?2014 Hyundai Tucson increases value along with fun factor?
Hyundai?s product lineup continues to evolve with new and better vehicles in every category. The sleek Hyundai Tucson crossover for the 2014 model year makes a more evolutionary statement with its athletic image and European inspired design. It displays a striking contrast from earlier examples, incorporating a host of improvements and enhancements in several areas. The cabin is roomy, providing ample cargo space, and there have been substantial advances in both technology and fuel efficiency with advanced 2.0-liter Nu and 2.4-liter Theta II Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines, enhancing torque and engine responsiveness with advanced 2.0-liter Nu and 2.4-liter Theta II Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines, enhancing torque and engine responsiveness. GDI is now standard on all Hyundai CUVs, and Tucson is the first Hyundai to receive the 2.0-liter Nu GDI engine in the United States. It will be applied to other models later in the 2014 model year.
Tucson?s new GDI engines are complemented with all-new standard SACHS Amplitude Selective Damping (ASD) for optimum ride, handling and driving comfort. Also added for 2014 are a host of available new refinements, including Hyundai?s Blue Link safety, service and infotainment telematics system, two-stage reclining rear seats and third-generation navigation with a larger seven-inch touchscreen display and HD Radio technology.
Exterior enhancements include: new projector headlights with LED accents;?LED taillights; Shark-fin antenna on Limited trim; roof side rails with panoramic sunroof; and new standard 17-inch and optional 18-inch alloy wheel designs.
Improvements made to the interior consist of: two-stage reclining 60/40 split rear seats; standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel; floor console mounted rear vents; standard-steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise controls; cupholder illumination; and new interior colors – beige and brown.
Hyundai refers to their design language as ?Fluidic Sculpture? which is destined to prevail in Hyundai?s product initiative. The Tucson was the first of new Hyundai vehicles to display this styling exercise. It was also the first CUV from Hyundai to have been designed and engineered in Europe at Hyundai?s Frankfurt-based design and technical centers.
The styling features athleticism and sophistication through flowing lines with full sculpted surfaces in a muscular presence. The design leads off with a bold dual intake grille, sculptured hood creases, swept back headlamps, followed by a sleek greenhouse and wraparound taillamps. Three Hyundai Tucson trim levels are available for the 2014 model year: the well-equipped GLS; the SE; and the upscale Limited. Chrome grille accents and door handle trim grace the top-of-the-line Limited model.
Developed primarily as an urban cruiser, the Tucson is durable and compact enough for city driving, but is also sleek and nimble enough for freeway travel. The profile displays an aerodynamic form, featuring a double zig-zag treatment for wheel well arches that wrap around available 5-tri-spoke,18-inch alloy wheels. Concave sills emphasize the wedge-shaped profile that extends aft, wrapping around the rear bumper.
The Tucson provides all basic life-saving safety technologies as standard fare while also offering such features as: Downhill Brake Control; and Hill Start Assist. On the information and comfort stages, the Tucson offers Hyundai?s a panoramic sunroof, touch-screen navigation as well as a Bluetooth? hands-free phone system.
Power for the 2014 Hyundai Tucson comes from either a 164 horsepower, 2.0-liter GDI 4-cylinder engine ; or a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder that delivers 182 horses along with 177 pound feet of torque. The engine is coupled to an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with a gate-type SHIFTRONIC? with OD lock-up torque converter and electronic shift lock system that meters energy to the front driving wheels. Standard propulsion comes in the form of Front-wheel drive, with All-wheel drive optionally available featuring a driver selectable AWD lock.
My test Hyundai Tucson was a FWD Limited model, powered by the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with the 6-speed automatic transmission. The exterior sported a Winter White finish while the interior was done in Beige. The base price was set at $26,200. While adding the Technology Package with the Panoramic Sunroof, Navigation system with, rear-view camera, Premium Audio with external Amp and Subwoofer; carpeted floor mats; and Inland freight and Handling charges brought the final sticker to $29,835.
SUMMARY: Hyundai has covered a lot of distance since its first foray onto North American soil. The complete product line has soared in terms of both quality and dependability. The 2014 Hyundai Tucson continues to deliver an admirable and highly desirable package in the form of a European designed crossover that seems to be sized just right for both urban and suburban service.
Acceleration is a cut above average for a four-banger, with agile handling through more responsive steering and improved body roll control. The wide track contributes to the Tucson?s stability in spirited driving scenarios. The ride quality is quite comfortable with a pleasing interior ambience.
In the final analysis, the 2014 Huyundai Tucson Limited is a value laden, affordable and attractive crossover vehicle that is fun to drive, and backed by what Hyundai claims to be America?s best Warranty program.
[wptabs style=”wpui-light” effect=”slide” mode=”horizontal”]
?[wptabtitle] SPECIFICATIONS: Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD -‘14 [/wptabtitle]
?? [wptabcontent]
| Base Price: | $26,200. |
| Price as Tested: | $29,835. |
| Engine Type and Size: | 2.4-liter, DOHC, 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with GDI and CVVT. |
| Horsepower (bhp): | 182 @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque (ft./ lbs.): | 177 @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic with OD lock-up torque converter, gate type, electronic shift lock system. |
| Drive Train: | Transversely mounted front engine / FWD |
| Suspension: |
Front – MacPherson struts with coil springs, gas pressurized Sachs shock absorbers and 24.5 mm stabilizer bar. Rear – Independent multi-link with coil springs, gas pressurized Sachs hock absorbers and 17mm (FWD) / 15 mm (AWD) stabilizer bar. |
| Brakes: | Power-assisted four-wheel discs with 4-wheel, 4-channel, and 4-sensor with ESC with TCS. |
| Tires: | KUMHO Solus KL21 P225/55 R18 98H M&S mounted on 5-tri-spoke alloy wheels. |
| Wheelbase: | 103.9 inches |
| Length Overall: | 173.2 inches |
| Width: | 71.7 inches |
| Height: | 66.3 inches with roof rails. |
| Curb Weight: | 3,294 lbs. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 15.3 gallons |
| EPA Mileage Estimates: | 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway |
| Drag Coefficient: | 0.37 |
| 0 – 60 mph: | Not tested. |
?? [/wptabcontent]
[/wptabs]
Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.
