THE GREAT INDOORS
CABIN SIZE DOES MATTER IN HYUNDAI’S UPDATED AND SPACIOUS TUCSON SUV
A t first, I sit in the Hyundai Tucson and feel a little underwhelmed. The handbrake is an old fashioned lever you ratchet up and the ignition requires you to insert a key.
Then I stop and look around; the car grows on me. I check the neat interior, free from the clutter of buttons and possessing what really matters in a family car — space and simplicity.
The styling is standard SUV, not unattractive, with a slightly sporty look. I wouldn’t say it would stand out but I’d be proud to drive this full-time. And at the end of the day, keyless ignition and electronic park brake aren’t the most important things to look for when buying a car.
SIZE MATTERS
The Tucson is roomy, front and rear. Nobody complains about being squished in the back, where my youngest occupies a booster seat. We need only one of the three Isofix anchors.
My husband stretches out the first time he sits in the passenger seat. “Whoa,” he says.
“This is the most I’ve been able to stretch my legs in any car I’ve been in.”
I feel comfortable in the leather appointed seats, nice and high up off the road, so in terms of comfort and roominess, the Hyundai wins us over. There’s no third row of seats, so that makes room for an extra few shopping bags in the spacious boot. I love how the load floor is flat — there are no little spaces for fruit to roll into as you return from the supermarket.
The tailgate opens and closes the oldfashioned unpowered way — it’s not very heavy so it’s not such a big deal. consider a car that is compatible with my mobile phone. My regular SUV doesn’t connect to my phone at all and it’s been my biggest regret since purchasing it, something I didn’t consider beforehand.
The Tucson has smartphone mirroring — after a very simple initial set-up, the car recognises my mobile each time I get back in. Via the eight-inch screen, I make and receive calls, listen to music from my playlist and navigate when necessary.
The screen’s icons are large enough to recognise at a glance so I can select functions while still paying attention to the road ahead.
AT THE WEEKEND
We get in the Tucson for a spin to the movies but we hit a snag that keeps us on the driveway for a few minutes. It’s the first time we’ve had all three kids in the car at once and we can’t locate the middle seat belt.
I feel foolish when I realise it spools down from up high, nestled in the roof lining. I pull it a couple of times with no result, stare at the instructions for a while then realise I’m meant to plug the tongues in separate buckles — finally we’re able to leave home.
We enjoy the smooth ride towards the movies. The eight-speaker premium sound setup has enough volume to drown out the kids in the back. Don’t underestimate this feature — I’ve had some cars that weren’t loud enough. This one can rival a P-plater on his first drive without the parents.
Parking is made easy with the reversing camera — the guidelines show me all I need to park neatly. Happily, there’s no loud beeping when I get close to the car in the next lane.
I stow my sunnies in the sunglass compartment just above the rear-vision mirror (sometimes the simple things are the best). I leave my cup in the cup holder (it fits!) and I’m ready to hit the cinemas with the family.
With the push of a button, the car locks and the side mirrors fold automatically. It’s almost as if the Tucson is protecting itself from those pesky shopping trolleys!
PRACTICAL AFFORDABILITY
The Tucson is reasonably priced when you consider the combination of interior space and up-to-date tech. There are also numerous convenience features, such as the audio, 60-40 split-folding rear seat and the multi-function steering wheel with fingertip access to an abundance of controls.
The drive itself is pleasant and comfortable. There’s really not much more you want in a car for the average-size family.