More For Less In Classy Package
Newcastle Herald
Saturday August 14, 2004
HYUNDAI has extended its all-wheel-drive sports utility vehicle range with this week's launch of the new Tucson model, the latest addition to the company's offroad range joining the bigger Santa Fe and Terracan models in the corporate stable.
Playing the "more for less" card that has long been a trademark of the Korean motor industry, Tucson comes to market with the same 2.7 litre V6 engine used in Santa Fe and a standard four-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual mode.Tucson also boasts electronic traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, an on-demand lockable all-wheel-drive system and a limited-slip rear differential and all in a package coming in at just under $30,000. It is a package which should appeal and Hyundai Australia is hoping that appeal will be found among a buyer group made up mainly of young, active singles and couples.To help the process, the compact SUV has been built with an aggressive appearance, given plenty of storage space and interior versatility and topped off with a trolley load of goodies.The driving package has already been mentioned but the tinsel also includes 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, an MP3-capable CD audio, cargo area cover and luggage net, remote central locking, power windows, dual front airbags, front and rear fog lights, power-operated exterior mirrors, roof rails and an overhead console with map lights and a holder for sunglasses.And that is just the entry-level model. The more upmarket Elite ($32,490) adds front side and side curtain airbags, power-operated sunroof, leatherbound steering wheel and matching gear knob, a trip computer, extra audio speakers, a more upmarket alloy wheel design with wider, low-profile tyres, light-sensitive headlights, cloth seat trim and a brushed alloy appearance on the centre console.Mechanical motivation for Hyundai's latest and greatest is provided by the same all-alloy, 2.7 litre, quad cam, 24-valve "Delta" V6 used in Santa Fe. It delivers 129 kilowatts at 6000rpm and a healthy 241 newton metres of torque at 4000rpm.Hyundai's suspension arrangement for Tucson is quite classy and probably a little more sophisticated than most would expect from a $29,990 offroader.
© 2004 Newcastle Herald