Price and spec confirmed for Hyundai Tucson, coming September 3

Hyundai’s Tucson will cost between £18,695 and £32,345 OTR – at least £1,500 more than the ix35 it replaces - when it becomes available in the UK on September 3.

Because current predictions estimate the Tucson will retain about half its value after three years and 30,000 miles (an 11% improvement on the ix35), leasing rates are expected to start at around £150 a month for business users (£180 personal).

Compared to the ix35, the Tucson is 65mm longer at 4475mm, 30mm wider at 1850mm, 15mm shorter in height, standing at 1645mm, with a 2670mm wheelbase, 30mm shorter than before. That makes it longer and wider than its Qashqai rival but not as lengthy as Honda’s CR-V.

Hyundai’s third gen mid-size SUV will sit on an all new platform, allowing for greater interior space, Hyundai says, but boot space has dropped by 78 litres from 591 to 513 with the seats up.

Petrol engines include a front-driven 1.6 132PS GDi manual, and a higher powered 177PS version of the same engine with all-wheel-drive, mated to a manual or automatic transmission.

The diesel line-up is made up of a 116PS 1.7L unit, and a 2.0 litre 4WD unit with 136PS or 185PS.

The smaller diesel will be the most fleet-suitable model, returning 61.7mpg at 119g/km CO2.

Check out Phil Huff’s full review of the new Tucson here

Spec

For £18,695, entry level S models come on 16-inch alloy wheels, with air conditioning, automatic headlights and DAB digital radio with connectivity for MP3, Bluetooth, USB and AUX devices.

SE models (£20,495) up the wheels to 17-inches and throw in rear parking sensors, heated front seats, lane keeping assist, projection headlights with static cornering lights; and dual zone climate control.

From £21,295, SE Nav adds Hyundai’s new-generation eight-inch touchscreen satellite navigation with TMC, reversing camera, MapCare, Tom Tom Live Services and a shark fin antenna.

Premium (£25,045) includes leather upholstery, front parking sensors, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection heated rear seats and 19-inch alloy wheels (apart from 1.7 CRDi Blue Drive models which are stuck on 17-inch wheels to maintain its eco-cred).

Range-topping Premium SEs (£28,345) feature a heated steering wheel, keyless smart entry with engine start/stop button, Smart Parking Assist System (auto models only), smart electric tailgate, LED headlights, panoramic sunroof with electric tilt and slide function, and ventilated front seats.

Step forward

Design wise, the headlights have been pulled in at the bottom shaping a sharper squint-like shape while the sloping roofline and bold shoulder lines at the back-end have been angled to resemble the Range Rover Evoque.

Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group, believes the new compact SUV “will be a big step forward for the Hyundai brand globally”.

He said: “The all-new Tucson has a bold and athletic presence and a proud stance. Its design is characterised by flowing surfaces, bold proportions, sharp lines and – most important – our brand signature hexagonal grille.”

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, commented: “The outgoing ix35 is our second best-seller in the UK so far this year which just proves how critical this sector is for our brand.

“Tucson will look to develop this success, thanks to its striking design and the enhanced level of technology and equipment it offers our customers.”

The Tucson name was dropped in 2010 in the UK upon the introduction of the ix35 but remained in place in the US. It will return to Hyundai’s UK line-up when the third gen compact SUV goes on sale in 2016.

Hyundai says all its cars destined for the European market will be built in Europe at its Czech or Turkish factories.

See how the old ix35 fared when it went up against the Mazda CX-5

Tucson at a glance:

Length: 4475mm
Width: 1850mm
Height: 1645mm
Wheelbase: 2670mm
Boot space: 513 litres
Petrol engines: 1.6 GDI 132PS 6MT 2WD, 1.6 T-GDI 185PS 6MT/7DCT 2WD/4WD
Diesel engines: 1.7 116PS 6MT 2WD, 2.0 136PS 6MT/6AT 2WD/4WD, 2.0 186PS 6MT/6AT 4WD
CO2: 119g/km - 1.7 116PS 6MT 2WD
Fuel economy: 61.7mpg - 1.7 116PS 6MT 2WD
Exterior colours: 11 – 1 solid - Polar White / 7 metallic - Ara Blue, Ash Blue, Micron Grey, Moon Rock, Thunder Grey, White Sand, Ultimate Red / 3 pearl - Ruby Wine, Phantom Black, Platinum Silver
Available: September 2015