Basic HTML Version
66 | FireFlyz
Wheels
This is the 3rd
generation of the
popular compact
crossover fromthe
Koreanmanufacturer.
Wearing the
company’s Fluidic
Sculpture2.0dress, the
Tucson features amore
masculine look than
its curvy predecessor.
It is also slightly larger,
with a 65mm increase
in overall length, 30mm
increase inwidth
sitting on a 30mm
longerwheelbase.
The Looks
The Tucson bears a striking resemblance
to its larger sibling, Santa Fe but it is not
a bad thing because the Santa Fe looks
bold and elegant; the Tucson won the
2016 iF Design Award on its own merit.
The new design language gives the
Tucson an edgier look with squared off
dimensions replacing the flowy curves.
The prominent signature hexagonal
grille of this top-of-the-range Executive
variant gets the chrome treatment and
is flanked by the sleek halogen projector
headlamps.
Its appearance is sophisticated and
not polarizing and should hold up well
with age. It helps that the Tucson has a
well-proportioned profile.
The Cabin
The cabin layout is fuss-free and thought-
ful. The critical controls are physical
switches while all others are housed
within the touchscreen
display. The
Hyundai Tucson:
button for Drive Modes is placed near
the electric parking brake and Downhill
Brake Control buttons but they are tactile
enough, ensuring that you do not push
the wrong one without bringing your
gaze down.
The entertainment unit is powered by
the Android operating system so anyone
familiar with Android smartphones will
feel at home. All your essential apps
can be loaded - Google Maps, Waze,
Spotify, even your email (why anyone
wants to check emails in their vehicle is
beyond me).
The test unit came with the optional
red leather seats (RM 1,288) which
initially looked garish, but it grew on
me and actually matches the Ruby Wine
exterior. The ‘quilt’ pattern seats were a
pleasant surprise as they were comfort-
able and looked upmarket. The rear seat
takes 3 passengers but 2 would be ideal.
The rear seat-back reclines and splits
60:40 for flexible storage.
Cargo space is 488 liters with the
seats up. It is practical for most uses
but current C-
P h o t o & W o r d s :
Z a c h a r y H o
A Masculine Machine