Tucson
Hyundai Tucson Overview
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)
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Tags: cargo space, crumple zones, hyundai tucson, interior features, recreational vehicle, safety tests, shiftronic
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November 14th, 2008 at 11:33 am
What is the Max towing capacity for Tuscon 2 ltr Crdi vehicle
December 7th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
I have the Tcoson car less than 3 Years (ander warranty), 22K Km, used not in the field. Found that the Disc Brakes were bended - affect the braking process. It seems like a defect in the Disc Brakes. Should Hundai repare it free of charge?
December 15th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
The Max towing capacity for Tuscon 2 ltr Crdi vehicle
is 1600Kg
January 11th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Any experiences in towing with the Tucson 2.7 V6 ?
March 17th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
i love this car too much but i think it will look better and ever stylished if you can open and shut the roof of the car or if the roof can let you see the sky.
June 20th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I got the 2L Diesel Auto
Have lots of problams on the gearbox
Was 3 times in for repairs and can be done only in JHB
It was standing 6 Mht in total