Molapo Motors launches new Tucson
Kingsley Kuda | Tuesday March 29, 2022 06:00
Molapo Motors Dealer Principal, Mohamed Dada explained that the improved smartstream 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine features a power bump of 7kW/16Nm over its predecessor to produce 137kW of power available at 4,000rpm and 416Nm of torque available at between 2,000rpm and 2,750rpm.
“This is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Claimed fuel consumption is 7.9L/100km on a combined cycle and we managed a number as low as 6.8L/100km on our 232km open road launch drive. The diesel mill’s impressive performance was a timely reminder of why oil-burners done right was such a popular choice,” he said.
Dada further revealed that little turbo lag, decent acceleration and heaps of torque channelled through a smooth gearbox make the drive a thoroughly enjoyable one.
“We also got to sample the new Tucson’s updated suspension with increased sound insulation in the wheel guards on proper gravel roads and were very impressed with how smooth and quiet it handled the dirt. This also goes to show that you don’t all-wheel-drive on dirt roads in fairly decent condition,” he added.
Dada said Diesel engines have become a dying breed in the C-SUV segment with oil-burners no longer offered in the Tiguan, Sportage and RAV4.
With the X-Trail’s 1.6-litre diesel mill’s 96kW/320Nm performance trailing the new Tucson by a country mile, the most realistic rival for the diesel Hyundai is the CX-5.
“The sleek modern theme continues inside with the multimedia screen moving down into the centre console to form a full touchscreen console that operates both the infotainment system and climate settings.The third generation’s analogue digital cluster makes way for a 10.25-inch digital display similar to the Hyundai Staria. Heated front seats are standard across the range, with artificial leather seat standard in Executive and Elite spec and ventilated front seat standard on the Elite. A new centre console and digital instrument cluster stand out in the new Tucson’s cabin. A 150 mm increase in length means that the new Hyundai Tucson benefits from more legroom for rear passengers and an additional 26 litres of boot space for a total of 539-litres. Standard across the range is six airbags, with the Elite trim level featuring comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance systems,” Dada excitedly explained.
The Hyundai Tucson was one of the first local players in the C-SUV segment when it was rolled out in 2004. Tucson has its main rivals as the Toyota RAV4, the Kia Sportage, the VW Tiguan, Nissan X-Trail and the Mazda CX-5.