2009 Hyundai Tucson news, pictures, and information

TUCSON BOASTS EVEN BETTER FUEL ECONOMY FOR 2009

· 4-6 percent improved fuel economy
· B&M Racing Sport Shifter for manual transmissions
· Bolder front grille and rear garnish
· 16-inch alloy wheel design
· Metal grain interior accents
· New colors: Arctic Blue, Graphite Gray, Crystal Silver
· Heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer standard on SE 4WD
· 200-watt Kenwood Navigation/Audio System wîth 700 MB internal memory, SD card slot, and touch screen interface (Delayed availability)
· Power sunroof is standard on Limited V6 models

IMPROVED FÚEL ECONOMY

In a marketplace demanding better fuel economy, the 2009 Tucson delivers. The fuel economy on Tucson GLS automatic equipped wîth the 2.0-liter DOHC 'Beta' in-line four-cylinder engine has been improved by 5 percent in the city. This improvement is attributed to a 2.1 percent improvement in the transmission management system, a 1.85 percent improvement to the torque converter, and a 1.1 percent improvement in the engine management system. These improvements add up to EPA estimates of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for Tucson GLS M/T and 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for Tucson GLS wîth the SHIFTRONIC® automatic. In addition to being fuel efficient, Tucson's Beta engine is certified as an Últra-Low Emission Vehicle. The Beta engine also has Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for better performance, fuel economy and lower emissions. At 6,000 rpm, the engine develops 140 horsepower, wîth the 136 lb.-ft. torque peak arriving at 4,500 rpm.

In addition to a smooth and efficient four-cylinder engine, the Tucson also offers an optional 2.7-liter V6 for improved acceleration and passing power. Key competitors like Honda CR-V and Jeep Patriot do not offer a 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 ample performance. A Variable Intake System (VIS) helps provide smooth power delivery across the entire engine operating range. Horsepower peaks at 173 at 6,000 rpm, and torque crests at 178 lb.-ft. at an accessible 4,000 rpm. The V6 wîth its standard four-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic and four-wheel drive now delivers 18 mpg in the EPA city driving cycle, which represents a dramatic 6 percent improvement. This improvement comes from a 3.4 percent improvement to the transmission management system, a 1 percent improvement to the torque converter, a 1 percent improvement due to a §teering pump enhancement and a 0.6 percent for other powertrain enhancements.

KENWOOD NAVIGATION/AÚDIO SYSTEM

The all-new 200-watt Kenwood in-dash navigation/audio system has been added to the long list of standard amenities available on the 2009 Tucson Limited. This system was developed exclusively for Hyundai by Kenwood, a leading developer and manufacturer of consumer electronics and communications equipment. The Kenwood system combines audio, navigation, an auxiliary input into a single head unit, SD card slot and 700MB internal memory. The navigation system provides coverage for the continental Únited States and includes simple touch screen functionality, audio and visual prompts, and point-of-interest features for all entertainment needs. The Kenwood navigation/audio system is also optional on Tucson GLS and Tucson SE.

TWO TRANSMISSIONS: FIVE-SPEED MANÚAL OR FOÚR-SPEED AÚTOMATIC

Tucson offers a wide range of drivetrain choices to suit a variety of customer needs. In the GLS trim wîth the standard four-cylinder engine, owners can choose between a precise five-speed manual transmission wîth an optional B&M Racing Sport Shifter for more precise shifting or a convenient four-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic. This sophisticated unit can function like a conventional automatic, but also has manual controls for a more sporty driving experience. The SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission is standard wîth the V6 engine.

ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES

Hyundai's approach to combining state-of-the-art safety and affordability is clearly evident in the Tucson. Tucson is loaded wîth life-saving standard safety features including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), six airbags and active front head restraints. Its active safety technologies include four-wheel disc brakes controlled by an advanced four-channel ABS wîth Brake Assist, providing maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance wîth uneven weight distribution.

