Timely facelift for Tucson

What is it with car companies and the Gregorian calendar? It's been around for over 400 years, but automotive manufacturers just don't seem to have the hang of it.

Yesterday, Jeep revealed their 2008 model Grand Cherokee, already eight months into 2008. Subsequently, Hyundai has announced its 2009 model Tucson -- four months ahead of schedule!

The 'early bird' Tucson has been refreshed with additional standard features and a mild facelift, comprising a revised grille, change of colour for the front indicator lens, a re-styled rear garnish, new alloy wheel designs and a charcoal-black interior.

ESP and traction control were not previously fitted to the base-grade front-wheel drive model, the Tucson City SX, and the all-wheel drive Tucson SX, but have been included in the specification for the new model year and are now standard across the range.

The Bluetooth-compatible audio system reported previously by the Carsales Network (more here), is now a standard feature for all Tucson variants.

A new five-spoke alloy wheel design serves to distinguish the entry-level Tucson City SX from other variants. With the addition of auto-on/off headlights and a trip computer to this model, these features are now standard for all Tucson variants.

The higher-grade Tucson City Elite adopts full leather trim in lieu of the previous leather/moquette combination and is the most luxurious grade of Tucson, although the V6-powered Tucson AWD SX remains more expensive.
 
On the subject of the lone all-wheel drive model, the Tucson SX V6 can be identified by a unique alloy wheel design featuring five paired spokes, protective cladding for the lower flanks and dual chrome exhaust outlets.

Hyundai is introducing a new 'Protectz Pack' option for the SX grade models (not the Tucson City Elite). This pack, priced at $700, adds side-curtain airbags and side-impact airbags to reduce trauma to the thorax for front-seat occupants.

Four new metallic colour options ($320) have been added to the colour selection palette for the new model year. These are Sleek Silver, Iron Blue, Silver Grey and Dark Bronze.

Prices have risen by $500 across the board, with the Tucson City SX manual priced at $25,490. The four-speed automatic option for this variant costs a further $2000 ($27,490). For a further $3000 ($30,490), buyers can purchase the Tucson City Elite and the sole all-wheel drive model, the Tucson SX V6 is priced $1000 above that -- $31,490.

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