The Tucson range in South Africa has been bolstered with a new derivative with bold looks, engine power and torque boost, and a deeper exhaust sound to claim its territory as the sportier version of this top-selling Hyundai SUV. When the Tucson Sport was initially launched in 2017 it was an immediate hit, and with a mid-life design facelift last year it was time to create another Sport derivative, with mainly the same treatment as before.
The new model is again fitted with bespoke black rims and a body kit to give it a sporty look but is now available in two derivatives: A petrol version with a 1,6-litre turbocharged engine and a diesel version with a two-litre turbocharged engine.
The 1.6-litre petrol delivers 150 kW at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Power is fed to the front wheels through an automatic seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), with the option of manual shift override. The turbodiesel also delivers 150 kW, but at 4,000 rpm, and torque delivery is 460 Nm. This engine is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission that also offers a manual shift option.
The interior of the Sport is similar to other top derivatives in the range, including features such as electric seat adjustment, dual climate control, rear air vents, rear parking assist cameras and a rear-view camera with a display on the infotainment screen, and a panoramic sunroof. With the addition of the Sport, the Tucson range now consists of nine derivatives. Prices for the Tucson Sport are R654,900 for the 1.6 TGDI Sport with DCT and R664,900 for the R2.0 Sport Turbodiesel auto.
