Hyundai has brought back the Tucson Sport model in
South Africa and this time the automaker has made it available with a diesel
engine as well. Unveiled as the range-topping model of the facelifted Tucson lineup,
the Sport version features a bold body kit that makes Europe’s Tucson N Line
look a bit tame in comparison. It certainly looks a lot meaner than America’s
Tucson Sport, that’s for sure.
At the front, the bumper gets a spoiler lip, while
the rear gains a faux diffuser and an uprated exhaust system with quad
tailpipes. Viewed from the side, the sill extensions and exclusive 19-inch
alloy wheels help give the SUV a meaner appearance. Still, it’s pretty obvious
that all these accessories are add-on parts, as they give off a clear
aftermarket vibe.
The Tucson Sport offers two engine choices, a
1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline unit and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. Both send
204 PS to the front wheels but use different transmissions. The
gasoline unit is linked to a seven-speed DCT while the diesel uses an
eight-speed automatic. Peak torque differs as well: 300 Nm for the
petrol and 460 Nm for the oil burner.
The Tucson Sport is based on the Elite trim level of
the facelifted Tucson and includes standard features such as LED headlights,
leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, a 7-inch infotainment system, reversing
camera, and blind-spot detection.
Prices start from 654,900 rand (US$ 42,250) for the 1.6T and 664,900 rand (US$ 46,950) for the 2.0D.
