Meridien Enterprises yesterday launched Hyundai's latest off-roaders and sport utility vehicles (SUVs), Tucson and Terracan.

The Tucson, a four-wheel drive vehicle that can also be used on semi rough terrain, boasts of an "intelligent" four wheel drive system that engages all the wheels to turn at the same speed, controlling sliding and skidding on mud, gravel and sand, all at touch of a button.

A rugged and all-terrain vehicle, the Terracan is equipped with a different four-wheel drive system than the Tucson and all the functions are controlled electronically and engaged by a switch at the discretion of the driver both from stand still or in motion.

The new Tucson is expected to place Hyundai firmly in a growing segment of the European market, Meridian marketing manager Ryan Buttigieg said.

The Terracan is Hyundai's biggest and most powerful SUV yet. Its makers boast of a well-equipped interior affording uncompromising comfort and cargo hauling capability.

"Unlike the overall global car market, which is expected to grow some 3.3 per cent annually between 2004 and 2008, the market for compact SUVs is expected to expand by some 6.6 per cent. This makes it an extremely important and attractive market sector for Hyundai. One in which they confidently expect to sell a total of 200,000 Tucsons by 2006, with up to 65,000 of these destined for the European markets," Mr Buttigieg said.

The Tucson is available in both four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive versions, powered by a 2.0 CRDi engine developing 115 brake horse power.

The Terracan is a rear-wheel drive vehicle and when driven on the road normally cruises on the two-wheel drive mode to save diesel and tyre wear. The engine is a 2.9 CRDi delivering 150 brake horse power.

Prices for the Terracan start from Lm16,500, and Tucson from Lm12,500.