Hyundai Tucson '30' Special Edition 2016 Review

Hyundai Tucson '30' Special Edition
Quick Spin

What’s it all about?
Hyundai is one of the world's biggest car-makers, employing 110,000 people globally and last year selling almost five million vehicles worldwide, but it wasn't always.

Established in Korea in 1967, Hyundai was brought Down Under in 1986 by colourful West Australian businessman Alan Bond, who launched the brand with just one model, the ‘cheap and cheerful’ Excel.

Priced from $9990 the Excel was initially sold through a single dealership, beginning the story of a trusted and nationally-recognised importer which tallied its millionth local sale just 26 years later.

Skip forward to 2016 and Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA), as it’s been known since 2003, celebrates its on-going success with a pair of limited-edition SUVs.

Tested here is the Tucson '30' Special Edition, a derivative of the second-tier Tucson Active X five-seat SUV; itself a descendant of HMCA’s one-millionth-selling vehicle, the ix35.

How much will it cost?
Just 300 examples of the Tucson '30' Special Edition will be available, retailing from $37,750 (plus on-road costs).

In addition to those features found on the derivative Tucson Active X variant, the Tucson '30' Special Edition adds matte grey side steps, matte black 19-inch RAYS alloy wheels, a twin-outlet exhaust and sporty rear diffuser. It’s finished in a unique Ash Blue paint and sports commemorative '30' badging.

The list price includes Hyundai’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, as well as its Lifetime Capped-Price Service Service and roadside assistance scheme.

Why should I buy it?
Like all limited-edition models, the Tucson '30' Special Edition is all about getting a few nice-to-have extras for only a little extra cost.

In this case, and in addition to the added features listed above, the Tucson '30' Special Edition includes Hyundai’s 130kW/265Nm direct-injected and turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and the all-wheel drive configuration usually reserved for the higher-grade Tucson Elite (from $38,240 plus ORCs).

The Tucson range scores a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and includes as standard six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control and a reversing camera. Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is available higher in the model range.

When is it available in Australia?
The Tucson '30' Special Edition goes on sale from September 2016. Just 300 units are available nation-wide, and are expected to sell quickly.

“We wanted to do something special to commemorate Hyundai’s 30 proud years in Australia and I’m happy to say we’ve achieved that with our unique Tucson '30' and Santa Fe '30' Special Editions,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia COO, Scott Grant.

“These limited-edition versions of our stand-out Medium and Large SUV contenders really live up to their '30' Special Edition status. They combine real value, unique looks, features and enhanced performance. I honestly expect they’ll sell quickly.”

Who will it appeal to?
Family buyers looking to squeeze maximum value from their spend are in Hyundai’s sights. With all-wheel drive security included in the deal, the Tucson '30' Special Edition will certainly appeal to buyers struggling to stretch up to the next rung in Hyundai’s mid-size SUV range.

The Korean-built Tucson offers seating for five and 488 litres of cargo space with the seats in place. Flip the 60:40 rear bench and cargo capacity grows to 1478 litres.

Braked towing is rated to 1600kg, perfect for a pop-up camper, Jet Ski or light trailer.

Tech-savvy buyers will also appreciate the Tucson '30' Special Edition’s infotainment system offering, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Where does it fit?
Slotting neatly into the Medium SUV segment, the Tucson '30' Special Edition sits just ahead of the second-tier Tucson Active X, and just below the mid-grade Tucson Elite. The Tucson range begins with the Tucson Active (from $27,990 plus ORCs) and tops-out with the Tucson Highlander (from $47,450 plus ORCs).

Like most of the Medium SUV segment, the Tucson range is offered with a mix of engines and drivetrain configurations. For the Tucson these include a 2.0-litre petrol, a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, as well as the choice of manual, dual-clutch and automatic transmission, and the availability of front and all-wheel drive.

The Tucson vies with Medium SUV competitors including the Ford Kuga, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-TRAIL, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.

So, what do we think?
The value equation of the Tucson '30' Special Edition is pretty hard to go past. The dress items are one thing, but the inclusion of all-wheel drive and a peppy turbo engine is the real clincher here.

On-road the pairing provides spritely performance, especially at overtaking speeds. The transmission is quick-acting and reasonably compliant, though fuel economy isn’t as sharp as the claim (see below).

As noted in our recent Medium SUV Comparison, the Tucson’s blend of confident handling and a comfortable ride are a stand-out in the class. The Tucson steers accurately and provides trustworthy braking performance backed by seamless electronic driver aids.

On test, the AWD system and its centre differential lock also proved handy, easily freeing the Tucson '30' Special Edition from snowy ground.

If a mid-size SUV is on your shopping list, you really should consider stretching the budget for the Tucson '30' Special Edition. The addition of AWD,  the extra equipment and the sporty blue-on-black looks make it a very worthwhile proposition.

2016 Hyundai Tucson '30' Special Edition pricing and specifications:
Price: $37,750 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 130kW/265Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 7.7L/100km (ADR Combined), 9.2L/100km as tested
CO2: 178g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Ford Kuga Trend (from $36,890 plus ORCs)
>> Kia Sportage SLi (from $33,990 plus ORCs)
>> Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport (from $35,790 plus ORCs)

Related reading:
>> Hyundai Tucson Active X 2016 Review
>> Medium SUV 2016 Comparison