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Hyundai Tucson (2004 - 2009)

TUCS COMPANY (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 116

When Hyundai sat down to discuss product plans for their 4x4 line up, the Tucson had to be a no-brainer. A compact 4x4 that could slot in below the existing Santa Fe model would surely be just the thing to mop up sales in a fast growing sector. While that may well be the case in other markets, two things conspired against the Tucson over here. One was its cheaper sister car, the Kia Sportage, and the other was the notorious badge consciousness of British buyers. As a result, the Tucson has been a modest seller, although it probably makes a cleverer used buy than it does new. Here's how to track down a decent one.

Modelsword count: 13

Models Covered: 5dr Compact 4x4 (2.0, 2.7 petrol, 2.0 diesel [2WD, GSI, CDX])

Historyword count: 131

The Tucson first appeared in British dealers in August 2004. Hyundai re-jigged their Santa Fe line up, deleting the lower specification models to give the Tucson a little breathing room but it was always a finely pitched pricing decision. With the MK2 Kia Sportage mopping up sales of buyers looking for a new compact 4x4 at the minimum price, the Tucson was very much an exercise in seeing how far Hyundai's brand equity would stretch. Not very far was the answer. Tucsons are still relatively rare in this country and despite the introduction of a budget front wheel drive variant, sales haven't perked up significantly. If you can overcome the badge prejudice, you'll find a very capable car. That, however, is easier said than done in this sector of the market.

What You Getword count: 361

The hardware looks enticing enough in a generic sort of way. The styling looks like a scaled down Santa Fe but without the rather odd scalloped sides that, until BMW started adopting the look, made the car appear as if it had suffered some light parking damage. The Tucson is neatly proportioned but there's not one exterior feature that grabs you. The lower specification models feature a lot of black plastic exterior cladding a la BMW X3, and the plusher derivatives with body-coloured detailing look a good deal more upmarket. Like the X3, if you are going to buy a Tucson with black detailing, try to find a car in a dark colour and its effect is minimised. The Tucson is up against some tough opposition in the shape of the Toyota RAV4, the Nissan X-Trail, the Honda CR-V and the entry-level Land Rover Freelander models and although prices are competitive, the Tucson needs to bring more than an attractive sticker price to the party. Many will feel the Tucson's greatest asset is the sheer user friendliness of its cabin. Although the materials may not be top notch, the styling is neat with no nonsense ergonomics and a decent driving position. Switching the Hyundai from a school run special to a load carrier is simplicity itself, the rear seats folding virtually flat to the floor, the seat back and bases pivoting into place. The front seats can also be folded back to flat, providing an impromptu bed. As with most 4x4s, there are numerous luggage nets, concealed cubbies, takeaway hooks and auxiliary power outlets. The rear glass also opens independently of the tailgate. Equipment levels are strong across the range, as would be expected of a Hyundai. Even the entry-level GSi versions get air conditioning, a CD stereo and a decent complement of safety gear. Trade up to a CDX and climate control and an electric sunroof are included. Space is rarely at a premium in the cabin, the back seats easily capable of accommodating three six-footers with ease. This is due to the fact that the Tucson is the same height as the Santa Fe and a few millimetres wider.

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Scoring (subset of scores)

Category: Crossover or SUV 4x4s

Performance
70%
Handling
50%
Comfort
60%
Space
60%
Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

This is an excerpt from our full review.
To access the full content library please contact us on 0330 0020 227 or click here

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