Tucson shifts gear

HYUNDAI Motor Co Australia has added a five-speed manual variant of its Tucson City SUV, lowering the entry price for the front-wheel drive, five-door wagon to $24,990. This is $2000 below the four-speed automatic version, which along with the manual now carries the SX moniker to differentiate from a new Elite model variant.

Priced from $29,990, the City Elite adds stability and traction control, side and curtain airbags, a sunroof, trip computer, six-speaker stereo, part-leather seats and automatic headlights. All Tucson City models are combined with a 104kW/184Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.

Other changes to the Tucson range include the deletion of the AWD Elite model.

The $30,990 V6 AWD automatic continues, now as an SX but with traction control retained. As well as the bigger engine, this model is differentiated from City variants by its double-spoke alloy wheels, low-profile 235/60 tyres, dual chrome exhaust outlets and body-coloured bumpers and side cladding.

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