Tucson Packs New Entertainment With Standard XM Satelite Radio®, Auxilary Jack And Other Upgrades

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Already loaded with life saving standard safety features including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six airbags, the enhanced Tucson will be more occupant-friendly starting in the first quarter of 2008 with new active front head restraints. According to the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) models with improved rear crash protection all have “active” head restraint designs. Tucson is also the only crossover in its class with standard XM Satellite Radio® and an auxiliary audio input.

NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2008
– Active front head restraints (available first quarter of 2008)
– XM Satellite Radio with three months of free service (available first quarter of 2008)
– Auxiliary input jack (available first quarter of 2008)
– Gray leather interior replaced with black leather interior
– Six-disc CD changer now standard on Limited trim

The award-winning Tucson has been honored with numerous accolades for its value, quality and safety, including the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) highest five star safety rating. In fact, in its debut year, the Tucson received top honors in J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study, as the industry’s highest quality all-new model launched in 2005 and for the highest initial quality in the compact multi-activity vehicle segment in 2006. The Tucson was also named a Best New-Car Value Winner by SmartMoney magazine and was a “recommended” buy in the Compact SUV category in the Consumer Guide Automotive list.

ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES

Hyundai’s approach to combining state-of-the art safety and affordability is clearly evident in the Tucson. Its active safety technologies include four-wheel disc brakes controlled by advanced four-channel ABS that includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance with uneven weight distribution. By the first quarter, all Tucsons also have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and life saving ESC as standard along with traction control. ESC compares the driver’s intended course with 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 SUVs equipped with 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 SUVs by 80 percent.

Should a collision prove unavoidable, the Tucson is engineered to provide its passengers with 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 new 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.

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN

Tucson’s purposeful exterior has a tough, capable presence with a rugged bumper and higher ground clearance. The distinctive Hyundai grille, standard alloy wheels and roof rails enhance its appearance and flexibility. There is a large rear hatch for easy loading with a convenient flip-up rear window which eases loading of small or long items. SE and Limited models provide more premium amenities, with standard unique double-spoke alloy wheels and wider tires, as well as standard fog lights, bodyside cladding, bodycolored door handles and mirrors and chrome rear accent trim.

ACCOMMODATING INTERIOR

Tucson’s five-passenger interior is a handsome blend of thoughtful features and utility. It echoes the sleek athleticism of the exterior, with matte-black accents in GLS trim and metalgrain accents in SE and Limited versions. Illuminated power window and door lock switches combine with highly legible analog instrumentation to aid functionality and convenience. Driver comfort is a top priority in the Tucson’s design, as evidenced by the 10-way adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-adjustable steering column. The Tucson’s trip computer, standard in SE and Limited trims, includes two trip modes, each with information relating to mpg, distance to empty, drive time and average speed.

Versatility is a Tucson hallmark. 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. Another useful feature is the front passenger seatback that can fold flat either forward or backward, further adding to loading and cargo carrying versatility. To help secure cargo, there are three grocery bag hooks, six flush-mount metal tie-down anchor points and six cargo net mounting points. Tucson is ready to haul gear with an easy-to-clean composite load floor. Underneath the load floor is an additional sectionalized storage area with 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 with a two-position padded armrest. Two cupholders are positioned nearby, with one more in each door pocket. The rear armrest also includes a cupholder that can accommodate juice boxes.

TWO ENGINES: 4-CYLINDER ECONOMY OR REFINED V6 POWER

In a market segment where four-cylinder engines are more typical, the Tucson goes above and beyond by offering freedom of choice. The standard powerplant in all Tucsons 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 with an aluminum cylinder head for reduced weight and superior cooling. Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) optimizes the valve timing for better performance, fuel economy and lower emissions. At 6,000 rpm, the engine develops 140 horsepower, with the 136 lb.-ft. torque peak arriving at 4,500 rpm. When coupled with a two-wheel-drive powertrain and four-speed automatic transmission the Tucson’s inline four returns newly revised EPA estimates of 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

In addition to a smooth and efficient four-cylinder engine, the Tucson also offers a refined optional 2.7-liter V6 for improved acceleration and passing power. 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 6,000 rpm, and torque crests at 178 lb.-ft. at an accessible 4,000 rpm. The V6 with its standard four-speed automatic and front-wheel drive now delivers 18 mpg in the EPA city driving cycle and returns 24 mpg on the highway.

TWO TRANSMISSIONS: FIVE-SPEED MANUAL OR FOUR-SPEED AUTOMATIC

Tucson offers a wide range of drivetrain choices to suit a variety of customer needs. In GLS trim with 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 manual controls for a more sporty driving experience. The SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission is standard with the V-6 engine.

AVAILABLE ELECTRONIC ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

For maximum all-season traction with good fuel efficiency, Tucson V6 models are available with Electronic Torque Management All-Wheel Drive (AWD) 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 on-demand system operates quickly and unobtrusively by monitoring the throttle position, front wheel angle, wheel slippage and routes power to the axle offering the best traction.

The AWD 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 is disabled when ABS is activated to provide optimal braking performance.

VERSATILE SUSPENSION

Given the Tucson’s broad mission both on the road and in the occasional off-road situation, it requires a versatile suspension system. A robust MacPherson strut front suspension is used in combination with 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. Tucson’s handling dynamics are supervised by a responsive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system. 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.

CAREFUL ATTENTION TO NOISE REDUCTION
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 include 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 blade noise typically noticeable at lower speeds.

TUCSON GLS

The Tucson entry model is the GLS. It comes standard with a 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. Electronic Stability Control, traction control and ABS are standard, as are 16-inch alloy wheels, advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags covering both rows of seating. The GLS also includes power windows, door locks and exterior mirrors and an 80-watt AM/FM/CD audio system. Standard active front head restraints, XM Satellite Radio, tire pressure monitoring and the auxiliary jack will be available first quarter of 2008. Options include a four-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, air conditioning and cruise control.

TUCSON SE

Stepping up to the mid-range SE trim brings a 2.7-liter DOHC V-6 engine, four-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, unique 16-inch double-spoke alloy wheels with 235/60R16 tires, bodyside cladding, foglights and bodycolored door handles and mirrors. Interior features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and deluxe cloth seating surfaces. SE models also include a standard 140-watt AM/FM/CD/Cassette audio system, air conditioning, cruise control and trip computer with two modes, which in addition to mpg and distance to empty, now include drive time and average speed. Standard XM Satellite Radio, an auxiliary jack and active front head restraints will be available first quarter of 2008. Options include electronically controlled four-wheel drive, power tilt-and-slide sunroof and heated front seats.

TUCSON LIMITED

Moving up to the luxurious Limited, Tucson customers will enjoy leather seating surfaces and a standard 200-watt AM/FM audio system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, six speakers and subwoofer. The Limited also has a monochromatic exterior appearance package, fully automatic temperature control with outside temperature display, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass, and rear cargo mat. New for 2008 is a standard XM Satellite Radio, an auxiliary jack and active front head restraints which will be available first quarter of 2008. The only options are electronically controlled four-wheel drive and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof.

WARRANTY

The 2008 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

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 750 dealerships nationwide.