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Hyundai Tucson Overview
Picture of Hyundai Tucson The Hyundai Tucson is a very popular Hyundai recreational vehicle. It comes in three models, a 2L manual (5 speed gearbox) (2×2 drive), a 2L Automatic Shiftronic (4×4) and a 2.7 V6 Automatic Shiftronic, also in 4×4 drive. The Tucson 2×2 manual version is quite popular in South Africa among mothers who do a lot of ferrying around of kids due to its sporty looks combined with a spacious interior.

Interior
The interior is roomy and comfortable, with seating being low enough for even short drivers - which makes it especially popular with women, but high enough to make viewing outside the vehicle good. Interior features are very good in comparison with other cars of its price class and even with other cars of a higher price class. Features such as MP3 radio, windscreen de-icer, electric windows, quality plastic finishes and good ergomics with regards to the dashboard and steering area.

Cargo space is slightly lower than average, however, with the easy fold-away seats the space expands to almost three times the size. The space, even without the seats folded away is roomy enough in any case for groceries and kids paraphernalia.

Exterior
Exterior is nothing special in the SUV range, but sport enough and classy enough to make anyone feel comfortable driving it.

Performance and Handling.
Reviewers are mixed when it comes to handling - but then, they always are! In general, handling is smooth and offers a ’sedan-like’ ride with a cushiony suspension. It would probably not be ideal for very rough 4×4 situations, but for town driving and general light-weight 4×4 conditions it handles really well. Steering and parking is easy.

Safety.
Overseas, the Tucson scored well in safety tests but one has to note that the South African version only has two airbags in front. It does come front and rear crumple zones.

The mom who suddenly has to brake for the ubiquitous taxi would be glad to know that even the lowest model comes with power assisted braking and EBD - Electronic Braking Distribution.

PROS

Good exterior and interior styling
Good safety scores and braking abilities
Very good value for money

CONS

Overall performance not up to its competitors
Fuel efficiency could be better

Price range comparisons
The Tucson is very good value for money. The lower spec model starts at R228 000 while the top of the range V6 retails at about R280 000

Prices as compared to other cars in the same target market
The Hyundai Tucson can be compared to the Toyota Rav4, that retails at around R295 000 to R360 000, as well as the Honda CR-V, that retails starting at R289 00 for the manual transmission, up to R344 000 for the 2.2 diesel (automatic)