Hyundai now needs a CUV to compete with the HRV, CX-3, etc...
That's why. They're making space.
I disagree. Hyundai has rightly noticed that folks tend to like 'bang for buck' (i.e. value). That's why the Equinox continues to sell despite being a total turd - it's larger inside than its competitors. The Santa Fe Sport is slightly larger than the rest of the 'compact' class (Rav4, etc). There won't be a mini Tucson - if you want smaller, get the Elantra GT <--- at least that's my guess. It follows from Hyundai's previous habit of making its offerings slightly larger than the rest. At 176.2" long, it's still a good 3-5" shorter than the CRV, Forester, Rav4, etc (all of which hover just above the 180" mark). It's still a remarkable 10" shorter than the Santa Fe, and only <1" longer than the Subaru Crosstrek. That it's ~10" longer than the Renegade or
JellybeanTrax speaks only to how short and stubby that one is.
Hyundai’s marketing gurus must have decided that the family resemblance would help them sell more vehicles. But, I suggest, at the cost of its individuality. Does anybody care? That remains to be seen.
I also disagree with this - I think Hyundai found a design that was well-taken by the buying public in the Santa Fe and decided to make it the 'new' corporate face. Individuality between models from any one manufacturer is not necessarily a better move; making a car that looks good in any event is.
The new Tucson is more responsive on take-off, when changing lanes in city traffic, when accelerating onto the freeway and when speeding up to change lanes on the freeway.
You sure about that one, Greg? The rest of the line I agree with...but you do say:
Replacing the Tucson’s traditional six-speed automatic transmission is a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission. It changes gears very quickly and smoothly but as with other dual-clutch trannies we’ve tried, there is some hesitation in first gear.
Despite gaining over 120 kg in curb weight, the 2016 Tucson AWD with the 1.6T engine is 0.3 seconds quicker in a 0 to 100 km/h sprint: 8.8 seconds vs 9.1 seconds.
Wow, that weight gain really did make its mark - the 1.6T doesn't feel that slow, but my goodness is that slow for the 'upgraded' engine. I wonder what 80-120 is like...
In the driver’s seat, visibility to the front and sides is clear but over-the-shoulder visibility is limited by a small third side window.
Surprisingly, I actually didn't mind the outward visibility in this thing. It's no Subaru, but it wasn't bad at all - definitely better than I was expecting.
Granted, the new Hyundai Tucson Limited looks, feels and drives like a premium SUV, but is it worth more than the best-selling favourites?
That's what I've found - Hyundai is trying to move upmarket, along with Mazda. In a market driven by pricing, it's a bold move that I'm not so sure will pay off with the same dividends as Hyundai has been enjoying in the past (at least, not without massive discounting).
...with that being said, I saw a 2016 Tucson Ultimate 1.6T AWD (there's a badge for all of that on the rear) today on my drive to work. It's a stunning-looking vehicle, and the interior is grand.
...but with the odd DCT, the slow 0-60 times, the relatively thirsty engine, and pricing that remains about $3k too high in most trims, I'm not sure this thing will sell as expected. With $3k in dealer discounts, however, this thing will fly off the lots.
