What they said when the Hyundai Tucson was new… (Aug 5 2004)
HOT on the heels of Hyundai's high-profile sponsorship of the Euro 2004 football championship the Korean car maker is launching a double assault on the UK market.
The first part of this double whammy is a new marketing strategy with the slogan "A Car First - A Badge Second" and the second element is an all-new car called the Tucson.
And it's rather a good car to say the least.
On sale in a couple of weeks time the Tucson is aimed fairly and squarely at the medium-sized four wheel drive market where the Land Rover Freelander and Toyota RAV4 are dominant.
Competitively priced with the seven model Tucson range running from £14,999 for a two-litre petrol version to £18,695 for a top specification 2.7-litre V6, Hyundai has every chance of stealing a good piece of the action.
There is a two-litre, common rail diesel in the line up as well starting at £15,995 and topping out at £18,195 for a fully equipped automatic and all benefit from Hyundai's market-beating five year, unlimited mileage warranty.
All the engines are tried and tested with the two-litre petrol featuring in the Hyundai Coupe and Trajet people mover, the diesel in the Trajet and the Elantra hatchback and the V6 is also used in the Coupe and the Santa Fe off-roader.
Of the 3,500 Tucsons a year Hyundai hopes to sell it is the diesel that is likely to be the most popular. It has plenty of pulling power, can average almost 40 miles per gallon and has a claimed top speed of 104mph with a 0 to 60 time of around 13 seconds.
However all three engines are relatively economical with the two-litre petrol said to average 34.4 mpg and the V6 28.2. Exhaust emissions for cars of the class are fairly good as well with the diesel rated at 187g/km, the 2.0 petrol at 194 and the V6 at 237.
Where the Tucson scores is in its fresh looks and high levels of equipment. There is no doubt it is from the same family as the bigger Santa Fe but it has more rounded lines which will add to its appeal in a fashion-conscious marketplace.
Tough, moulded bumpers and side panels provide additional protection while inside there is a simple, uncluttered approach to the layout.
All models come with six airbags - a first for Hyundai - traction control, advanced braking systems and air conditioning. A CD player is also standard as are roof rails, an electric sunroof and alloy wheels.
The higher specification CDX versions include climate control, leather upholstery, heated door mirrors and heated front seats as well as metal effect inserts in the trim. For the money it adds up to a nigh-on unbeatable amount of standard kit.
Off road the Tucson is an adequate performer with four wheel drive being engaged automatically through a torque converter. In normal set up it is driven by the front wheels only but permanent four wheel drive can be selected manually and locked in at speeds below 21mph.
From a practical point of view the Tucson benefits from a sizeable cargo area and the rear seats can be folded completely flat to provide more space if necessary. Towing weight is 1.6 tons.
If there is a compromise it is in ground clearance, but considering that most vehicles of this ilk are never put to the full off-road test, this will not be a problem for the majority of buyers.
The Tucson is entering the most competitive part of the 4WD market and will be a useful addition to Hyundai's armoury. Its arrival will also see the Santa Fe move slightly upmarket as from October with prices rising by between £1,000 and £1,500 and more equipment fitted as standard.
With the sports utility sector now accounting for four per cent of the UK car market, Hyundai's new strategy looks likely to pay off and while we will certainly be seeing the cars first the name will not be far behind.
In 2006 not only will Hyundai be sponsoring the football World Cup it will also be returning to the World Rally Championship - and those are surefire ways of grabbing the headlines.
Words: David Whinyates
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