Safety
As always, safety for all
occupants was top priority for Hyundai when developing the Tucson. The
monocoque body structure (based on a highly developed version of the Coupe
platform) was engineered using a computer simulated analysis, to ensure the
best construction method was employed. The Tucson uses a high tensile sub frame
and has door impact bars to ensure the safety of occupants.
For the first time a Hyundai
features six airbags; front airbag for driver and passenger, side airbags in
the front, and also side curtain airbags which deploy from the roof trim. The
airbags are depowered, so only remain inflated at the time of impact, and employ
a two stage inflator, so deployment of the airbag can be matched to the type
and severity of the collision.
The Tucson has five full three
point seatbelts (two in the front, three in the rear) with pre-tensioners to
tighten the belt and ensure the passenger doesn’t slide under it. Load limiters
on the belt prevent extra pressure being applied to the occupant's torso, thus
preventing secondary injuries.
All Tucsons have electronically
controlled anti-lock brakes as standard. Sensors on the wheels ensure even
braking on variable conditions, while the Electronic Brake Force Distribution
transfers braking power to the wheels that need it most.
Traction control is also a
standard feature on all Tucson models, which detects when there is tyre
slippage, and controls the engine torque and wheel rotation to ensure
predictable handling.
In the cabin, all five seats have
head restraints to prevent whiplash in the event of a collision. The driver’s
and passenger’s seat and the two front seatbelts are height adjustable. There
are also ISOfix child seat anchors in the rear and child proof door locks as
standard across the range.
Moving outside, the electric door
mirrors are heated (CDX models only) to ensure maximum visibility, while CDX
models are also equipped with a front windscreen de-icer. Front and rear fog
lamps, plus a high level rear brake light are standard on all models.
Finally, all Tucsons feature an
under body skid plate protector.
POWERTRAIN
Engine
Tucson customers have the choice
of three engine types – a 2.0 litre (1,975cc) four cylinder DOHC 16 valve
motor, a 2.0 litre (1,991cc) four-cylinder SOHC common rail turbo diesel unit,
and a powerful 2.7 V6 (2,656cc) 24 valve engine.
The 2.0 litre petrol engine is
the Beta unit equipped with CVVT (Continuous Variable Valve Timing), as seen in
the Coupe and Trajet. CVVT alters the engine’s valve timing depending on speed,
thus improving engine output, fuel economy and vehicle emissions. The 2.0 litre
engine (4WD)
is capable of 140bhp at 6,000rpm, delivers 184Nm/136 lb ft
of torque at 4,500rpm, reaches a top speed of 108mph and does the 0-62mph run
in 11.3 seconds.
In 2WD form, the 2.0 litre petrol unit develops 139bhp at 6,000rpm, has 184 Nm/136 lb ft of torque on tap at
4,500rpm, enough to propel the Tucson to a top speed of 112mph and from 0-62mph
in just 10.4 seconds - nearly a second quicker than the four-wheel drive 2.0
litre variant.
The diesel engine produces 138bhp of power at 4,000rpm, has a
torque figure of 305Nm/225 lb ft at 1,800 to 2,500rpm,
has a top speed of 110mph and reaches 62mph from standstill in 12 seconds.
The flagship of the Tucson range is the 2.7 V6 CDX, which uses the
2,656cc Delta engine seen in the Santa Fe and Coupe. The 2.7 is an all
aluminium engine, making it lighter, and uses a three phase variable intake
system to improve torque at lower speeds.
The 2.7 V6 has 173bhp on tap at 6,000rpm, delivers 241Nm/178 lb ft
of torque at 4,000rpm, has a top speed of 112mph and does the 0-62mph dash in
10.5 seconds.
The four-wheel drive
system
The Tucson becomes Hyundai’s first model to use a torque on demand
four-wheel drive system. This system was developed by Borg Warner, who
developed the Terracan four-wheel drive system. The Tucson four-wheel drive operation
differs to that used in the Santa Fe and Terracan – Santa Fe uses a permanent
four-wheel drive system, with a 60/40 split between front and rear. The
Terracan uses a four-wheel drive system that can be switched between high and
low ratios, and two-wheel drive driving the front wheels.
In normal road conditions the Tucson’s system runs in front-wheel
drive (2WD). When the engine’s ECU detects a deterioration in road conditions,
it switches to four-wheel drive split equally between front and rear when the
4WD lock is applied. It will then revert to two-wheel drive when the ECU
detects normal road conditions. The driver can switch to permanent four-wheel
drive at the touch of a button at speeds of up to 21mph, if the need arises.
Transmission
Three transmissions are available on the Tucson; five speed
manual, six speed manual on diesel models only and four speed automatic.
Hyundai’s H-matic automatic gearbox offers the choice of driving the car in a
full automatic mode, or a ‘stepped’ manual using a ‘+’ or ‘-‘ control for the
upshift and downshift.
Brakes
- System Dual
diagonal split circuit. Power assisted braking system with anti-lock brakes and
Electronic Brake Force Distribution.
- Front 15
inch ventilated discs, floating calliper with pad warning device
- Rear 11
inch solid discs, floating calliper with pad warning
Suspension
- Front MacPherson
struts with coil springs
- Rear Dual
link type, anti-roll stabiliser bar
Steering
- System Power
assisted, rack and pinion steering column
- Lock to lock turns 3.06
