First Look: Hyundai Tucson - All-new, 4th-gen Model Previewed

Debuting for the first time alongside the Santa Fe last weekend was the all-new fourth-gen Hyundai Tucson.

Besides the larger Santa Fe, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) also took the opportunity to publicly preview the new fourth generation Hyundai Tucson compact crossover SUV. Said model was shown last weekend at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam.

Set for launch as a fully imported (CBU) offering, the new fourth-gen Tucson underpins a shortened version of the N3 platform, which it shares with the larger Santa Fe that was previewed alongside it. Bookings are now open with three variants available featuring two powertrain choices – 2.0 Lite, 1.6T Plus, and 1.6T Max.

Note the striking 'Parametric Jewel' front grille design featuring concealed (integrated) LED DRLs and headlights, the striking full-width LED taillight, and snazzy 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels this new Tucson sports.

On the surface, it’s plain to see that this iteration of the Tucson sports a very sharp and exciting exterior design. A key signature here is the ‘Parametric Jewel’ grille design dominating its front fascia featuring concealed, integrated LED headlights and DRLs, a full-width LED taillight, and striking 19-inch wheels.

Digital dash (10.25-inch) and infotainment (8-inch) displays are present in the stylish new wrap-around dash design, along with plush leather upholstery in the seats, steering, and door inserts.

On board, this latest-gen Tucson houses Hyundai’s latest cabin design featuring a prominent wrap-around dash design that also houses a button-less centre stack plus its latest push-button transmission controls. Giving off a very plush touch here are the leather upholstery in the seats, dash, steering, and door inserts.

The range-topping 1.6T Max variant will also boast a power tailgate, heated and ventilated front seats, and a wireless charging pad.

Though smaller in size, the Tucson promises an equally rich list of features and tech primed on board. Included are digital instrument (10.25-inch) and infotainment (8-inch) displays, the latter brimmed with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus voice recognition too, a powered tailgate, wireless smartphone charging pad, as well as heated and ventilated front seats.

On the safety front, seven airbags plus the usual array of ABS with traction and stability control suites are standard across the range, as is an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, and both Blind Spot Collision Warning and Safe Exit Warning features. The Hyundai SmartSense active driver assist (ADAS) suite, on the other hand, comes in full-swing exclusively in the range-topping 1.6T Max, instead.

The 1.6T Plus variant pictured gets the peppy 1.6-litre TGDi 4-cyl turbo heart mated with a slick 7-speed DCT automatic with push-button controls, the latter managing the former's 180 PS and 265 NM outputs.

As for powertrain, the base-spec 2.0 Lite variant employs Hyundai familiar but proven 2.0-litre MPI 4-cyl petrol heart. Rated at 156 PS and 192 NM, it drives the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic. The 1.6T Plus and 1.6T Max variants share an also familiar 1.6-litre TGDi 4-cyl turbo heart instead, which offer peppier outputs of 180 PS and 265 NM, and paired with a 7-speed DCT automatic box instead.

Like the Santa Fe, the Tucson’s arrival into the local market comes very late indeed. Despite so, HSDM also appears equally confident of the model’s acceptance amongst local consumers. Given the way it looks and how it has been specced, we’re certain this confidence isn’t unwarranted.

No prices were revealed yet, but this is set to be revealed when the model launches. Insiders have hinted this will happen next month.

Moreover, insiders at HSDM also revealed that this latest-gen Tucson has already garnered a healthy number of bookings following its public debut last weekend in Setia Alam. This also comes despite the fact that HSDM has yet to reveal any indicative price figures for the model yet.

Nevertheless, both the all-new fourth-gen Hyundai Tucson, as well as it larger and face-lifted Hyundai Santa Fe sibling, are to officially launch themselves very soon. As always, we’ll have more details including price once they’re launched.

Though late to the party, we’re certain this left-field Korean alternative against the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, Peugeot 3008, and perhaps the Honda HR-V, has got enough chops to impress many. Hit the comments below – and our social media platforms – with your thoughts…