Hyundai, which has already started taking orders for the dramatically-styled new Tucson, has just given us details of the new plug-in hybrid version, which will be available from spring next year.
Potential fuel savings
While Hyundai Ireland expects that the non-plug-in (are we allowed to say 'self-charging'?) hybrid model will be the best-selling version here, the plug-in hybrid brings obvious tax benefits and potentially massive fuel savings, if you're prepared to be diligent and plug it in regularly.
"The plug-in hybrid powertrain represents a new milestone in the Tucson range," says Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing & Product at Hyundai Motor Europe. "With petrol mild hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options, the all-new Tucson offers the widest range of electrified powertrains in its segment. This is just the latest proof of Hyundai's commitment to electro-mobility."
265hp and 350Nm of torque
The Tucson plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre T-GDI turbo petrol four-cylinder engine with a 66.9kW electric motor, and a 13.8kWh battery. Combined, the powertrain produces 265hp and 350Nm of torque. The electric motor on its own develops a peak of 304Nm.
The Tucson plug-in hybrid drives all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. It also incorporates some trick aerodynamics. Behind that complex radiator grille, there's an active air intake flap, that opens and closes as needed, improving air-flow into and around the car, depending on how much cooling the engine needs.
Hyundai reckons that the Tucson plug-in's electric-only range will be 'over 50km on the WLTP cycle' but the final figure is to be confirmed. There's a 7.2kW on-board charging system, so it'll charge reasonably briskly from either a home wallbox or a public charger. CO2 emissions figures haven't yet been issued.
Smaller boot than standard model
The installation of the battery and fuel tank has eaten into boot space a little. While a conventional petrol-engined Tucson has a 620-litre boot, this plug-in model has to make do with 558 litres, but that's still significantly more than you'd find in the boot of the outgoing, perennially popular Tucson. That luggage space expands 1,737 litres with the rear seats folded.
That four-wheel drive system comes with HTRAC terrain response technology, and there's optional adaptive dampers for the suspension. We'll update with Irish prices and arrival dates when we have them.