Hyundai tweaks Tucson V6

HYUNDAI has equipped its Tucson V6 compact SUV with more luxury, extra safety, taller gearing - and a $500-higher pricetag.

All V6 variants gain a higher 4.042:1 final drive ratio and reprogrammed 2.7-litre V6 and automatic transmission to provide earlier (50km/h) torque converter lockup and lower 10.9L/100km claimed average fuel consumption.

Tucson V6 also gains features introduced with in the front-drive Tucson City like woven seat fabric, soft-touch dash and door trims, higher-quality headlining, a retractable cargo cover, sunvisor extenders and vanity mirror illumination.

Audio power is increased from 25 to 45 watts (times four channels) and the sound system now features WMA-capability, an improved loud function, mid-level tone adjustment and four preset sound modes.



Front head restraints gain fore-aft adjustment and the driver’s seat now offers lumbar adjustment, while the mid-spec Tucson Elite adds a new double-spoke alloy wheel design, leather seat bolstering, moquette mesh seat and door trim and satin alloy-look centre console and switch panels.

The flagship Elite S also gets black and silver exterior paint options.

Pricing rises to $30,990 for the entry-level Tucson V6 GLS auto, $33,990 for the Elite auto, Hyundai’s first six-airbag model, and $34,490 for the Elite S auto.