while they weren’t big, there were enough of them to keep small belongings in check.

Visibility and Safety

Based on my time with the Tucson, the only noteworthy visibility issue related to the SUV’s thick rear roof pillars that make it harder to see out.

Good thing, then, that my Tucson had a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist. That latter feature is relatively new to Americans, sounding an alarm when a vehicle is approaching from behind at a comparatively rapid rate of speed, which would make a lane change unwise. Hyundai includes this feature with SEL Plus, Value Edition, and Limited trim.

In crash testing, the Tucson earns a “Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. In order to help prevent a collision from occurring in the first place, an automatic emergency braking system with pedestrian detection is available for the Tucson, but you need to get the Limited trim and upgrade it with the Ultimate package.

Engine/Transmission

J.D. Power data shows that aside from fuel economy, the Tucson’s drivetrain is the source of the greatest dissatisfaction with ownership, and I think I know why.

The standard engine is a relatively underpowered 164-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is an option.

Upgrade to Value Edition or Limited trim, and you’ll get a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder supplying 175 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s satisfactory, but it comes only with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which can cause consternation if you’re unfamiliar with a DCT’s quirks. Personally, I’m not a fan of DCTs, as they tend to lurch and behave less smoothly than traditional automatics.

Front-drive is standard with the turbocharged engine. My test vehicle had the optional all-wheel-drive system, but as with most crossovers the front wheels get the power the majority of the time. Hyundai gives you a “Lock" mode that distributes the power evenly for improved traction in the slippery stuff.

The turbocharged Tucson does feel livelier than many competitors, but delivery of that power isn’t as linear as you’d expect. Turbo lag is evident in the lower end of the rev range and the DCT is characteristically hesitant upon launch, so you’ll have to adjust to its unique traits in order to find happiness.

Fuel Economy

One reason Hyundai uses a DCT with the turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder is to maximize fuel economy. Does it do the trick?

The EPA says that a turbocharged Tucson with AWD should get about 24 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the open road, with a combined average of 25 mpg. I got 23.3 on my test loop, which is comprised of various types of driving conditions.

Driving Dynamics

Composed and zippy around town, the Tucson delivers a smooth ride and nimble urban handling. You will notice quite a bit of road and engine noise, especially on the highway, but vehicles in this category tend to be quite loud inside.

Though Hyundai doesn’t tout the Tucson to be an athletically inclined crossover, it more than holds its own in a set of twisties. Body motion is well controlled and the driving dynamics inspire confidence.

Tucson owners may disagree with me, but nothing about driving it makes you succumb to the siren call of a road trip. This is an automotive appliance, wrapped in a good-looking package.

Final Impressions

Crossover vehicles are here to stay, and its little wonder, as they deliver all the advantages of a car combined along with the cargo space and versatility of a traditional SUV.

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson does a good job of straddling various permutations of the small CUV, and thanks to appealing design, modern technologies, impressive safety ratings, and affordable pricing, it competes handily in the little crossover category. Plus, like every Hyundai, the Tucson gives owners peace of mind thanks to generous warranty and roadside assistance coverage.

To experience the Hyundai Tucson yourself - visit a Group 1 Hyundai dealership book a test drive. View the 2018 Hyundai Tucson online here.

Article source: http://www.jdpower.com/cars/articles/new-car-reviews/powersteering-2018-hyundai-tucson-review

HYUNDAI Commercial Vehicles, a division of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, has enhanced this popular H100 bakkie in its line-up with fresher looks and a new engine, while maintaining the many other features and attributes that have already made it a prime choice among many small and even large business operators.

The 1.3-ton Hyundai H100 bakkie is aimed at business operators in need of a versatile, reliable vehicle for their daily operations. It’s tough and versatile to meet almost every challenge, but also elegant enough to be a real image-enhancing asset, no matter how big or small your business is.

The Hyundai Motor Company’s Commercial Vehicle division has reworked the nose of the H100 to give it a new look. The headlights are different with a dark charcoal trim surrounding the actual lamp, and the nose panel between the headlights tilts open to give convenient access to the engine coolant and window washer reservoirs, which now form a unit with the rest of the front bodywork.

A new front bumper with a wide, upward lifted black insert gives the H100 a friendly, “smiley face." The exterior rearview mirrors are much bigger and they are shaped for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. The mirrors with their panoramic rear view are also a useful and meaningful safety enhancement, especially when parking.

The cabin of the H100 is still a comfortable, roomy environment with carefully and ergonomically laid out dial controls on the attractive centre console for the all-round air ventilation. An air conditioner can be ordered as optional equipment.

A redesigned steering wheel that can tilt up and down gives a fresh appearance from the driver’s viewpoint. The instrument cluster is comprehensive, easy to read and in full vision of the driver. Map pockets in the door panels and a glove box offer ample storage space.

The trunk of the H100 is only 745mm high for more convenient loading and unloading of cargo. Up to 1.3-ton of cargo can be loaded – an exercise that can be made even easier by dropping one, two or all three of the flat cargo area’s latching side panels.

The tailgate bolt serves to keep your cargo on the truck rather than the road. Added side security for cargo retention comes in the form of robust sidewall latches and foldaway long load retention pegs on the protection bar between the cargo area and the cabin help keep ladders, pipes, wood and all other longer loads firmly in place.

The naturally aspirated four-cylinder diesel engine that was picked as the power source for the upgraded H100 bakkie delivers 58kW and its maximum torque is 167Nm.

Included in the H100 bakkie’s most competitive price is the Hyundai Automotive SA’s five-year/150 000km warranty and three-year/60 000km service plan, as well as a five-year/150 000km Roadside Assistance plan.

If you just realised that your business needs a Hyundai H100 bakkie to get your jobs done more efficiently and professionally - visit a Group 1 Hyundai dealership near you, today.

Article source: https://www.autodealer.co.za/new-cars/Hyundai/H-100