2016 Hyundai Tucson India review, test drive

The diesel is a new engine in Hyundai’s stable and the R2.0L unit puts out a healthy 185hp at 4000rpm and 400Nm of torque. The engine is powerful with loads of torque right from the lower rev range and is refined too, with engine getting vocal in the higher revs. The transmission is smooth and quick to engage, but you do miss the paddle shifters. However, in Sport mode, the automatic transmission works just fine. The lovely wave of torque makes driving the Tucson effortless and the engine’s refined nature and suspension mask speed really well. You don’t realise how fast you are going. The diesel is clearly the one to pick over petrol for both its performance and efficiency.

The ride is very comfortable, but the handling doesnt give in to a very spirited driving.  This is a car that does not like to be pushed hard, but can be driven briskly. The steering is well-weighted but with a slight vagueness around the straight-ahead position. 

Should I buy one?     

Hyundai has priced the Tucson very aggressively. The base petrol starts at Rs 18.99 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi, and the higher GL trim is Rs 21.79 lakh. These are both lower than the Honda CRV which is around Rs 22.23 lakh. The diesel Tucson begins at Rs 21.59 lakh and the GL is at Rs 23.48 lakh. The top-trim GLS is at Rs 24.99 lakh and gets all the goodies such as ESC, powered tailgate, dual-barrel LED headlamps and the larger 18-inch alloys.  

The Tucson is a smart-looking SUV with good equipment levels. The space inside is quite generous too, as is the quality. The handling is not sharp and incisive, but it has been sprung more on the softer side for better comfort. Hyundai has priced the Tucson very competitively. There is the Honda CR-V for rival, but that is only sold in petrol and priced higher. On price, there is also the new Fortuner and the Endeavour, but they're different SUVs -- big, conventional-looking, body-on-frame vehicles with seven seats and four-wheel drive. The Tucson is a soft-roader with a monocoque construction, five seats and 2WD (for now, a 4WD is due early next year). There are more such SUVs on the way such as the VW Tiguan and Jeep Compass, but they are only for later next year and, remember, not from brands as established as Hyundai in India. So, if you’re looking for a modern SUV perfect for the city and the odd weekend getaway, the Tucson fits the bill perfectly.