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"Three in a row wins the game", the Hyundai folks must have had in mind when they introduced their third SUV from Korea into Europe in July 2004. The Terracan (ranging from 27.390 Euro in Germany) among them is the most uncompromising with a connectable 4WD and differential lock, the Santa Fe (from 19.490 Euro with 2WD in Germany, 21.695 $ in the US) is the family guy and the new Tucson intends to attract the offroad party boys as well as weekend desert-stormers.
The Tucson seems to be well positioned in the market, especially because of its starting price of 18.690 Euros (in Germany, 17.495 $ in the US) which offers front wheel drive with a 141 hp gasoline engine, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), air conditioning and alloy wheels. The cheapest Toyota RAV4 whose customers the Tucson is particularly aiming at goes at 2300 Euros more (German prices), but is equipped slightly better.
The ace up Hyundais sleeve at least in Europe will be the beginners Diesel with front wheel drive at 21.590 Euros (in Germany) as no one else in the field is offering this combination as a bargain. The four wheel drive Tucson has entered the market in September 2004 and will come at a price ranging from 24.590 to 30.000 Euros (in Germany) depending on the choice of engine and configuration.
First test drives on bumpy gravel roads and sand tracks showed the chassis to cope quite well with heavy blows at higher velocities. The four wheel drive that only kicks in when needed and does so up to a distribution ratio of 50:50 kept the Tucsons 1.6 tons well on course.
What we didn't like: The cheap choice of plastic materials for the interior trim. Well done: The rear seats can be folded to a completely flat extended cargo bay. And the rear window opens separately from the boot lid making it possible to take out and throw in minor gadgets.
Additional airbags are included in the comfort package (at around 1000 Euros more).
Engines
GASOLINE
2.0 CVVT: Four cylinders in line, 16 valves, 1975 ccm, 104 kW/141 hp at 6000 rpm, 184 Nm at 4500 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 10,4 sec, top speed 180 km/h, average fuel consumption (according to manufacturer): 8,0 litres (95 Octane).
2.7 V6: Six cylinders in V 60 degree, 24 valves, 2656 ccm, 129 kW/175 hp at 6000 rpm, 241 Nm at 4000 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 10,0 sec, top speed 185 km/h, average fuel consumption (according to manufacturer): 10,0 litres (95 Octane).
DIESEL
2.0 CRDi: Four cylinders in line, 16 valves, 1991 ccm, 83 kW/113 hp at 4000 rpm, 245 Nm at 1800 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 13,5 sec, top speed 170 km/h, average fuel consumption (according to manufacturer): 7,1 litres.
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