New Standard Luxury Convenience Features Including Heated Front Seats, Automatic Headlight Control on GLS and Proximity Entry/Push Button Start on Limited Make Tucson the Smart Value Option
COSTA MESA, Calif., July 5, 2012 – For the 2013 model year, Hyundai further delights Tucson shoppers by increasing the number of standard features on both Tucson GLS and the top-of-the-line Tucson Limited. The fast growing compact crossover segment now demands comfort features once belonging only to luxury models and favors miles per gallon over miles per hour. The new standard features on Tucson GLS are fog lights, automatic headlight control and heated front seats. The Limited trim level gains proximity key entry with push button start. Tucson packages these luxury comfort features with up to 32 mpg on the highway (EPA estimate) and a distinctive design making it a sophisticated CUV for active lifestyles, with a compact size ideal for singles and couples.
MODEL YEAR CHANGES FOR 2013 TUCSON
– Heated front seats on GLS FWD (already standard on GLS AWD from 2012)
– Proximity key entry with push button start on Limited trim
– Fog lights on GLS
– Automatic headlight control on GLS
All of these upgrades help illustrate why more customers are discovering how well Tucson stacks up against the competition. Tucson GLS and Limited are more fuel-efficient on the highway than the Honda CRV, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape four-cylinder equipped models. Tucson accomplishes this while having a longer wheelbase than Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Subaru Forester. The stylish and fuel efficient Tucson has a spot on Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Award Top 10 list and Tucson GLS A/T also has a higher 36-month residual value than Toyota RAV4, further demonstrating that Tucson is one of the smartest compact crossover choices available.
The Tucson features precedent-setting engineering including advanced weight saving technology and two eco-efficient Theta II four-cylinder engines delivering up to 32 mpg on the highway. True to Hyundai form, Tucson applies advanced technologies as standard equipment such as Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Hillstart Assist Control (HAC). Likewise, to keep its passengers informed and comfortable, Tucson also has an optional panoramic sunroof, touch-screen navigation and a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system.
FUEL ECONOMY INNOVATIONS
Tucson automatic transmission models feature Hyundai’s Active ECO System. Active ECO modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response. By turning on Active ECO, drivers can realize up to a seven percent increase in real-world fuel economy.
The GL manual transmission model has a shift indicator to inform drivers of the optimal time to upshift and downshift. Fuel savings in the seven to nine percent range are attainable using the manual Eco Gear Shift Indicator.
CHOICE OF TWO POWERFUL AND FUEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS
The entry-level Tucson GL is equipped with a high output 2.0-liter Theta II four-cylinder engine that produces 165 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 146 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm. Fuel economy estimates for the Tucson GL FWD model with available six speed automatic transmission SHIFTRONIC® are 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway. The FWD five-speed manual transmission model gets an estimated 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway. The 2.0-liter Theta-II also offers Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) (intake and exhaust camshaft phaser). Major features include the application of a two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) which enables switching between long and short intake runners resulting in an across-the-board performance increase. To reduce internal friction, engineers have applied a Diamond-Like-Coating (DLC) to the top surface of the valve tappets resulting in improved fuel efficiency. Engineers also expended considerable time and effort optimizing the oil pressure to achieve an ideal balance between durability and fuel economy.
Tucson GLS and Limited models feature the Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine. The Theta II is rated at an 176 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine features CVVT on both camshafts and a VIS for better engine breathing. In the green states, the 2013 Tucson GLS and Limited models are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) which means they are as clean as many hybrids. Tucson GLS and Limited boast an impressive estimated 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway fuel economy rating with the six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® and FWD. Tucson GLS models also feature Low Rolling Resistance (LRR) silica tires to contribute to the outstanding fuel economy. With AWD, Tucson delivers an estimated 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway, exceeding many competitors’ AWD versions.
Powertrain Comparison
Source: EPA and AutoPlanner
TWO AVAILABLE TRANSMISSIONS
Hyundai’s commitment to making Tucson extremely fuel efficient continues through the availability of two transmissions: a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control and a five-speed manual transmission.
Hyundai’s six-speed automatic transaxle helps the company meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Shifts are silky-smooth with an option of manual control through the SHIFTRONIC feature. For the customer, the six-speed delivers a performance edge while helping improve highway fuel economy. There is no dipstick in the transmission gearbox. Instead it is filled with automatic transmission fluid that is good for the life of the vehicle under normal usage conditions, thereby reducing maintenance costs. The gearbox has three planetary gearsets and a unique flat torque converter, which shortens the unit’s overall length by 0.47 inches. Four pinion differentials improve durability and further minimize size.
