New Car Road Test - Hyundai Tucson Range

Compact 4x4s are all over the place at present - and little wonder with sales up 17 per cent so far this year in this sector.

Here's another - Hyundai's Tucson, yet another 4x4 in a stable from this maker that already includes the Santa Fe and the Terracan.

The Tucson rides on a modified Hyundai Elantra chassis and offers styling that looks like a scaled down Santa Fe but without the rather odd scalloped sides.

Prices range from around £15,000 (£14,000 for the 2WD version) up to around £19,000 and look competitive.

Three engines are slated for the UK, starting with a 2.0-litre 140bhp petrol and topping out with a 2.7-litre 173bhp unit. Sandwiched between these two powerplants is a 110bhp 2.0-litre diesel that will doubtless be the best seller.

All three engines are fully Euro IV compliant and the diesel features common rail injection.

Equipment levels are strong across the range, as would be expected of a Hyundai.

Even the entry-level GSi versions get air conditioning, a CD stereo and a decent complement of safety gear.

Trade up to a CDX and climate control and an electric sunroof are included.

Space is rarely at a premium in the cabin, the back seats easily capable of accommodating three six-footers with ease.

Overall, the Tucson is wholly inoffensive, a little bland, but excellent value for money.

FASTFACTS

CAR: Hyundai Tucson range

PRICE: £13,995-£18,695 - on the road

INSURANCE GROUPS: 11

CO2 EMISSIONS: (2.0D) 187g/km

PERFORMANCE: (2.0D) 0-60mph 13.8s / Max Speed 104mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION: (2.0D) (Combined) 39.7mpg

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4325/1830/1730mm