There are eight Tucson models to choose from with prices starting at £14,820 for the 2.0 16v GSI 2WD and rising to £19,590 for the powerful 2.7 V6 CDX (full price list on the last page). As well as conquest sales from other four-wheel drive cars, the Tucson attracts customers who have not previously considered a 4x4. The added attraction is that it is a five door only vehicle, competing against three door opposition.

 

The Tucson has a monocoque construction, and sits on a highly modified version of the current Coupe platform. There are three engine options (2.0 litre petrol, 2.0 litre common rail turbo diesel, and a powerful 2.7 V6), and two trim levels; GSI and CDX.

 

The diesel version of Tucson, with a new six speed gearbox is especially popular in a segment where more drivers are switching to diesel.The Tucson comes with either a five speed manual transmission, six speed manual transmission (available on diesel models) or four speed ‘H-matic’ automatic gearbox.

 

The Tucson returns excellent fuel economy; the diesel achieving 31.7mpg Urban, 45.6mpg Extra Urban and 39.8mpg Combined. The 2.0 litre petrol variant returns 26.6mpg Urban, 41.5mpg Extra Urban and 34.4mpg Combined.

 

The Tucson employs a ‘torque on demand’ four-wheel drive system, developed by industry experts Borg Warner. The car runs in front-wheel drive until it detects loss of traction, then the 4WD cuts in. It will then revert to two-wheel drive when adequate traction is detected. Additionally, at speeds up to 21mph, the driver can select permanent four-wheel drive for extra control when required at the touch of a button. The Tucson is the ideal family car, with a highly versatile interior. The rear seats have a double folding operation, offering up a totally flat load area.

 

As is the tradition with Hyundai, the Tucson comes with a very high standard equipment list. All models feature six airbags, anti lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, power steering, traction control, air conditioning (climate control on CDX models), electric sunroof, double folding 60/40 split rear seats, CD player, alloy wheels and roof rails.

 

CDX models have in addition: cruise control, leather seat facings, electric heated door mirrors, heated front seats and metal grain centre console.

 

The Tucson comes with the only five year unlimited mileage fully transferable warranty in the 4x4 segment.

Two-wheel drive

Hyundai’s remarkable Tucson SUV now has another string to its bow… a two-wheel drive version.  The front-wheel drive Tucson 2.0 GSI features all the usual Hyundai refinements and a long list of standard equipment and at a price which will attract even more owners to Hyundai SUV motoring.

 

All models feature six airbags, anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, power steering, air conditioning, electric sunroof, double folding 60/40 split rear seats, CD player, alloy wheels and roof rails.

 

The two-wheel drive Tucson 2.0 GSI returns excellent fuel economy, achieving 42.8mpg Extra Urban, 27.1mpg Urban and 35.3mpg combined.