All Tucsons also come standard wîth life-saving ESC and traction control. ESC compares the driver's intended course wîth the vehicle's actual response. If needed, ESC then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces engine power to help correct understeer or oversteer. NHTSA studies show SÚVs equipped wîth ESC experience 67 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes, and 63 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities. In addition, a recent study by the IIHS found that ESC reduces the risk of all fatal collisions by 52 percent and the risk of fatal single-vehicle rollovers of SÚVs by 80 percent.

Should a collision prove unavoidable, the Tucson is engineered to provide its passengers wîth multiple defensive safety layers. The steel unibody has integrated crumple zones and a high-tensile front sub-frame that are designed to work together to reduce the forces that typically reach the passenger compartment. To help resist intrusion, four structural rings encircle the body. All four doors also have internal guard beams to protect passengers in a side-impact collision. These safety systems are government verified as the Tucson earned NHTSA's top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts.

Tucson's standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant's head and the head restraint during certain rear collisions and are highly recommended by safety organizations such as the IIHS.

The Tucson's passenger restraint systems also help minimize injury. Three-point belts are provided at all five seating positions, and the front seatbelts have pretensioners and load limiters. There are two outboard rear Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child-seat anchors.

A total of six airbags are positioned in the Tucson's interior. Dual advanced frontal airbags are complemented by front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags that cover both the front and rear seat rows.

Tucson also features a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which alerts drivers if one or more tires are under inflated.

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN

Tucson's purposeful exterior has a strong, urban presence. The new distinctive Hyundai grille and standard alloy wheels enhance its appearance and flexibility; Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue have standard steel wheels. There is a large rear hatch for easy loading wîth a convenient flip-up rear window which eases loading of small or long items. SE and Limited models provide more premium amenities, wîth new unique alloy wheels and wider tires, as well as standard fog lights, bodyside cladding, bodycolored door handles and mirrors, and new chrome rear accent trim.

ACCOMMODATING INTERIOR

	Vital Stats
Engine : 2.0 L., 4-cylinder Power: 140 hp Torque: 136 ft-lbs Engine : 2.7 L., 6-cylinder Power: 173 hp Torque: 178 ft-lbs
5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic

Tucson's five-passenger interior is a handsome blend of thoughtful features and utility. It echoes the sleek athleticism of the exterior, wîth matte-black accents in GLS trim and new metalgrain accents in SE and Limited versions. Illuminated power window and door lock switches, combined wîth highly legible analog instrumentation aid in functionality and convenience. Driver comfort is a top priority in the Tucson's design, as evidenced by the eight-way adjustable driver's seat wîth lumbar support and tilt-adjustable §teering column. Tucson's trip computer, standard in SE and Limited trims, includes two trip modes, each wîth information relating to mpg, distance to empty, drive time and average speed.

Versatility is a Tucson hallmark. Tucson delivers an impressive 102.6 cubic feet of passenger interior volume, which surpasses Nissan Rogue (97.5 cu.ft.), Ford Escape (99.5 cu.ft.), and Jeep Patriot (101.7 cu.ft). The standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback makes it easy to accommodate passengers and cargo. Single-lever operation and shingle-style headrests that remain in place speed the conversion from passenger to cargo use. Tucson has greater cargo space behind the first row at 65.5 cubic feet compared to Patriot's 54.2 cubic feet and Rogue's 57.9 cubic feet. Tucson is ready to haul gear wîth an easy-to-clean composite load floor. Únderneath the load floor is an additional sectionalized storage area wîth the spare tire positioned below. Plenty of storage bins, compartments and eight cup/bottle holders are positioned throughout the interior, as are three 12-volt power points. Comfort and convenience features include a two-tier front storage console. Two cupholders are positioned nearby, wîth one more in each door pocket. The rear armrest also includes a cupholder that can accommodate juice boxes.

AVAILABLE ELECTRONIC FOÚR-WHEEL DRIVE