Hyundai model to challenge Nissan Qashqai, the benchmark in Crossover segment

By Gerry Murphy

It took us a while in Ireland to get to grips with the no-frills German supermarkets in our chase for value in our weekly shopping. Now we are flocking to them and are benefitting from the experience.

Similarly, we took our time embracing Korean car brands like Hyundai and Kia.

All has changed here too and Hyundai, in particular, has been blazing a trail, enticing Irish car buyers by the thousands. Already this year, the new Hyundai Tucson, a replacement for the iX35, is the bestselling car in the country so far this year.

After a week in the new Hyundai Tuscon, it is clear why this is so. We love our SUV/Crossovers since the arrival of the, up to now, benchmark Nissan Qashqai and while most other brands now have similar styled cars in their catalogues, none has challenged quite like the Hyundai version.

My test car was the 1.7 litre diesel 2WD Tucson Executive version that retails from €30,495. In addition to a high specification that is standard in lower spec versions, this one includes satellite navigation, shark fin antenna, 8 inch touch screen, rear view camera, and heated front leather seats.

Hyundai has improved many facets of the Tucson over the IX35. Engine and road noise is a good deal quieter; it is sturdier on the road and offers more space inside the newly appointed cabin. It is uncluttered and gives you the distinct feeling of a bigger car with it panoramic sunroof letting in lots of light to add to the ambience.

Externally, the car has a more powerful look that is full-on from the front and more butch all round. It is more like the shape of it bigger sibling, the Santa Fe. It is a look that commands attention and one that I really like. The bigger front grille adds to the gravitas and because the side profile continues the higher line to the rear, the kerbside appeal is also quite forceful.

On the road the driving characteristics are better than the IX35 too. You get firmer ride, considerably better cornering and while the steering may be on the light side for some, it is accurate and precise giving a new sense of poise that is not always found in this category of vehicle.

My test car version is expected to be the best selling model in the range. CO2 emissions read 119 g/km which gives you a yearly road tax bill of €200. Fuel consumption over the week in the car across a wide selection of journey type and road surfaces came in at 5.9L/100 and compared to the 4.5L/100km set down on the Hyundai website, which is a decent total when you take the test and the road conditions into account.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.