Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai Tucson

If the latest ad campaign is to be believed, then a Hyundai is a car first and a badge second. Exactly what that means is open to debate, but a much lesser point of contention is the Korean firm's burgeoning model range and its increasing quality.

The Tucson is a fine effort from Hyundai. There's no denying it has its flaws, such as the coarse engine and four-speed auto box. But with its long warranty, decent equipment and practicality, it's particularly good for a family oriented buyer. Yet the V6 is not the best engine in the range - we'd plump for the diesel instead.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If the latest ad campaign is to be believed, then a Hyundai is a car first and a badge second. Exactly what that means is open to debate, but a much lesser point of contention is the Korean firm's burgeoning model range and its increasing quality. The latest offering is the Tuscon, which - along with the Santa Fe and Terracan - completes the maker's 4x4 line-up.

We have already driven the 2.0-litre diesel in left-hand-drive form, and now we've hit the road in a flagship UK-spec 2.7 V6. Its exhaust note isn't the most refined around, especially when you push hard, but the car can be hurried along at a fairly decent pace.

However, the fuel consumption suffers on the motorway - and given how much petrol we used on our drive, it wouldn't surprise us to see economy fall well below the claimed 28.2mpg.

The fact that the V6 is available only with a four-speed auto doesn't help; if you approach even slight inclines, it has to drop down to third, which means the revs rise dramatically and the coarse engine note becomes evident. Having said that, the shift is smooth and the box boasts a stepped manual function.

As with the powerplant, the ride is quite unrefined. It's fidgety over bumps, but is relatively comfortable in town and on A-roads. More impressive is the lack of body roll, which is surprising for such a tall car. Yet the interior is where the Tucson makes most sense. Not only is it generously equipped, with leather and climate control as standard, but the dash is well laid out. Even the cabin plastics, an area of criticism on previous Hyundai models, have an air of quality.

There's plenty of room in the back and the clever folding seats - similar to those in Vauxhall's Zafira - drop totally flat with a single pull on a lever, giving a massive boot area. Practical touches elsewhere include a large number of hooks in both the front and rear of the cabin, plus four 12-volt power points.

Finally, the model also benefits from Hyundai's five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. As the company admits, the Tucson might not sport the most upmarket badge, but it does have a pretty good stab at being a competent 4x4.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,211
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025