The parametric diamond front grille, the Eagle Wing LED hidden day running lights, and the Eagle Claw LED running through the taillights, the new car in front of us looks so familiar that it is no different from the Tucson L we test drove half a year ago. However, the "Hybrid" exclusive tail tag at the rear of the car still reveals the new hybrid identity of the vehicle. As the first snow of 2022 approaches, we're having fun with the Tucson L Hybrid.
Over the years, with the change of consumer demand, the market share of hybrid models has gradually increased, and modern brands naturally will not miss such opportunities. In November last year, Beijing Hyundai officially launched its first SUV hybrid product, the Tucson L Hybrid. There are three models, all equipped with 2.0GDI hybrid engines, priced at 185,800 yuan to 225,800 yuan. The launch of the new car and the fifth-generation Tucson L form a "fuel + hybrid" dual-engine combination, which has become an important force for the brand to expand the SUV market segment.
Compared with the fuel version of the model, the biggest change in the new car begins from the moment the accelerator pedal is pressed, and the vehicle starts silently and smoothly, showing the characteristics of typical electric drive. The HSG start-up generator provides an escort for vehicle start-up and low-speed conditions, improving driving comfort at low speeds. In fact, the Tucson L Hybrid is equipped with a modern TMED hybrid system, which combines the engine, motor and transmission to achieve high transmission efficiency and low energy loss.
As the pedals deepened, the 2.0GDI hybrid-specific engine began to step in. The engine has a maximum power of 110.5 kW and a peak torque of 186 Nm, together with a 1.49 kWh permanent magnet synchronous motor, the system has a combined power of 142 kW and a combined torque of 350 Nm. Compared with boring data, the change in body sensation is more direct. Although the Tucson L Hybrid uses a 6-speed automatic transmission, its response speed is not fast, and it may even feel sluggish under rapid acceleration, but the benefit is that it is smoother.
Theoretically, modern hybrid drives have complex logic, and the system will intelligently distribute the use of engines and electric motors according to changes in working conditions, providing power response while ensuring fuel economy. The collaboration between the engine and the electric motor is smooth, the switching is seamless, and when the throttle is tapped, the electric motor is able to power the vehicle alone, even on the highway. With the help of the hybrid system, the WLC 100-kilometer comprehensive fuel consumption given by Beijing Hyundai official is 5.7 liters.
The Tucson L Hybrid offers three driving modes: ECO Eco, SMART Smart and SPORT Sport. Of course, in addition to the look and feel of the dashboard and the change of engine noise, the driving experience is not so obvious, and in most working conditions, the smart mode can cope with everything.
Thanks to the hard work of my colleagues, I was able to take a beautiful nap in the wide back row of the TuCson L.D. With a length of 4670 mm, a width of 1865 mm and a wheelbase of 2755 mm, the Tucson L Hybrid is impressively comfortable in the rear seats, in addition to its generous leg, elbow and head space. This seat can be adjusted in multiple levels, and even a "Beijing paralysis" is not a problem. Hyundai places the battery pack under the rear seats of the vehicle, which has little impact on the interior space of the vehicle, and the rear floor platform is flat. The trunk volume of the Tucson L Hybrid is 583 litres, and the rear seats can be expanded to 1904 litres when receded, and the loading capacity is considerable.
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, the Tucson L Hybrid is no different in appearance than the regular model. Hyundai's "Sensuous Sportiness" design concept and "Parametric Dynamics" form an important design concept for the vehicle. Other design details include the "Eagle Wing" LED hidden day running light and the parametric cut waistline.
If you've ever experienced the latest generation of Tucson L, you're no stranger to hybrid cockpits. Flying waterfall hugging cockpit, 10.4-inch vertical central control display, 10.25-inch open gauge, button electronic shift mechanism, three-spoke flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel constitute the main language of the new car. Tucson L Hybrid also focuses on the shaping of the sense of luxury, and the user experience is sublimated by the skin-friendly materials, stitching, decorative fineness and the treatment of the mood light. In our test drive experience, whether it is paved road cruising, or a short non-paved road light experience, under normal working conditions, the noise of the vehicle is properly controlled, and the wind noise, tire noise and engine sound that enter the cabin are controlled at a reasonable level, and the daily driving quiet can be guaranteed.
Turning over the list of Tucson L hybrid models, there is no shortage of popular functional features. The vehicle provides BLE Bluetooth key, wireless charging, supports folding heating of exterior mirrors, heating of front seats, and is equipped with fixed speed cruise, electronic handbrake, automatic parking and so on. At the same time, the new car integrates the Baidu intelligent network connection 3.0 system, pre-installed QQ music, Baidu map, listening companion and other common app, and provides natural speech recognition, intelligent car home mutual control, user location interconnection, BlueLink, location sharing and other intelligent remote services. All in all, this is a strong list of high-end equipment.
Towards the end of the year, Beijing's urban road network is still full of traffic. Yes, it's time for the Hyundai SmartSense "Mind-in-One" driver assistance system to kick in. With up to 23 ADAS configurations, the system assists vehicles in the 0-180 km/h speed range to stay in the center of the lane and detects the lane line in front of it through the camera to help control steering and prevent lane departures. On our high-end models, we also provide high-end intelligent assistance functions such as HDA Highway Driver Assistance and NSCC Navigation-based Intelligent Cruise Control. In addition, the activation and shutdown of the system are one-click and clearly marked on the meter.
Beijing Hyundai Tucson L hybrid
Basic price (10,000 RMB): 18.58-22.58
Body type: front-mounted front-drive, four-door five-seat compact SUV
Engine: 2.0 L naturally aspirated; 110.5 kW @ 6000 rpm, 186 Nm @ 5000 rpm
Electric motor: 44.2 kW, 264 Nm
System output power: 142 kW
Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission
Body size (mm: 4670/1865/1690
Wheelbase (mm): 2755
Luggage compartment volume (L): 583-1904
Combined fuel consumption (L/100km): 5.6-5.7
Worth buying: unique design, wide space, smooth power transmission
Reconsider: the athletic ability is not prominent, and the medium and high-speed NVH needs to be strengthened
Recommended Index: ★★★★ (4.0 stars)
With the addition of hybrid models, the products of the Beijing Hyundai Tucson L family cover from 161,800 yuan to 225,800 yuan, and the choice range is wider. In contrast, the Tucson L Hybrid Edition, although the overall price is higher than the base model, is smoother and smoother, while also having fuel economy, so the extra cost is worth it.