Hyundai Tucson 2007 Review

The busiest workers at Hyundai must be the ones taking stuff out of their Tucson model.

After all, when this mid-size wagon arrived three years ago it was pretty much regular SUV fare.

Then someone decided to start stripping it. And what a clever, popular idea that has turned out to be. In 2005 they unscrewed the four-wheel-drive bits, creating a front-drive version with a four-cylinder engine. They called it the Tucson City and, since it weighed less and had less power, it had better fuel economy and cost $4000 less.

No wonder it has come to account for most Tucson sales.

Hyundai has been at it again, this year introducing a manual gearbox. That has reduced the City's weight and thirst even further, while bringing the price down a further $2000.

So while the original-style Tucson with the works (V6 engine, all-wheel-drive, automatic, 10.9 litres per 100km fuel economy) has a list price of $30,990 plus on-road costs, the newest version (four-cylinder engine, front-drive, manual, 8 litres per 100km) is $24,990.

It's a tempting price. After all, it is easy to drive, a convenient size yet roomy enough for adults, is well designed and well equipped.

Paring down the price seems to have continued. Lately the City manual has been offered at $24,990 drive-away (effectively about $3000 off), with the automatic an option for $1000 more (that's $1000 below the list price).

That would make this spacious wagon, which comes with airconditioning, alloy wheels and cruise control, about the same price as many entry-level 2.0 litre hatchbacks. Quite a deal.

But let's not overlook that the Tucson City is a budget-minded model with certain shortcomings. As always, saving money has required some belt-tightening. This is a tall, heavy vehicle, almost 250kg more than the Elantra hatchback, which has the same engine, so no use expecting it to be a ball of fire, or to steer with car-like precision. It's adequate in both departments, but nothing exemplary.

However, price tempts you to overlook niggles that otherwise would be stumbling blocks. Things like the pretty ordinary seats, the steering, the bargain-basement look of the interior plastic, the vague gear change.

As a $24,990 wagon it stands out. Certainly it has no direct competition. All the four-cylinder wagons with similar size and similar stance are all-wheel-drives costing considerably more.

The Tucson is a modest size overall, but is genuinely roomy. Back seat space is generous, and the luggage area is excellent.

As well, it has been thoughtfully designed, with storage areas and handy shelves everywhere.

One flaw in the test car: the poorest AM radio reception I've encountered in years. Maybe someone deleted the aerial to save money.

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Key Points

Hyundai Tucson City

Details: Medium-size, front-drive SUV with 2.0 litre, four-cylinder engine. Power 104kW. Torque 184Nm.

Features: Anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags, alloy wheels, full-size spare tyre, airconditioning, cruise control, power windows, remote central locking.

Cost: $24,990 five-speed manual, $26,990 four-speed automatic.

Rivals: Toyota RAV4, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer wagon.

For: A lot of car for the money.

Against: High and heavy.

Conclusion: Tempting price.

Rate: 3 stars