Story & photos by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
WHEN the third-generation Hyundai Tucson first arrived in our shores and was introduced in their Logistics Center in Laguna, the impression was nothing short of awe—as it was now bigger and definitely bolder. In fact, this beefed-up Korean icon can be the next big thing that could ever happen in the next season of the hit television series The Walking Dead.
In a country where practicality is priceless and every inch of saved space is gold, this crossover comes into the picture as a one-man army machine eager to provide power, performance, elegance, a touch of brute and needed room. A closer look into this Ara Blue-colored Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi GLS 4×2 AT brings its fine features further to the fore.
Bold and athletic, this stunner’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy is carefully embedded in its DNA. Based on pure aesthetics, this third-gen Tucson grows in proper proportion, as here clearly stands a better version of this vehicle’s ancestors. From a plain metrosexual to a flamboyant ritzy athlete who knows his swagger—upfront, it imbues a clear-cut aggressive and strong stance with its restyled blacked-out LED headlights, a large chrome-plated hexagonal grille, a revamped bumper and new fog lamp styling. One gets to feel its upscale aura, particularly with its sculpted body contours all the way to the visual effect of its wheel design. It continues its pronounced panache all the way to the rear with sharper combination taillights—a roof-mounted spoiler and a larger rear bumper. Completing its unabashed flair are its massive reflector lights, a third brake light, twin tip exhaust pipes and 17-inch alloy wheels. With 51 percent advanced high-strength steel that increases rigidity by 48 percent, its overall body structure all the more props its tough persona.
Meanwhile, its slick dark-themed interior instantly speaks of a sound regal appeal. Since a simple semi-minimalist approach paints the dashboard, it could have been more fitting if a tad more entertainment cues were added—and not just some 3.8-inch mono LCD with radio and six speakers. Though, in a way, it helps to keep the driver’s eyes on the road. This Tucson also comes with a 10-way driver and eight-way passenger power adjustment seats, as well as a three-spoke steering wheel with audio-mounted controls and manual air-conditioning with rear vents. As a bonus, the Tucson can house 513 liter of luggage capacity.
From the get-go, this adorable creature is preppy in the city and, thus far, kept its momentum at a high with this writer’s short weekend trip to Pampanga. From previous accounts, this runabout vehicle is on a lofty throne when it comes to a finely tuned suspension compared to its predecessors, which have haunted Korean cars of the past due to its excessive movements. One could even tell its impressive high center of gravity, as no trace of giddiness troubled this scribe; especially when scampering from one place to the other to avoid traffic situations in the tight spots of the Metro. Steering is even superb and well-balanced, thus, could even smoothly unleash a bite of vigor when shifted to sports mode.
On rare long straights of this urban jungle, the prowess of the 2.0 common rail direct injection (CRDI) 16-valve diesel engine with variable geometry turbocharger that pumps out 178 hp and 410 Nm of torque roused this driver, inspiring every turn of the wheel and push of the pedal, which leaves one hungry spirit no less than gratified; hence, wanting for more.
Fuel economy-wise, this behemoth guzzles about a reasonable 10.25 km/L on city driving, while fairly consuming 12.75 km/L on the highway.