Hyundai Tucson Range
Car industry trend spotters have a lot to answer for. Right now, small 4x4s are a definite hot ticket and as such, theres no shortage of models looking to grab a slice of the action. Each must differentiate itself in one way or another if its not to get trampled in this Darwinian melee. Hyundai muscled into this arena with the Tucson, a small 4x4 that offers high levels of equipment and a modern look and feel at decidedly affordable prices.
Can it command a niche or will it be carved to shreds?
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Exactly how much more are British buyers prepared to pay for a Hyundai over sister company Kia? Hyundai have been feeling around for answers across their range. Its just that the Tucson campaigns in a savagely label-conscious sector. But enough of the background. The hardware looks enticing enough in a generic sort of way.
The Tucson is neatly proportioned but theres not one exterior feature that grabs you. The lower specification models feature a lot of black plastic exterior cladding a la BMW X3, and the plusher models with body-coloured detailing look a good deal more upmarket. Like the X3, if you are going to buy a Tucson with black detailing, specify the car in a dark colour and its effect is minimised.
"The Tucson campaigns in a savagely label conscious sector"
The Tucson is up against some tough opposition in the shape of the Toyota RAV4, the Nissan X-Trail, the Honda CR-V and the entry-level Land Rover Freelander models and although prices, which range from around £14,847 for the 2WD version up to around £20,000, look competitive, the Tucson needs to bring more than an attractive sticker price to the party. Three engines are available in the UK, starting with a 2.0-litre 140bhp petrol and topping out with a 2.7-litre 173bhp unit.
Sandwiched between these two powerplants is a 110bhp 2.0-litre diesel that will doubtless be the best seller. All three engines are fully Euro IV compliant and the diesel features common rail injection. Somewhat surprisingly, the diesel struggles to power the Tucson with any great conviction.
Theres not too much low down torque and refinement is not a strong point. Youll see 60mph tick by in 13.8 seconds and top out at 104mph but thrashing this diesel is not a pleasant experience. Some recompense is gained with a combined fuel economy figure of 39.
7mpg and the CO2 emissions of 187g/km coupled with the low upfront price may well turn a few corporate heads. The pick of the engines is without doubt the 2.7-litre V6 petrol, possessed as it is of a magnificent metallic yowl when its wound up. Unfortunately youll need to do this fairly often to make respectable progress with the consequent effect on fuel consumption.
Coupled with the standard four speed automatic transmission, youll put the kickdown cable to good use if you want to undertake some overtaking. The ride on all models is surprisingly firm and on smooth roads the Tucson tackles corners with some relish. Throw a bumpy B-road at it and the Hyundai is far less polished, the suspension occasionally getting a little out of phase with whats going on at the wheels. Many will feel the Tucsons greatest asset is the sheer user friendliness of its cabin.
Although the materials may not be top notch, the styling is neat with no nonsense ergonomics and a decent driving position. Switching the Hyundai from a school run special to a load carrier is simplicity itself, the rear seats folding virtually flat to the floor, the seat back and bases pivoting into place. The front seats can also be folded back to flat, providing an impromptu bed. As with most 4x4s, there are numerous luggage nets, concealed cubbies, takeaway hooks and auxiliary power outlets.
The rear glass also opens independently of the tailgate. Equipment levels are strong across the range, as would be expected of a Hyundai. Even the entry-level GSi versions get air conditioning, a CD stereo and a decent complement of safety gear. Trade up to a CDX and climate control and an electric sunroof are included.
Space is rarely at a premium in the cabin, the back seats easily capable of accommodating three six-footers with ease. The Tucson is wholly inoffensive, a little bland, but excellent value for money. If dynamic capabilities matter less to you than simple practicality, small monthly repayments and the peace of mind of an industry-leading after-sales package, then the Tucson could well appeal. Our suspicion is that while Hyundai have been working on the practicalities, compact 4x4 drivers have come to expect a little more flair.
As ever, the acid test will be in the sales figures. Wed love to be proven wrong.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Hyundai Tucson range
PRICE: £14,847-£19,692 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 11
CO2 EMISSIONS: [2.0D] 187g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0D] 0-60mph 13.8s / Max Speed 104mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0D] (Combined) 39.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4325/1830/1730mm
