Available in two and four wheel drive versions (all 2 litre) the big seller will be the two-wheel drive petrol that starts at €27,750. For me the 2 litre CRTi diesel in two wheel drive form is the most interesting (€30,250). This combination is a first in the small SUV sector and something the market has been crying out for.
There is a butch four-wheel drive Tucson (CRTi €32,250) that stays true to the ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ name but it will not be a volume seller.
Generally I have never been a fan of cars that talk the talk but can’t walk the walk like two wheel drive only SUVs, but all you have to do is look at the sales success of Santa Fe and RAV4 in front wheel drive form to see the majority of owners want the chunky look and high driving position first and foremost.
Unfortunately the look won’t help you go off road (or around corners like a car). Today’s SUV buyer wants to stay on road (with the exception of the odd kerb) but would also love a hint of fuel economy, this is where the diesel Tucson delivers. Hyundai has Suzuki’s Grand Vitara, Rav4 from Toyota and Honda’s HRV in its sights and beats them all on price.
Tucson’s sister car the ‘Sportage’ from Kia is one to watch as it will be priced very competitively, Hyundai has however the better reputation and this will tell at re sale. Hyundai is celebrating ten years in Ireland and has enjoyed huge sales success in the last few years. It now has just under 4% of the Irish market and globally combined with Kia is the seventh largest car maker. The ever improving Korean is aiming for even higher sales with bright young things the target for Tucson.
The five-seater has a lot to offer. It is sturdy and despite only having two airbags feels reasonably safe and sure footed on the road. Like the slightly larger Hyundai Santa Fe there is a spit tailgate that allows the glass area only or the full tailgate to open. The boot is a reasonable 325 litres but a flat load area of 805 litres is available with the rear seats down.
There is a decent amount of interior space for passengers. I could happily sit behind the drivers seat set for my five foot ten frame. A sunroof is standard fit also while there is a very good looking body kit on the options list but please for pedestrian’s sake don’t fit the good looking but solid chrome finished front bull bar!
At the moment there is no leather or air conditioning option available in Tucson as Hyundai wants to create a bit of distance between the new SUV and the now higher specified ‘05 Santa Fe. One thing that will annoy owners is the after market fitted cd unit.
The controls and buttons are tiny and nearly unusable. I am told this is under review, so if you have manicured nails or stubby fingers you have been warned. Hyundai expects to sell 1,100 Tucsons next year and I have no doubt it will.
