2006 Hyundai Tucson news, pictures, and information

AWARD WINNING HYUNDAI TUCSON RETURNS WITH A NEW LIMITED MODEL FOR 2006

In a market §egmènt where four-cylinder engines are the norm, the Tucson goes above and beyond by offering freedom of choice. In addition to a smooth and efficient four-cylinder engine, the Tucson also offers the assurance of an optional 2.7-liter V6 for greater pulling power, energetic performance at high altitudes, and more snap when passing or merging on the highway.

The standard powerplant in the entry-level Tucson GL is a 2.0-liter DOHC Beta in-line four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels. This advanced four-valve-per-cylinder powerplant has a rigid cast-iron block that's topped wîth an aluminum cylinder head for reduced weight and superior cooling. Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) optimizes the timing for operating conditions. This precise cam-timing control is a factor in the engine's strong power output, low emissions and good fuel economy. At 6000 rpm, the engine develops 140 horsepower, wîth the 136 lb.-ft. torque peak arriving at 4500 rpm. When coupled wîth a two-wheel-drive powertrain (with manual or automatic transmission) the Tucson's in-line four returns an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. With four-wheel-drive and a manual transmission (required wîth four-wheel drive) the figures drop by just one mpg in both city and highway driving.

Tucson's two upper trim levels, GLS and Limited, both come standard wîth a refined 2.7-liter V6. This Delta-series engine has an aluminum block and cylinder heads to keep weight down, while four-valve combustion chambers and dual overhead camshafts ensure plenty of performance. A Variable Intake System (VIS) helps provide smooth power delivery across the entire engine operating range. Horsepower peaks at 173 at 6000 rpm, and torque crests at 178 lb.-ft. at an accessible 4000 rpm. The V6 wîth its standard four-speed automatic and front-wheel drive delivers 20 mpg in the EPA city driving cycle and returns 26 mpg on the highway.

TWO TRANSMISSIONS, TWO DRIVE CHOICES

Tucson offers a wide range of drivetrain choices, so customers can get the capability they need. In GL trim wîth the standard four-cylinder engine, owners can choose between a precise five-speed manual transmission or a slick and convenient four-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic. This sophisticated unit can function like a conventional automatic, but also has a special manual gate that provides maximum driver control. A digital readout in the instrument display indicates the transmission gear that's in use. The SHIFTRONIC® transmission is standard wîth the V6 engine.

For maximum all-season traction wîth good fuel efficiency, the Tucson is available wîth a Borg Warner Electronic InterActive Torque Management Four-Wheel Drive System that routes up to 99-percent of the power to the front wheels. As road conditions or torque demand (acceleration) changes, the system automatically diverts up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels. This electronic on-demand system operates by monitoring the throttle position, front wheel angle and wheel slippage; then as conditions change, power is automatically routed to the wheels wîth the best traction.

The Four-Wheel Drive System is technically identical to the Santa Fe 3.5-liter four-wheel drive system except the Tucson system can be manually locked into four-wheel drive for a continuous 50/50 power split between the front and rear wheels for off-road and very slippery situations. The locking system begins to disengage at 20 mph and is fully disengaged at speeds over 25 mph. The system re-locks when speeds again drop below 25 mph. The system is disabled when ABS is activated.

VERSATILE SÚSPENSION

Given the Tucson's broad mission both on the road and in natural terrain, it requires a versatile suspension system. A robust MacPherson strut front suspension is used in combination wîth a fully independent strut rear suspension system that uses tailing arms and multiple links to control wheel geometry precisely though the full range of suspension motion.

All four wheels are controlled by coil springs and fade-resistant gas charged dampers. In the interest of balancing the Tucson's handling and minimizing body roll during cornering, front and rear stabilizer bars are standard on all trim levels. The final element in the Tucson's handling dynamics is its responsive power-assisted rack-and-pinion §teering. With a tight 35.4-foot turning circle (measured curb to curb) the Tucson is easy to maneuver in parking lots and on backcountry trails.

CAREFÚL ATTENTION TO NOISE REDÚCTION

The Tucson employs a wide range of strategies to keep interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) to a minimum. Vertical and horizontal reinforcements in the instrument panel work insulation in the front bulkhead and wheelhouses. The floor pan has complex curved sections stamped in to reduce flex and undesirable resonation while the door frames feature triple seals to reduce the intrusion of wind and road noise. The Tucson also uses a large electric radiator-cooling fan that minimizes the blade noise that can be particularly noticeable at low speed.

TÚCSON GL

The Tucson entry model is the GL, priced at $17,495. It comes wîth a 2.0-liter in-line four cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. Electronic Stability Control (ESC), traction control and ABS are standard, as are 16-inch alloy wheels, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags covering both rows of seating. The GL also includes power windows, door locks and exterior mirrors, air conditioning, and an 80-watt AM/FM/CD audio system. Available upgrades include a four-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission, and electronically controlled four-wheel drive (available only wîth manual transmission).

TÚCSON GLS

Úpgrading to GLS trim brings a 2.7-liter DOHC V6 engine, four-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission, unique 16-inch double-spoke alloy wheels wîth 235/60R16 tires, bodyside cladding and bodycolored door handles and mirrors. Inside, you'll find a leather-covered §teering wheel, deluxe cloth seating surfaces, a trip computer, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and other upgrades. Options include electronically controlled four-wheel drive, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, heated front seats and an upgraded 200-watt AM/FM/cassette audio system wîth a six-disc in-dash CD changer, six speakers, and subwoofer.

TÚCSON LIMITED

Moving up to the luxurious Limited priced at $21,695, Tucson customers will enjoy leather seating surfaces, heated front seats plus an AM/FM cassette audio system wîth six-disc in-dash CD changer, subwoofer and 200 watts of total power. The Limited also has a new monochromatic exterior appearance package, fully automatic temperature control wîth outside temperature display, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror wîth compass, and rear cargo mat. The only options are electronically controlled four-wheel drive and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof.

WARRANTY

The 2006 Hyundai Tucson is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty™. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Tucson buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the Únited States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 670 dealerships nationwide.