New Tucson Sport launched at Killarney

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MOTORING NEWS AND VIDEO - Hyundai recently launched a new derivative of their Tucson, the Sport, at the Killarney race track in Cape Town and I was as excited as a little boy at the prospect of taking this baby through its paces on the track.

In South Africa the Tucson range has been bolstered with a new bold look, engine power and torque boost and a deep exhaust sound to claim its territory as the sportier version of this SUV.

The new Hyundai Tucsons waiting for the journalists to take them through their paces. Photo: Wessel van Heerden

When we arrived at the hotel, the new Hyundai Tucson Sport was waiting for us. Following a bit of city driving we headed for the track. The Sport is available in two derivatives: the petrol version with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, and a diesel version with a 2-litre turbocharged engine.

The 1.6-litre delivers 150kW at 5 500 r/min and maximum torque of 300Nm at 4 500 r/min. Power is fed to the front wheels through an automatic 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), with the option of manual shift override.

New Hyundai Tucson Sport from behind.

The 2-litre turbo diesel also delivers 150kW, but at lower engine revolutions of 4 000 r/min. Torque delivery is an impressive 460Nm in an engine speed range of 1 750 to 2 750 r/min. It is coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, but like the petrol version, it offers a manual shift option and delivers power to the front wheels.

The car was fun to drive and with its vehicle stability management system, road holding was tops. It came in especially handy around the track's sharp corners. Despite a slight lag in the automatic gearbox as you step on the gas before the turbo kicks in, it was sheer fun. The lag was a bit less on the diesel model.

The Tucson comes fitted with most of the standard safety features such as blind spot detection, cross traffic alert, airbags and Isofix.

Having completed five-odd laps around the Killarney race track with the smell of hot brake pads in the air, I can say without doubt that the Hyundai Tucson did not disappoint.

Watch a video below