Attractive proposition

When a manufacturer drops off a vehicle at our offices for a road test, the chances are pretty good that it will be a model with all the bells and whistles.

The reason for this is quite simple. They want us to talk about features such as the latest in voice-control technology, the ability of the vehicle to park itself — in some instances even drive itself.

But as the saying goes, nothing for

mahala, and some of the test cars we have written about over the years, particularly those brands with headquarters in Germany, can come with added features that will set you back close to R150,000.

Yes, you read right, R150,000 in extras — roughly the same price you will pay for a new Suzuki Swift or perhaps a low-mileage Renault Sandero Stepway.

I still find it hard to digest that you can expect to pay R910,000 for a Mercedes-Benz 350d V6 Progressive and you get manually adjustable cloth seats. If you want them electrically adjustable, well you will have to opt for the Comfort Package (R23,500).

Which is perhaps why the team here at Sowetan Motoring are quite keen on vehicles from Korea, or more specifically, Hyundai.

Whether it’s an entry-level Grand i10 or the top-of-the-range Santa Fe, Hyundai pack their vehicles with a wide range of standard features, leaving little optional

(and expensive) items to be fitted.

I was reminded of this last week when spending a few days behind the wheel of their popular Tucson — a mainstay in the brand’s line-up.

Hyundai, like many manufacturers, have over the past decade been targeting the ever-expanding SUV segment.

Relative new additions to this genre from the company include the Creta and Kona, but it is the Tucson that sets the sales chart alight and its importance is perhaps best illustrated by the fact this particular vehicle today has an extensive seven derivatives available, with three engine choices.

Our test vehicle was the 1.6litre turbo-petrol Elite model equipped with a seven-speed DCT (dual clutch transmission) along with two driving modes — Eco and Sport. It also comes equipped with All Wheel Drive for a little off-road adventure.

The third-generation Tucson — launched in 2016 — is today available in three specification levels, yet as I mentioned earlier, even their aptly named entry-level Premium model is equipped with enough standard equipment to keep even the most demanding Correctional Services official happy.

Our test vehicle came with goodies such as a panoramic sun roof, LED headlamps, electric seat adjustment for driver and passenger, rear-view camera, a push-button to start the engine and keyless entry. The Elite derivative also includes safety features, among others, blind spot detection and cross traffic alert. Another standard feature is prominent 19-inch alloy wheels.

The Tucson got something of a makeover as recently as August, when changes introduced included a new upper dashboard in that nice soft-touch material we all like to prod.

Also adding a touch of class to the interior are the leather seats (in a sensible black), full-colour touchscreen and climate control.

Those familiar with the interior of the previously badged ix35 will be pleasantly surprised with the amount of additional space afforded passengers in the modern-day Tucson — particularly in the rear — and this is down to the fact it is built on a new platform resulting in it being longer and wider than previously.

While the Tucson is far from being a performance vehicle, the 130kW and 265Nm provided makes it feel sprightly enough and offers a pleasant drive with ride and handling as one would expect. Time constraints meant I never managed a drive into the countryside but left me with the impression that it would be a lovely vehicle to tackle a longish journey.

There’s a simple reason why the Tucson is a regular top-contender in its market segment, because at its price this vehicle makes quite an attractive option and the extended seven-year/200,000km warranty just adds to an already attractive proposition.

The Tucson is batting in the same ball park as the likes of the highly rated Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5. To select a winner would be tough to call … It might just come down to brand loyalty or personal preference. Price: R579,900