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Inside Story:
2008 Hyundai Tucson GL FWD
2008 Hyundai Tucson With apologies to the estate of Dr. Seuss: Today's 'ute is not a brute, though it does scoot, and it's practical to boot. More and more SUV customers are starting to give a hoot about the operating costs of their heavily-updated interpretations of the Country Squire. You can't hit a button on the remote lately without seeing some industry analyst warning Joe and Jane Public about impending increases at the pump this summer. Here's the problem; our lives aren't getting any less active. An active player in the frugal 'sport-cute' segment for the last few years has been the Hyundai Tucson. This week's tester is finished in the popular GL trim level livery, settling in at a relatively painless MSRP of $24,295.
The Cockpit
It's a crisp and simple layout for the Tucson pilot, with tachometer, coolant temperature, and trip odometer readouts. The four-spoke wheel gets manual tilt, with a genuine need for a telescopic thrust. The cruise control stalk is found at the 4 o'clock position. Power windows include a driver's side Auto-down, while the power breakaway mirrors are also heated. Speaking of heat, there's a front windshield de-icer switch found to the left of the driver, next to the Traction Control cancel switch.
The Centre Stack
HVAC control knobs are oversized, an easy mitten-grip for the frostbitten. The single-CD audio head unit includes an auxiliary jack for the MP3 system of your choosing. The ash/coin tray extends automatically with a push of the tray door. A 12-volt powerpoint/lighter is located alongside, with a non-removable rubber bed in front of the 4-speed SHIFTRONIC shifter.
Cubby Buddy
The Overhead
There's a sunglass drop-down tray that actually looks like it can hold today's gargantuan styles. Visors get unlit vanity mirrors, with sun-blocker extensions.
Have a seat
The GL bump's popularity must have a smidge to do with the standard one-step control heated front seats. The driver's seat gets manual eight-way controls, as well as lumbar boost. The front passenger seat can fold flat for Road Warrior workstation space. The 60/40 rear seats can flat-fold, as well as recline individually. Child seat tether points are clearly marked throughout.
Spare care
Cargo Hold
There are surprisingly few manufacturers who still employ a two-part rear tailgate, though the practical magic makes the lease payment that much sweeter. The handles on the tailgate are clearly labelled as to which piece you're opening. The Tucson cargo hold opts for plastic floor and side panels, as well as the rear seatbacks. This makes for an easy-clean hold, though you'll go squirrelly in a week, after listening to your items slide around with reckless abandon. Cargo nets and cargo area covers are all optional. Cargo tie-down points are easy to access. The rear seatbacks get grocery bag flip-down hooks. Cargo rails are standard, with usual optional hold-down systems available. Before you reach the spare, you'll find a foam organizer biscuit.
The Underhood
The 140-horsepower 2.0-litre four is a comfy fit for the Tucson engine bay, with few concerns for future serviceability. All fluid level checkpoints are clearly marked, with elongated fill necks where needed. Interesting to note is the existence of the automatic transmission fluid dipstick, which has disappeared from numerous makes.
The Verdict
While the styling may still be reminiscent of the last-gen Santa Fe, there's plenty of think within the Tucson that is intent on continued ownership enjoyment, without ever feeling gimmick-thick. Five stars.
Thanks to Focus Hyundai of Winnipeg for this week's Inside Story test vehicle.
Next week: 2008 Porsche Cayenne S
Michael Clark is a Winnipeg-based freelance automotive writer |
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