It’s a review of the all-new Hyundai Tucson in the Highlander trim with the N-Line option pack and that lovely 1.6 turbo petrol engine. Being such an important and popular car to the Australian market, both Simone and Jenny have combined forces to review the latest Tucson.

The Hyundai Tucson sits in a market segment with many strong competitors primarily the Toyota Rav4 and the Mazda CX-5 as popular choices in Australia.

The latest Tucson really stands out in terms of design. I have a feeling we are at a tipping point towards a new era of design directions not only for Hyundai but also for the whole industry. Most new cars look a lot different from their previous generation and Hyundai really takes advantage of this.

On the inside, the new Tucson is a huge step forward. It looks far more modern, very ergonomically advanced, and more spacious.

The entry-level simply called Tucson gets only the SmartStream 2.0 naturally aspirated 4-pot paired with a 6-speed automatic. It produces 115 kW and 192Nm of torque, probably higher in the rev range, being naturally aspirated. It is also 2WD only. The two higher trim levels called the Elite and the Highlander, which we get here, get three engine options to choose from. With still no word of the hybrid coming.

They also have a diesel option in the form of a 2 L four-cylinder diesel paired with an 8-speed automatic. It gives 137kW of power and 416 Nm of twisting force and it is AWD. The option we have here is a 1.6 turbo petrol with direct injection and it produces 132 kW and 265 Nm of torque.