One of the best deals going
The Hyundai Tucson has been around for barely a few months now and it is already making waves. In the next few weeks, I will have the opportunity to test drive an AWD GLS V6 model and at that time, I will compose a more complete evaluation of the Tucson. The following is a brief description of specifications and my observations to date on the tested GL base model.
There are two things that strike when you look at Hyundai's new compact SUV: its handsome styling and the low sticker price. At $19,995 for a base FWD GL model, the only feature that is not included is cruise control. Otherwise, you will find power door locks, mirrors and windows, a CD/MP3 player, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, stability and traction control and 16" alloy wheels. The Tucson is also equipped with dual front air bags. For the moment, no other car or truck for that matter, offers this much standard equipment. To compare with a Ford Focus Wagon, $22,000 would offer a few more features but would still not have traction and stability control. A Mazda 3 Sport is closer equipment-wise however is still missing the same two items and has much less interior volume.
The standard 2.0L inline 4-cylinder generates 140 hp at 6 000 rpm and 136 lb/ft of torque at 4 500 rpm. It is adequate at best to move the 1 470 kg truck but it quickly becomes noisy as the rpms increase. This will often be the case during passing manoeuvres where downshifting will be necessary. Speaking of shifting, the Tucson's shift lever is terribly lacking in precision and the feeling is so loose that I had the impression that I was negotiating the gate of a beaten 10 year old car. The clutch action, on the other hand, is smooth and the friction point is easy to find. The brake pedal is very firm; however it is short on feedback. In combined city and highway driving, I averaged 10.5 L per 100 km. I thought this to be very good especially when compared to the Escape Hybrid which was driven in the same manner and in the same conditions. It was averaging the same amount except it costs nearly $15,000 more.
The interior is typical Korean-style. The plastics are of no more than a fair quality, although the way the cabin is assembled is quite good for any
vehicle in this price range. The dash layout is very simple yet functional. The front seats are very soft and offer little support. Shortly into a 30 minute drive, my lower back was beginning to ache. Oddly, the rear bench is firmer and would probably be more comfortable on a long road trip. Nice interior touches include a pop-forward center armrest and a height adjustable seat. With this said, I did have a hard time finding a relaxing driving position. The second row folds in one movement to create a flat loading surface.
The downsides are real but could be considered of no consequence for a small family looking for practicality, room and a certain level of comfort. The Tucson is certainly not a driver's vehicle of choice but it can definitely do just about anything that is required of it. Let us not forget a very good warranty as well. So far, I am impressed with the Hyundai Tucson.
I am looking forward to part II of the test drive.
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There are two things that strike when you look at Hyundai's new compact SUV: its handsome styling and the low sticker price. At $19,995 for a base FWD GL model, the only feature that is not included is cruise control. Otherwise, you will find power door locks, mirrors and windows, a CD/MP3 player, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, stability and traction control and 16" alloy wheels. The Tucson is also equipped with dual front air bags. For the moment, no other car or truck for that matter, offers this much standard equipment. To compare with a Ford Focus Wagon, $22,000 would offer a few more features but would still not have traction and stability control. A Mazda 3 Sport is closer equipment-wise however is still missing the same two items and has much less interior volume.
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The interior is typical Korean-style. The plastics are of no more than a fair quality, although the way the cabin is assembled is quite good for any
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The downsides are real but could be considered of no consequence for a small family looking for practicality, room and a certain level of comfort. The Tucson is certainly not a driver's vehicle of choice but it can definitely do just about anything that is required of it. Let us not forget a very good warranty as well. So far, I am impressed with the Hyundai Tucson.
I am looking forward to part II of the test drive.
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