AS the trendy new generation of 4x4 vehicles rarely venture off road, Hyundai has introduced a two-wheel-drive version of its chunky Tucson.
It still looks the part, being relatively big and butch, but loses the extra drag of the traditional 4WD mechanicals with the engine powering the front wheels only.
It also costs less at £13,995, making its just about the most metal for the money.
The front-wheel drive Tucson 2.0 GSI gets half a dozen airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, power steering, air conditioning, electric sunroof, double folding 60/40 split rear seats, a CD player, alloy wheels and roof rails.
The two-litre engine develops 140bhp and 135lb/ft of torque, which translates into a top speed of 112mph and a 0-60mph acceleration time of ten and a half seconds. Economy figures are 43mpg on the extra urban cycle, 27mpg around town and 35mpg combined.
Launched in the late summer of 2004, the 4x4 Tucson has attracted 1,700 buyers in just four months.
Like the Santa Fe and Terracan models, the Tucson comes with the company's five year, unlimited mileage, transferable warranty as standard.