Exterior Design
Key attributes of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy are demonstrated through the Tucson’s flowing lines, full surfaces and muscular presence. This athletic design language is highlighted by bold, dynamic graphic elements such as the Hyundai family hexagonal front grille, aggressive lower air intake, sculptured hood creases, swept back headlights, and sleek greenhouse and wraparound taillights. Chrome grille accents and door handles lend sophistication to the top-of-the-line Tucson Limited. The profile of Tucson features a sports car-like theme with a double-zigzag treatment for the wheel arches that wrap around the available Euroflange 18-inch alloy wheels.
ARCHITECTURE
– Tucson has a longer wheelbase and overall width than CR-V, Escape and Forester to deliver more packing efficiency
– Body stiffness is 38 percent greater than Rogue
World-class weight efficiency was one of the program targets for the Tucson engineering team. In fact, the Tucson leads all of its competitors in weight efficiency. Hyundai engineers also targeted outstanding power-to-weight ratio. Having these targets paid huge dividends in both performance and fuel economy.
Source: AutoPlanner
Tucson’s widespread use of high-strength steel provides increased strength at a lower body weight. High-strength steel allows the four-wheel independent suspension to work optimally. At 3,197 pounds, the automatic transmission equipped Tucson GLS is lighter than its competitors while offering more interior room than Rogue and Escape, with body-bending rigidity 38 percent higher than the Rogue. This weight efficient unibody architecture allows for Tucson to achieve a 32 mpg estimated EPA highway rating.
FUN TO DRIVE
The 2013 Tucson’s athletic shape is complemented with agile handling and responsive steering. Tucson uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems for more precise wheel control and a smoother ride. All four wheels are controlled by coil springs and fade-resistant gas-charged dampers. The front suspension has a 25 mm hollow stabilizer bar to save weight, while the rear suspension has an 18 mm solid stabilizer bar. Larger stabilizer bars keep the vehicle very flat during cornering and help provide quick turn-in response. Rack-and-pinion Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) also contributes to Tucson’s nimble and refined handling dynamics while saving fuel and reducing interior noise. Lastly, both the GLS and Limited models now have an upgraded premium ride thanks to sophisticated Sachs shock absorbers.
Due to the suspension geometry and wider track width that enables greater turn angles, Tucson’s turning circle is 34.7 feet – an advantage Tucson drivers will appreciate in their daily driving and parking. In fact,Tucson’s turningdiameter bests Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Source: AutoPlanner
ALL-WEATHER PERFORMANCE
To make Tucson even more versatile, Hyundai engineers added an advanced electronic AWD system. The AWD system will automatically activate under any driving condition when needed, distributing the power equally and optimizing driving performance. Under normal driving, the system only distributes power to the front wheels, thereby reducing fuel consumption. The system includes a driver-selectable AWD lock allowing for a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels for off-road and very slippery conditions.
For even more driver control, the 2013 Tucson features Hyundai’s Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). HAC is designed to minimize rolling backwards on steep ascents. By selecting the DBC switch, the Hydro-Electronic Control unit manages the wheel speed sensors, steering angle sensor and acceleration sensor to maintain control and speed on steep declines without having to use the brake. DBC is not available on CR-V, Rogue, Escape or CX-5 and is typically found on luxury SUVs with much higher price tags.
Thoughtful Interior Design
The long wheelbase and generous width of Tucson, combined with Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, have produced an interior that delivers class-leading rear legroom. The Tucson has more passenger volume than Rogue and Escape at 101.9 cubic feet. The spacious cabin on Tucson Limited is further enhanced for all passengers by the available panoramic sunroof.
The high-tech cockpit comes standard with Hyundai’s signature blue lighting, proximity key with push button start, power windows, power door locks, fold-away mirrors and remote keyless entry with alarm and panic button. A Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition and steering wheel audio and cruise controls are also available. Another premium feature in the Tucson Limited is a CleanAir Ionizer that automatically kills germs within the system when the heater or air conditioner is running. Other available features include leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power driver seat with lumbar support, automatic headlights, front wiper de-icer and dual front automatic temperature control.
Audiophiles will love Tucson’s 160-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers. This system includes XM Satellite Radio® and iPod®/USB auxiliary inputs and an iPod cable as standard equipment.
The 2013 Tucson optional upgrades include a navigation system with rearview camera and XM NavTraffic. This navigation system also provides Bluetooth streaming audio capability. This easy-to-use unit can be controlled via a 6.5-inch LCD touch-screen or voice-activation by headliner-mounted microphone. The system comes matched with the 360-watt premium audio system that includes an external amplifier and subwoofer. It plays compact discs, accesses digital music files employing Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from a phone to the audio system.
