Hyundai are aiming high with this improved version of their stylish Tucson, a sharpsuited family midsized SUV aimed at the Qashqaiclass.

With this Tucson model, Hyundai has got serious about the growing Qashqaiclass family Crossover segment, delivering pretty much everything buyers are looking for in this kind of car in one smartlystyled reasonably spacious package. We're told it'll 'change the way you drive': it's certainly changed this brand's fortunes in this sector, now being the Korean maker's best selling car.

Background
The Tucson is a huge car for Hyundai, with more than 600,000 units sold to date before the arrival of this facelifted version. This MK2 model replaced the old ix35 crossover in the Korean company's range back in 2015 and has sold much more strongly, thanks to higher quality, extra technology, greater standards of safety, more space and sharper driving dynamics too.

Mind you, it's priced to reflect that level of prowess: Hyundai has long abandoned its bargain basement beginnings. Can what's on offer in this improved model improved safety, media connectivity and the option of a mild hybrid diesel powertrain really justify that? And offer a genuine alternative to established players from Nissan, Skoda and Peugeot in this sector? Time to find out.

Driving Experience
People have come to expect a lot when it comes to driving midsized SUVs. Although they want a lofty perch, they also want to feel like they could be driving a hatchback. The Tucson delivers exactly this blend of virtues, hence its very roadbiased suspension setup and the overwhelming emphasis on two wheel drive models across the range though a 4WD setup is available too. That 4WD system is fine for slippery surfaces but don't expect a great deal of mud plugging ability. And engines? Well the petrol range is made up of a normally aspirated 1.6litre GDI 132PS unit and a much pokier TGDI turbo 177PS powerplant. Go for the TGDI variant and you get the option of the brand's sevenspeed 7DCT dualclutch automatic gearbox, also offered elsewhere in the range. Most Tucson buyers though, want a diesel. For buyers wanting to fuel from the black pump, the range starts with a 115PS 1.6litre CRDi variant, which uses the brand's new 'U3'series engine.

The key news here though, lies with the 2.0litre CRDi version, which now features Hyundai's first mild hybrid diesel powertrain. The system supplements acceleration with power from a compact 0.44 kWh 48volt lithiumion battery, and extends engine 'off time' with a new MildHybrid StarterGenerator (MHSG) unit. The MHSG is connected by belt to the engine's crankshaft, and switches seamlessly between 'motor' and 'generator' modes. In 'motor' mode the battery is discharged under acceleration, providing power assistance to the engine, to reduce engine load and emissions. Under deceleration when braking, or coasting towards a junction or downhill the MHSG switches to 'generator' mode, recuperating energy from the crankshaft to recharge the battery onthego.

Design and Build
You'll need to be pretty familiar with this Hyundai to notice the exterior changes made to this revised model, but Hyundai insists that there are plenty if you look closely. The brand's signature 'Cascading Grille' makes an appearance at the front, along with restyling for the headlights, the fog lamps, the front bumper and the skid plates. The side profile features smarter wheel designs in 16, 17, 18 and 19inch sizes. At the rear, this Tucson receives a sleeker tail light design, with a redesigned bumper and exhaust tailpipe. The overall look may not be as overt as you'd find with some rivals but you could never call it dull and the effect is especially nice with the 19" wheels fitted to Premium models.

Inside, changes include a redesigned soft touch dashboard and central touchscreen display audio system, with a DAB tuner, plus 'Apple Car Play' and 'Android Auto' smartphonemirroring now standard across the range. As before, there's 513litres of seatsup boot space available (or slightly less if you go for 4WD), so in this regard, the Tucson continues to comfortably beat Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar direct rivals. Fold the seats down and this capacity increases to 1503litres (or 25litres less for 4WD). Rear seat space is good, although the rear doors are a little on the small side.

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