After having the Santa Fe as its off-road flagship model, Hyundai embarked on penetrating the SUV segment with the Tucson. Even though it was launched some time back, the Tucson has moved from a sheer entry-level SUV to one with a high quality interior and the latest diesel technology.
Strangely enough, my scheduled test drive had been postponed quite a few times because of the rain, although having had it in bad weather would probably have brought out the best in it.
A scorching sun in mid-April might be quite rewarding, especially driving around in the countryside with the grass still its natural colour. There is a great sensation of reassurance at the wheel of the front-wheel drive 4,325 mm SUV. All the vehicle's tips are clearly identified and this was soon put to the test when I was confronted with a horse-drawn cart that was determined not to go into reverse gear.
A touch of a button and the side mirrors fold in to give me more space between the rubble wall and the cart for both to pass through successfully. Gear shift was a bit stiff, this being a new car, but the selection was very accurate. The gearbox was a six-speed gearshift - on the open road sixth gear was easily utilised. The engine, a 1,991-litre diesel, delivered quite good torque at low gear, with the engine just delivering the adequate power looking at the side-inclined rev counter keeping just ahead of 3,000 revs.
The 16V engine is one of the latest generation high-power Euro 4 diesel engines with diesel particulate filter (DPF) delivering the optimal blend of efficiency, increased power and torque.
Diesel engines are normally heart ticking on idle and this engine was no exception; however this soon faded away once we were in motion. The steering wheel was much to my liking, a little stiff yet very directional, with 15-inch ventilated ABS disc brakes all around rubbered by four 235/60 16-inch rims which give an excellent footprint for the size of the vehicle. The model I was driving was a CRDi which came with matching grille and bumpers all round.
Interior space was abundant, even though I had to pay attention to not hit my knee once I boarded the cockpit on the front lower part of the dash.
A rear roof spoiler, roof racks, chrome external floor panels and the two exhaust pipes give a rather complete look. Large and high as it is, the Tucson might prove difficult to park unaided, but the rear mirrors and the rear door glass panel can be very indicative of how far you need to reverse.
The rear door can be opened either completely or just open the glass panel. The rear luggage space lacks depth as a full-size alloy wheel is housed beneath the luggage boot floor. Once the rear seats are down the Tucson coverts into a utility van, however it would be a waste to pull the black velvet seats over. The rear passenger side glass is tinted for privacy which blend well with the new Mild Silver colour that I had on my test car.
I loved the Tucson's 'driveability' and the commanding position with a clear indication of where all the corners are. What I didn't like was constantly hitting the lower dashboard and the steering wheel. Other than that, the car is an excellent companion for a day out in the country or just to go to work with.
Strangely enough, my scheduled test drive had been postponed quite a few times because of the rain, although having had it in bad weather would probably have brought out the best in it.
A scorching sun in mid-April might be quite rewarding, especially driving around in the countryside with the grass still its natural colour. There is a great sensation of reassurance at the wheel of the front-wheel drive 4,325 mm SUV. All the vehicle's tips are clearly identified and this was soon put to the test when I was confronted with a horse-drawn cart that was determined not to go into reverse gear.
A touch of a button and the side mirrors fold in to give me more space between the rubble wall and the cart for both to pass through successfully. Gear shift was a bit stiff, this being a new car, but the selection was very accurate. The gearbox was a six-speed gearshift - on the open road sixth gear was easily utilised. The engine, a 1,991-litre diesel, delivered quite good torque at low gear, with the engine just delivering the adequate power looking at the side-inclined rev counter keeping just ahead of 3,000 revs.
The 16V engine is one of the latest generation high-power Euro 4 diesel engines with diesel particulate filter (DPF) delivering the optimal blend of efficiency, increased power and torque.
Diesel engines are normally heart ticking on idle and this engine was no exception; however this soon faded away once we were in motion. The steering wheel was much to my liking, a little stiff yet very directional, with 15-inch ventilated ABS disc brakes all around rubbered by four 235/60 16-inch rims which give an excellent footprint for the size of the vehicle. The model I was driving was a CRDi which came with matching grille and bumpers all round.
Interior space was abundant, even though I had to pay attention to not hit my knee once I boarded the cockpit on the front lower part of the dash.
A rear roof spoiler, roof racks, chrome external floor panels and the two exhaust pipes give a rather complete look. Large and high as it is, the Tucson might prove difficult to park unaided, but the rear mirrors and the rear door glass panel can be very indicative of how far you need to reverse.
The rear door can be opened either completely or just open the glass panel. The rear luggage space lacks depth as a full-size alloy wheel is housed beneath the luggage boot floor. Once the rear seats are down the Tucson coverts into a utility van, however it would be a waste to pull the black velvet seats over. The rear passenger side glass is tinted for privacy which blend well with the new Mild Silver colour that I had on my test car.
I loved the Tucson's 'driveability' and the commanding position with a clear indication of where all the corners are. What I didn't like was constantly hitting the lower dashboard and the steering wheel. Other than that, the car is an excellent companion for a day out in the country or just to go to work with.