STORAGE GALORE
The 2013 Tucson features a total of 19 different storage places and drink holders:
– Console storage tray
– Glove box
– Overhead sunglass storage
– Armrest storage compartment
– Two front seat drink holders
– Two rear center armrest drink holders
– Four bottle holders with grips – one in each door
– Four map pockets – one in each door
– Two seatback pockets
– Cargo area storage compartment
Advanced Standard Safety Technologies: PART OF HYUNDAI’S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT
Tucson is loaded with life-saving standard safety features including ESC with traction control, six airbags and active front head restraints. Its braking system features four-wheel disc brakes controlled by an advanced four-channel ABS with Brake Assist, providing maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance with uneven weight distribution.
The Tucson is engineered to provide its passengers with multiple defensive safety layers. The steel unibody has integrated crumple zones and a high-tensile front sub-frame designed to work together to reduce the forces that typically reach the passenger compartment. Particular attention has been paid to increasing the stiffness of the front side members which have been enlarged and straightened. Also, the center pillars serve as the anchors of a ring structure which improves overall side structure stiffness while also creating more room for the door armrest and seat. All four doors also have internal guard beams to protect passengers in a side-impact collision.
The entire body shell has been made stiffer and lighter thanks to the extensive use of ultra-high tensile strength steel, which comprises 68.9 percent of the shell. Also, the use of Tailor Welded Blanks (TWB) has been expanded on key structural members. TWB assemblies combine steels of different thickness and grades using a sophisticated laser welding and stamping process to achieve an optimal stiffness-to-weight ratio. TWBs reduce body weight while enhancing crash energy management. These safety systems helped to earn Tucson the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 model years.
Tucson’s standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant’s head and the head restraint during certain rear collisions and are highly recommended by safety organizations such as the IIHS.
The Tucson’s passenger restraint systems also help minimize injury. Three-point belts are provided at all five seating positions, and the front seatbelts have pretensioners and load limiters. There are two outboard rear seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child-seat anchors.
A total of six airbags are positioned in the Tucson’s interior. Dual advanced frontal airbags are complemented by front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors that cover both the front and rear seat rows.
Tucson also features a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) which alerts drivers if one or more tires are under inflated.
COLORS
The 2013 Tucson comes in nine colors with an optimum mix between lighter and darker colors to satisfy regional preferences. The colors are Cotton White, Diamond Silver, Graphite Gray, Ash Black, Garnet Red, Iris Blue, Aurora Blue, Chai Bronze and Kiwi Green. Three interior colors, Black, Taupe and Saddle are available.
PACKAGING
Tucson GL:
– 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine
– Five-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®
– EcoShift indicator (manual transmission)
– Active ECO System (automatic transmission model)
– Front-wheel drive
– Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS)
– Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
– Four-wheel disc brakes and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
– Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
– Multi-function trip computer
– Advanced front airbags, front side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors
– Active front head restraints
– Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
– Deluxe cloth seating surfaces
– AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with iPod®/USB and auxiliary input jacks and iPod® cable
– Air conditioning with cabin air filter
– Solar front glass
– Power windows
– Power door locks and mirrors
– Remote keyless entry system with alarm
– 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback
– 17-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers with P225/60 R17 tires
– Tilt steering wheel
– Black manual folding power mirrors
– Bodycolor rear spoiler with LED lights
– Variable intermittent front windshield wiper
– Rear wiper with washer
Tucson GLS:
The GLS includes all the GL Standard Equipment plus the following:
– 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine
– Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®
– Telescopic steering wheel
– 17-inch alloy wheels
– Premium Sachs suspension
– Bodycolor heated mirrors with turn signal repeaters
– Front fog lights
– Driver power window with auto up/down
– Automatic headlight control
– Leatherette bolster/cloth insert seats
– Heated front seats
– Front seatback pockets
– Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
– Bluetooth® hands-free phone system
– Illuminated vanity mirrors and glove compartment
– Steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls
– Soft touch interior paint
– Bodycolor door handles
– Side garnish
– Privacy glass
– Roof rack side rails
– Engine cover
Tucson Limited:
The Limited automatic front wheel drive includes all the GLS Standard Equipment plus the following:
– 18-inch alloy wheels with standard 225/55 R18 tires
– Leather seating surfaces
– Proximity key entry with push button start
– Power driver seat with power lumbar support
– Dual front automatic temperature control with CleanAir Ionizer
– Auto-dimming interior mirror with HomeLink®
– Deluxe door scuff
– Windshield wiper de-icer
– Retractable cargo cover
– Chrome grille and door handles
Limited Options:
– AWD
Premium Package includes:
– Panoramic sunroof (replaces roof side rails)
– Navigation system with 6.5-inch touch-screen
– Rearview camera
– Premium audio with external amplifier and subwoofer