Hyundai Tucson: practical, purposeful

A poorly performing global economy forces most of us to consider how we spend our cash, and it often only takes a quick scan through the monthly budget to see where ‘swinging cuts' can be made.

Sometimes, things don't need to be chopped at all. Instead, items can be replaced with a brand that offers better value. The same goes for cars.

Hyundai has had a better recession than most. Historically considered a value-for-money (aka budget) brand, the resulting badge snobbery has offered the Korean manufacturer little justice in the past.

But it seems the drivers who took advantage of Hyundai's 2009 offers found the quality to be up there with the big-name brands. And judging from the quality of Hyundai's latest arrival, they certainly are onto something.

The Tucson follows the trend for family crossovers that combine the practicality and sensible proportions of hatchbacks with the high-rise driving position of SUVs. Available with a 2.0-litre petrol engine driving the front wheels through a six-speed auto 'box in the base model, there is also the option of a 2.4-litre 4x4 version.

These elements are to be expected from an eminently sensible, value-for-money proposition, but the cutting edge styling is, perhaps, not. It's a struggle to find an angle from which the Tucson suffers aesthetically. Granted, it's not supercar exotica, but it's more than a match for its European rivals and a shape drivers can be proud to be seen at the wheel of.

Inside, there's a similar appeal. Build quality is strong and the interior layout smart and stylish. It's roomy, too. Headroom is naturally very good, but legroom in the rear is surprisingly generous and the boot is not short of potential. The Tucson does not feel particularly wide however; three adults across the rear bench may find things a little too cosy.

The sensible dimensions pay off in terms of road manners, however. Like all good crossovers, it doesn't feel like a big car in town, but offers an excellent driving position with a genuinely commanding view.

Refined on the highway and with a duly responsive and well-behaved chassis on the twisties, it's hard to find fault. The steering may be a little springy for some, with the wheel whipping around aggressively to the central position when emerging from a junction, but this does equate to a responsive feel.

Plus, even the entry-level model gets parking sensors and Bluetooth amidst a long list of other kit. At the Tucson's asking price, that's a hard factor to ignore.

Specs & rating