Hyundai Tucson V6 2005 review

That would cost about $90 in petrol, which by sheer coincidence is close to the price difference between the Hyundai Santa Fe and its barely smaller sister, the Hyundai Tucson.

Naming its cars after historic western US cities is cute – though I'm nervously waiting for the Hyundai Tombstone, Lubbock or Pueblo – but needs some pronunciation lessons. Tucson is "too-son", not "tuck-son".

The arrival of the Tucson produces a problem for Hyundai because it is similar in size, price and power to the long-standing Santa Fe.

But the financial and physical closeness of the two Hyundai softroaders is temporary. The next model Santa Fe grows bigger to widen the gap and, as early as 2006, there's a much larger 4WD to outclass the Terracan.

Tucson impresses as being more confident on the road than the Santa Fe, with better steering feedback – though still on the vague side – and crisper handling.

The 2.7-litre V6 engine is shared with the other model, though feels livelier in the Tucson. But it gets thirsty when pushed.

Both share a neat yet simple dashboard design, with lots of grey plastic relieved by the alloy-look centre console trim.

The rather uninspiring dash isn't helped by a cabin decor of even more grey plastic, matched with grey cloth upholstery in the Elite as tested, overlaid with a pronounced plastic odour. Get over that and the Tucson is a pretty neat thing.

It's a part-time 4WD, meaning it's a front-wheel-drive for dry bitumen work and automatically capable of directing power to the rear wheels when things get slippery.

It drives well with good directional stability and pleasant steering wheel feedback.

The visibility, thanks to big glass areas and the Tucson's height, is generally good, with guesswork required only for the front bumper.

It seats four though, because of the vehicle's inflated height, feels airy even with three squashed along the rear seat.

But best of all is this vehicle's versatility.

Typically, the wagon design has split-fold rear seats enhanced by the fact the seats actually fold flat. There's shopping hooks at the back of the rear seats to stop plastic bags of groceries rocking and rolling in the rear.

There's a cargo net plus tie-down hooks in the back to secure luggage. There's a tray beneath the front seat for extra items, plus enough cupholders to drown any thirst.

The rear hatch includes a separate glass-only lift-up action to access smaller items.

So the Tucson impresses as a sensible and versatile wagon.

The car is well equipped. Even in standard it comes with electrics, cruise control and airconditioning, but gets better with the Elite version by adding an electric sunroof, side and curtain airbags, trip computer and leather-rimmed steering wheel.

Personally, the standard model offers more for less.