Hyundai revamps 2018 Tucson range with powertrain upgrade

Hyundai has revised the specification for the Tucson compact SUV including the adoption of a 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine in two model grades and range-wide access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility.

Released as 2018 models, the four-tier Tucson line-up gets the 2.0-litre GDi (gasoline direction-injection) four-cylinder engine in Active and Elite variants. The more potent, more efficient GDi engine replaces the 2.0-litre MPi (multi-point injection) engine previously available in those variants.

The 2.0-litre engine delivers 121kW and 203Nm, up from the previous engine’s 114kW and 192Nm respectively. It’s matched with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission in Active and Active X variants (six-speed automatic transmission only in the mid-spec Elite model).

Available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Hyundai Tucson continues to be offered across the line-up with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that puts out 136kW and 400Nm, with the upper-spec Elite and Highlander models available with a re-tuned version of Hyundai’s 1.6-litre Turbo petrol powerplant – the same engine shared with the Veloster SR Turbo. The 1.6T engine is matched exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

“Hyundai Tucson has consistently been a star performer in Australia’s fastest-growing new-car market segment,” says Hyundai Motor Company Australia CEO, Scott Grant.

“SUV buyers increasingly demand the type of engineering quality, good design and bountiful features previously available only in prestige cars. The Hyundai Tucson has been able to deliver all those qualities, together with great value for money, in spades.

“Now, thanks to the MY18 changes we’ve just introduced, Tucson offers even more efficiency with state-of-the-art technology features to cement its position as a robust market leader.”

2017 Hyundai Tucson Pricing and specification (excluding on-roads)

EngineTransmissionActiveActiveXEliteHighlander
2.0 GDi 2WD6 Speed Manual$28,590$31,150
6 Speed Auto$31,090$33,650$36,250
1.6 T-GDi AWD7 Speed DCT$39,250$45,450
2.0 CRDi AWD6 Speed Auto$35,090$41,250$47,450

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