Another week, another new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). As the clamour grows against the rapid rise in the number of big SUVs on our city streets, the latest model to enter the fray will be the Hyundai Tucson.
Despite the Korean firm's claims that the new model is aimed to win new market share for the company in its endeavours to enter the global top five car firms by 2010, it's clear that there'll be a large degree of cannibalisation of the Santa Fe market with this model, particularly given the discounted price - likely to be 10 per cent less.
For that you get a car that's actually the same height as the Santa Fe, 10mm wider and with a longer wheelbase. Only in overall length is there any significant difference between the two, with the sacrifices being made mostly in the boot space. Add in the fact that it's virtually an identical twin and you start to wonder what will become of the Santa Fe. Admittedly it's due to be replaced in 2006, so perhaps the two will only share the market in the interim.
Hyundai are growing from strength to strength these days, boasting very strong customer retention figures and quality and reliability. Speaking with anyone in the firm, you get the feeling there's an inherent passion to make it into the top five in the world and we wouldn't bet against them reaching their goal. The Tucson is only one arrow in a quiver of new models planned in the coming years both from Hyundai and sister firm Kia.
Two versions of the Tucson will be on the market in Ireland, the 2-litre petrol and 2-litre diesel. We only got the chance to try the diesel, and it proved a willing enough engine. Unfortunately it's matched to a deadened and imprecise steering system and a rather mealy gearbox.
On a more positive note, the suspension is more than capable of taking on all the rough and tumble you throw at it and we darted along on heavily potholed dirt roads without a worry. Unfortunately while all that cushioned handling meant we confidently plunged into crater-like holes and splashed our way through deep treks, on the dry and smooth tarmac roads we were less assured and seeking out some ounce of information from the steering, but little was forthcoming.
It's strange, but Hyundai seems to have concentrated too much on getting its off-road ruggedness right, but at the expense of its on-road ability. It's even more unfortunate when you consider that most of its potential owners will most likely be trekking no further than the local shopping centre.
Inside, the finish is in keeping with the rest of the Hyundai range and there's been little change in terms of layout or design. The back seats are more designed for two adults rather than three, though there is decent legroom.
As we mentioned earlier, when it arrives here in the next few months, it's likely to be priced at 10 per cent below the Santa Fe (about €27,000 for the petrol and 32,000 for the diesel), which means it will come in below competitors like the Land Rover Freelander, the Toyota Rav4 or even the Suzuki Grand Vitara. That's good news for the price- conscious and those who actually live down that dirt track road. But what will it do to sales of the Santa Fe? That remains to be seen.
