Hyundai has finally released more details on the plug-in hybrid version of the new Tucson, which will launch in Europe in spring 2021. The most heavily electrified version of the new Hyundai Tucson combines a turbocharged 177 HP 1.6-liter Smartstream petrol engine with a 90 HP electric motor and a 13.8 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack. The combined system output is rated at 261 HP and 350 Nm of torque.
Hyundai estimates that the new Tucson
Plug-In Hybrid will offer more than 31 miles (50 km) of EV range on the WLTP
test cycle. It comes with a 7.2 kW onboard charger but Hyundai hasn’t announced
yet the official charge times. The new Tucson Plug-In Hybrid makes use of a
shift-by-wire six-speed automatic transmission and standard HTRAC
four-wheel-drive. The new SUV model also comes with an active air flap on the
front, which adjusts the air intake depending on coolant temperature, vehicle
speed, and more, in order to minimize air resistance and improve fuel economy.
In addition, the new plug-in hybrid Tucson
still offers plenty of space for rear passengers and luggage, thanks to the
clever packaging of the high-voltage battery pack on the underbody. Boot space
has been slightly decreased from 620 liters to 558 liters with the seats up,
and from 1799 liters to 1737 liters with them folded down. The presence of the
HTRAC four-wheel-drive system means that the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid also
features a Terrain Mode selector, which can optimize power, torque, and braking
depending on the road conditions.
Hyundai will also offer an electronically
controlled suspension as an option, which adds adaptive dampers that can be
adjusted by the driver by choosing Eco or Sport mode. The new Hyundai Tucson
Plug-In Hybrid is going to launch across Europe starting in spring 2021.
