Hyundai Tucson buyer’s guide

FROM £13,000 Mid-sized SUV scores on value and versatility. Here’s how to find one

Mk2 SUV is a big step forward, and is yours used from £13k

WHEN Hyundai arrived in the UK in 1982 with the Pony, it was easy to make jokes about how lame the product was. But for those on a budget wanting nononsense transport, it was just the job.

The company’s first SUV (the 2001 Santa Fe) was just as uninspiring, but again, the car gained a following with buyers who put value ahead of image.

That was still true to an extent with the original Tucson of 2009. However, by the time the second-generation car appeared in 2015, customers could have it all: top value, sharp looks, decent engines, the latest hi-tech kit and a good drive, too.

History

THE Mk2 Tucson replaced the ix35 in September 2015. Buyers could choose naturally aspirated or turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engines, along with 1.7 or 2.0-litre diesel powerplants.

While the 1.7 came in only 115bhp manual front-wheel-drive form, the 2.0 was offered with 135bhp or 175bhp and in front or four-wheel drive with manual or automatic transmissions.

From March 2016, the 1.7 CRDI got a dual-clutch auto option, while a facelift earlier this year means updated Tucsons are now in dealers. These have a new dash, a revised nose and tail, fresh alloy wheel designs, improved infotainment and extra driver assistance systems. A 1.6 CRDI engine replaces the 1.7 CRDI and a mild hybrid also joins the range.

Which one?

ALL Tucsons are well equipped. Even the entry-level S has 16-inch alloys, air-con, electric windows front and rear, DAB and a multifunction steering wheel.

Move up to the SE and you get 17inch wheels, climate control, electrically adjusted, heated and folding door mirrors, as well as heated front seats, cruise control and rear parking sensors.

SE Nav spec brings an eight-inch touchscreen display with navigation. The Premium also features heated rear seats, AEB, 19-inch wheels (17 inches on the 1.7 CRDI Bluedrive manual), electric front seat adjustment, front parking sensors and leather seat facings. The Premium SE adds LED headlights, a panoramic roof, selfparking and a powered tailgate.

Alternatives

THE Tucson’s closest rival is the Kia Sportage, which is identical under the skin; the cars use the same platform and running gear. The Kia gets an even longer warranty than Hyundai’s five-year deal; at seven years, it’s an industry benchmark.

Another tough adversary is the Nissan Qashqai, which is practical but not

necessarily as reliable as you’d expect. More impressive is the Peugeot 3008, which looks smart inside and out, and offers good value on the used market. The same goes for the Ford Kuga.

The Renault Kadjar is another stylish alternative, and it’s mechanically related to the Qashqai. Don’t overlook the Honda CR-V, either, or the Mazda CX-5.

Verdict

IT’S easy to see why the Tucson is one of Hyundai’s best-selling cars in the UK and across Europe. It looks smart and is well equipped, comes with a decent range of engines and transmissions, and is widely available second-hand.

We’d avoid the underpowered entrylevel 1.6 petrol, but the diesels and turbocharged petrol engine are more accomplished. If you’re buying to tow, seek out a four-wheel-drive model and find something with plenty of toys; highspec Tucsons are common. Just check everything works; while reliability isn’t a huge issue, it can be more of a problem on the Hyundai than you might expect.