Car reviewers always advise prospective buyers - before choosing the desired new model and its equipment, always touch the candidates physically: test them in real conditions and make sure if this is the vehicle you would like to take on daily trips.
It is not uncommon to find something new and unexpected by exchanging an online review for a real ride. This effect is often extremely strong when starting to get to know manufacturers whose progress far surpasses the always inert image associated with the brand.
This is especially applicable to one of the most popular segments of compact crossovers, such as the Hyundai Tucson, Peugeot 3008, Volkswagen Tiguan or Kia Sportage, where in recent years there has been particularly intense competition and manufacturers are trying to outdo each other by introducing the most advanced technologies. technologies.
Progress in this area is so fast that sometimes the most modern solutions in more common models even surpass what is offered in the products of the most luxurious brands, which can surprise drivers who try a new car for the first time.
I was surprised by the abundance of security systems
The new Hyundai Tucson, which took fourth place in the Lithuanian Car of the Year 2022 competition, can be considered an example of this trend. The city SUV with a modern design was surpassed only by the winner Mercedes-Benz C-Class and two electric cars: Škoda Enyaq iV and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Linas Butkus, a long-time member of the commission for this election, logistics and transport correspondent of "Verslo žinios", notes that such a good evaluation of "Tucson" was undoubtedly influenced by the most advanced technologies installed in this model.
The most memorable for the journalist was the car's real-time display of blind spots on the dashboard. The equipment activates when a turn is indicated, and the driver can see everything on the side they intend to turn at eye level.
The system is active both when crossing intersections and changing lanes. Replacing the speedometer or tachometer scale on the digital display of the dashboard, the image recorded by the cameras installed under the mirrors is a unique solution that makes the Tucson stand out in the entire segment. For example, the Volkswagen Tiguan still uses the classic blind spot monitoring system with orange lights on the mirrors.
According to L. Butkaus, the Korean SUV is distinguished by the abundance of driving aids and safety technologies.
"The car is simply stuffed with the latest technology. Their diversity is also noticeable when comparing this model with competitors. Perhaps what stands out the most is the particularly comprehensive package of active safety systems, which is always a big advantage for buyers," comments a member of the commission.
Hyundai pays special attention to active safety systems. For example, even the basic configuration model is equipped with an emergency braking system with the function of recognizing pedestrians and cyclists, as well as a lane keeping system that recognizes not only the central but also the side road marking line, smart speed limit recognition and driver vigilance monitoring systems. Unlike most models, the Tucson also offers the ability to use the intelligent speed and lane keeping systems both together and separately.
Remote control is more than a gimmick
The SUV from the Korean brand is also the only model in its segment with a real remote control function. This technology is not even used in models like Audi Q5 or BMW X3.
Although the driving distance using it is limited, the driver can stand next to the car at that time and control everything with the smart key. L. Butkus notes that it is extremely convenient when parking the SUV in tight spaces.
"Nobody wants to hit another car with their door when opening it, and with this technology, that could certainly be avoided." Everything is very convenient - you get a little closer and it's like pulling out a car. Maybe you could fit in that way, but it's always more fun when you don't have to squeeze through a narrow gap," the interviewer points out.
The intensively used phone will not overheat
The speed of wireless charging offered in cars is increasing, but as L. Butkus observes, as a result, smart devices with larger capacity batteries start to heat up more and more. The journalist encountered this problem even while testing Audi and Porsche models. In the Tucson model, this was solved by installing ventilation next to the 15-watt wireless charger.
“Wireless charging equipment also needs to be properly tuned. For example, in cars of the Volkswagen concern, smartphones start to get very hot, and charging itself slows down. Ventilation solves this problem, even if there is a conflict between the phone and the charging technology," comments the journalist.
L. Butkus adds that the ventilated platform is also useful because the processor of the smartphone when using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay works at high speed, so it consumes more energy and the battery temperature automatically rises.
Hyundai also recommends the new Bluelink app to users, which allows you to remotely lock or unlock the doors using your phone, determine the location of the car and choose the shortest route to it, receive all the most important information and warning messages.
There are more functions of the app, but, according to L. Butkaus, the most important of them is the ability to pre-heat or cool the cabin with a few clicks of the smart device before getting into the car.
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