Peppy engine is well refined
The 2010 Tucson delighted me with several unexpected attributes, one of which is the operation of its 4-banger mill. The in-line 2.4-litre DOHC engine produces 176 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 168 pound-feet of torque @ 4,000 rpm.
Obviously those numbers aren’t staggering by any measure but they manage to propel the Tucson with surprising pep, some of which is undoubtedly attributable to a 6-speed transmission. Both the automatic and manual Tucson transmissions utilize six gears to coax the best out of the thrifty powerplant.
I had been expecting something fairly coarse under the hood but was surprised by the smooth, refined operation of the Tucson’s engine. Even when approaching redline, Hyundai’s little workhorse maintained its quiet composure.
And with the Tucson, composure isn’t limited to engine harmonics, it applies equally well to life on the rugged trail.
A couple more surprises
My Tucson tester was equipped with Hyundai’s on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which includes Hill Descent Control. This feature holds the Tucson’s speed to 8kph or so during steep, slippery descents.
To improve traction on the upside, a driver-selectable lock initiates a 50/50 torque-split front to rear. When not engaged, the front wheels do the propelling until they begin to slip, at which point the rear wheels are leaned on for extra grip.
The combination of hill descent control and torque-locking set the Tucson apart from many other light-duty AWD SUVs not benefiting from such useful off-pavement provisions.
No surprise ride quality
The pleasant surprises don’t include ride quality. I found the Tucson’s ride characteristics to be unnecessarily firm, especially given the lightweight nature of compact SUVs. It wasn’t unduly harsh by any stretch but underpinnings capable of greater absorbency would enhance the ride experience.
The 2010 Tucson delighted me with several unexpected attributes, one of which is the operation of its 4-banger mill. The in-line 2.4-litre DOHC engine produces 176 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 168 pound-feet of torque @ 4,000 rpm.
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| The in-line 2.4-litre DOHC engine produces 176 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 168 pound-feet of torque @ 4,000 rpm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Obviously those numbers aren’t staggering by any measure but they manage to propel the Tucson with surprising pep, some of which is undoubtedly attributable to a 6-speed transmission. Both the automatic and manual Tucson transmissions utilize six gears to coax the best out of the thrifty powerplant.
I had been expecting something fairly coarse under the hood but was surprised by the smooth, refined operation of the Tucson’s engine. Even when approaching redline, Hyundai’s little workhorse maintained its quiet composure.
And with the Tucson, composure isn’t limited to engine harmonics, it applies equally well to life on the rugged trail.
A couple more surprises
My Tucson tester was equipped with Hyundai’s on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which includes Hill Descent Control. This feature holds the Tucson’s speed to 8kph or so during steep, slippery descents.
To improve traction on the upside, a driver-selectable lock initiates a 50/50 torque-split front to rear. When not engaged, the front wheels do the propelling until they begin to slip, at which point the rear wheels are leaned on for extra grip.
The combination of hill descent control and torque-locking set the Tucson apart from many other light-duty AWD SUVs not benefiting from such useful off-pavement provisions.
No surprise ride quality
The pleasant surprises don’t include ride quality. I found the Tucson’s ride characteristics to be unnecessarily firm, especially given the lightweight nature of compact SUVs. It wasn’t unduly harsh by any stretch but underpinnings capable of greater absorbency would enhance the ride experience.
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| The cargo hold was of sufficient dimension to absorb my road bike without the oft-necessary front wheel removal. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |