Hyundai Tucson Xenith Special Edition

The Hyundai Tucson is usually a low-key customer in the increasingly image-conscious compact 4x4 sector but the Xenith special edition adds some extra sparkle. Steve Walker reports

A cars lifecycle is an intricately stage-managed affair designed to maximise sales and profit but as car buyers, we can sometimes turn the manufacturers machinations to our own advantage. The trick is knowing when to pile into your local dealership, foaming at the mouth and brandishing your chequebook and when it play it cool, biding your time until the marketing department makes you a better offer. If youve been keeping an interested eye on the development of Hyundais Tucson compact 4x4 wondering when to take the plunge, its stock might just have peaked with the Xenith special edition.

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These days, it just isnt the done thing to throw everything into the ring at the launch of a new model. Market-savvy manufacturers prefer a slow burning approach where a limited range is introduced at first with the models more desirable engines and upmarket trim levels introduced incrementally over time. This way, public interest can be better maintained over a longer period. Throw in a mid-life facelift or two and maybe some specification upgrades to stoke the fire after a few years and strong sales can be prolonged right up to a models eventual replacement.

For buyers, the key is to pounce when the value proposition is at its most compelling, its zenith if you will. Its not always easy to tell when that is but Hyundai has kindly dropped us big hint with the Xenith special edition of its Tucson 4x4. The Tucson has become a familiar component of the Hyundai range, if not a particularly strong-selling one, since its launch in 2004 but with the compact 4x4 sector growing increasingly competitive, the decision was obviously taken to spice things up a bit. Thats why the Xenith special edition arrives on the scene packing an equipment list as long as your leg and every conceivable styling accessory included as standard.

Now, the Tucson isnt much of a head-turner in conventional guise, a significant drawback in such a image-conscious sector, but by the time the Xenith has introduced its body-coloured side mouldings and bumpers, rear privacy glass and 19" multi-spoke alloys, its taken the Tucsons modest road presence to another level. Inside, theres more of the same. Starting with black maple wood effect trim, aluminium pedals and stainless steel door entry guards before culminating with the upmarket leather and Alcantara upholstery on the seats with further Alcantara touches on the instrument cluster, steering wheel, door inserts, handbrake and armrest.

"The affordable Hyundais strengths lie in its spacious interior, its generous equipment and its reliable, offroad-capable mechanicals"

That little lot is valued by Hyundai at some £3,000 and in the Xenith, it comes in addition to the range-topping CDX specification that runs to heated front seats, remote central locking, climate control, cruise control, electric windows and an electric sunroof plus quite a lot more. Priced at £20,692, just £2,500 more than an equivalent CDX, the Tucson Xenith toes the usual Hyundai line of offering big specifications at small prices in convincing fashion. Only the Tucsons 2.0-litre common-rail diesel engine is offered with the Xenith special edition but its the unit that the vast majority of buyers choose anyway.

Somewhat surprisingly, this 138bhp engine 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. This certainly isnt a 4x4 that the green lobby will be able to guilt trip you for driving and coupled with the low upfront price, the reasonable running costs may well turn a few corporate heads. 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. Space is rarely at a premium in the cabin, the back seats easily capable of accommodating three six-footers making the Tucson one of the best compact 4x4s around when you have a full complement of passengers. Ordinarily, the kind of buyers who turn to the compact 4x4 as a trendier alternative to the conventional family hatchback may not have looked twice at the Tucson. The affordable Hyundais strengths lie in its spacious interior, its generous equipment and its reliable, offroad-capable mechanicals.

It isnt usually particularly plush or a fashion statement in that way that more sophisticated rivals like Land Rovers Freelander2, Toyotas RAV4 or even Hondas CR-V can be. The Xenith adds something of this image to the Tucsons armoury, strengthening the value proposition significantly along the way. Whether its enough to convince armies of urban trendies of the Tucsons lifestyle credentials is doubtful but its a step in the right direction. The Xenith is a good-looking, great value compact 4x4 and more importantly for buyers whove been observing from the sidelines, it could be about as good as the Tucson gets.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Hyundai Tucson Xenith Special Edition
PRICE: £20,692 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 11
CO2 EMISSIONS: 187g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 13.8s / Max Speed 104mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (Combined) 39.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS with EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4325/1830/1730mm