Apple CarPlay comes to the $28,000 2015 Hyundai Tucson

Apple CarPlay is one of the products or features promised by Apple that has taken the longest to deliver to market, in part because of the complexity and long lead time car makers go-through for new models, and perhaps additionally due to the stringent specifications Apple place on CarPlay included manufacturers.

The All-new Hyundai Tucson is one of the first cars to hit the Australian market withApple CarPlay factory fitted and the most exciting part about it is the price.

You’ll be able to pick up a Tucson from Hyundai from $27,990 and that comes withApple CarPlay – perhaps more interesting or confusing to me, the higher spec Elite and Highlander variants which range up to $45,490 are not available with CarPlay. That’s strange!

I suspect that’s because the infotainment system in those higher specced models is a larger screen, and while CarPlay would work, Hyundai may have put all their focus on the 7 inch model which will be the bulk seller.

The new Tucson launches on August 1, howeverApple CarPlay functionality won’t be active until September (likely via a software upgrade). This timing delay makes me think there’s a similar Apple Certification delay to that which I experience for months when Pioneer were first bringing CarPlay to market.

While CarPlay is the headline, there’s something else. Android Auto. Confirmed by Hyundai for “early 2016”, a software upgrade will allow Android users to have the similar smartphone connected capabilities CarPlay offers and that’s great news. Hyundai had a big focus on Android Auto andApple CarPlay at CES this year so none of this is a surprise.

Leaving the tech aside, the new Tucson is a medium-sized SUV with great new looks, refinement and capabilities.

The vehicle has been exhaustively tested and refined for Australian conditions to offer solid dynamics on the road.

Coming in to replace the ix35, the Tucson at these prices should do very well.

Engine	Transmission	Active	ActiveX	Elite	Highlander
2.0 MPi 2WD	6 Speed Manual	$27,990	–	–	–
2.0 MPi 2WD	6 Speed Auto	$30,490	–	$35,240	–
2.0 GDi 2WD	6 Speed Manual	–	$30,490	–	–
2.0 GDi 2WD	6 Speed Auto	–	$32,990	–	–
1.6 T-GDi AWD	7 Speed DCT	–	–	$38,240	$43,490
2.0 CRDi AWD	6 Speed Auto	–	–	$40,240	$45,490

* All prices are Manufacturer’s List Price. Price excludes dealer delivery and on road costs.

HYUNDAI TUCSON SPECIFICATION OVERVIEW:

Active

Specifications to be confirmed closer to Active variant on-sale date in early 4^th quarter 2015

ActiveX (key specifications above Active variant):

18” alloy wheels with 225/55R18 tyres
6 airbags (driver & front passenger, driver & front passenger side (thorax), full length curtains)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Rear view camera with dynamic guidelines
Rear parking assist system (4 sensors) with guidance
LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Projector beam headlamps with escort and welcome function
Automatic dusk sensing headlamps
Front Fog Lamps
Leather appointed* seats
Premium steering wheel & gear knob
7” touchscreen audio w/ MP3 capability, 6 speakers, & works withApple CarPlay (September) & Android Auto (early 2016)
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Electric folding / heated side mirrors
Cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls
Roof Rails