BOLD BEGINNING

HYUNDAI KICKS OFF 2010 WITH THE OMNIPOTENT TOUR

A ROARING SUCCESS

Even before HARI officially launched the all-new Tucson, news about this exciting SUV has spread like wildfire, prompting customers to make their reservations early. Ending November 2009, HARI’s orders for the all-new Tucson were up at 400 units-half of which were sold out in two days right after it’s launch last December 7, 2009. As a result, Hyundai continues to reign in the Compact SUV segment, heralding it’s roaring success in the Philippine auto industry. Based on December 2009 year-to-date (y-t-d) sales reports, the Tucson still ranks number one in the Compact SUV segment, boasting 58.6% growth-a huge leap from it’s December 2008 y-t-d record. With a 28.2% market share, the Tucson remains a favorite Compact SUV and an unbeatable brand to date. Thanks to the Tucson, as well as Hyundai’s other champs, like the Grand Starex, which still is the country’s number one selling Passenger Van with 29.8% market share as of December 2009 y-t-d sales records. Hyundai stays on strong at Top 3 in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment, and is expected to thrive in the said category, as it ended 2009 with a positive 13.1% market share.

THE ALL-NEW TUCSON: ALL PERFORMANCE. ALL BEAUTY. ALL YOURS.

Once again defying convention with a design hallmark that artistically captures the dynamic motion and gestures characteristic of fluid, Hyundai daringly transforms the Tucson into an exhilarating SUV unlike any other. With it’s sweeping, gently curved lines, sexy hood character line, striking “Z” form side profile, and sleek, impeccably sculpted splendor, the Tucson’s fluidic design language evokes a confident expression of breathtaking elegance and power.

Putting even more attitude to the all-new Tucson’s style is Hyundai’s new design identity-a hexagonal grille in chrome and high gloss black. Tracing it’s roots to the Hyundai ix-conic concept previewed at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, this hexagonal design is the new defining face of Hyundai’s family of future automobiles, beginning with the all-new Tucson. The bold front styling is further complemented by MFR-type headlamps that radiate a sharp, aggressive look, and foglamps neatly fitted into the muscular front bumper. 18-inch alloy wheels add an even more athletic touch to the Tucson’s exterior design.

The all-new Tucson commands exhilarating power with a choice of two-cutting edge Hyundai engines: the Theta II 2.0 liter (2WD). Equipped with a Dual CVVT (intake and exhaust camshaft phaser), the Tucson’s 2.4 liter petrol engine churns out maximum power output of 177ps @ 6,000rpm, and maximum torque of 23.1kg-m @ 4,000rpm. The 2.0 liter petrol engine with D-CVVT on the other hand easily unleashes maximum output of 166ps @ 6,200rpm, and maximum torque of 20.1kg-m @ 4,600rpm. Performance is  upgraded in both engine variants with the application of a two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) that allows switching between long and short-intake manifold resulting in optimized “engine breathing” to provide you consistently supple power.

Fitted with either the 6-speed automatic transmission, or the 5-speed manual transmission, the all-new Tucson delivers strong acceleration, yet underscores a better balance of performance and fuel economy with a wide overall gear ratio. Compact and lightweight, the 6-speed A/T delivers a 12.2% gain in fuel economy based on tests conducted by Hyundai, as well as quicker acceleration complemented by a step-gate pattern gearbox for silky smooth shifts. Dynamic driving in manual mode is also possible in a 6-speed A/T with its Shiftronic feature (H-MATIC).

When it comes to safety, the all-new Tucson is class-leading inside and out. Body rigidity is reinforced with the extensive application of ultra high tensile strength steel. In crash safety tests conducted in-house, the Tucson scores a five-star rating in Euro NCAP testing for both frontal and side impacts. An electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) actively controls engine torque and applies optimum brake-force distribution under critical situations. Other functions added to the ESP include the Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), which helps the driver maintain vehicle control and speed on downhill descents, and minimize backward rolling on steep ascents, respectively, for better vehicle control.