Saar: The mid-size SUV will become the first Hyundai product to get it.

Hyundai chose the 2018 New York International Auto Show to unveil the mid-life update of its mid-size SUV, the Tucson. Its production is slated to begin during the current month, and it will be launched in the European market soon after. The main highlight though is the inclusion of 48-volt diesel mild-hybrid powertrain that will be offered with the 2.0-litre diesel engine. That means Tucson will become the first Hyundai product to get this fuel-saving technology.

The tech comprises a 0.44kWh, 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack, a mild-hybrid starter-generator (MHSG), an LDC converter (Low Voltage DC/AC) and an inverter. Hyundai claims that under acceleration, the mild-hybrid system delivers an additional 16PS of power, which reduces the load on the internal combustion engine and thus helps in bringing down fuel consumption. The battery pack replenishes itself during in-gear deceleration and braking manoeuvres. The South Korean carmaker says that this system can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 7 per cent combined with manual transmission.

Interiors For European-Spec Model

The internal combustion engine in question here has plenty of oomph to offer. It produces 186PS of power and 400Nm of torque. In essence, that’s the same engine which also does duty in the Hyundai Tucson currently available in India. But where the current model on our shores is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the Hyundai Tucson facelift will get a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission. Needless to say, four-wheel drive will remain on offer too.

A mild hybrid system technology with nearly the same specs was unveiled by Hyundai Motor’s subsidiary, Kia Motors, in May this year. The refreshed Sportage became the first car from Kia’s stable to receive the mild-hybrid tech.

Hyundai says that next year, it will pair the same mild-hybrid tech to a new 1.6-litre diesel engine and that will also be offered with the Tucson facelift. Question is, as and when Hyundai decides to launch the refreshed Tucson in India, will it be offered with the same fuel-saving technology?

As far as the new 1.6-litre diesel engine is concerned, will that make its way on our shores to find its place under the hood of the refreshed Elantra, which will break cover soon? Well, only time will tell.