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2005 Hyundai Tucson V6 Road Test

The Koreans Surprise Again

As much as I try not to hold preconceptions, its hard not to rely on what might be outdated thinking. Im just so conditioned after 40 plus years, I have my beliefs about the way things are and its difficult to get my mind around something altogether new. I dont think that Im all that different than most of the people I meet, some are more entrenched and, at the opposite end of the spectrum, others earlier adaptors, so to speak, but most of us define our opinions and stick to them religiously.

This is true for most things in life, as it is in the automotive sector. For instance, consider Hyundai for a moment. While its Sonata sedan is ranked first over every competitor in the 2004 J. D. Powers and Associates Initial Quality Studys (IQS) entry midsize category, the Accent is rated in second place in the compact class, making it first in its

Hyundais offer excellent value and one of the nationss best warranties. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

actual subcompact segment, and the Hyundai brand on the whole is rated 7th out of 37 rivals in the nameplate ranking, beating 9th place Toyota by the way, plus Hyundai is tied for second place with Honda at 102 problems per 100 vehicles in the corporate rankings, bested only by Toyota with a mere 1 point advantage, and adding to that second position overall in Strategic Visions Total Value Index, why do most people still consider Hyundai an alternative brand. Rather, we should all bow down and pay our respects. The Korean automakers status just comes down to

I was blown away with Hyundais new Tucson, it is a segment leader in many respects. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

perceptions. Hyundais offer excellent value and one of the nations best warranties, so they must be overcompensating for something right? Wrong.

This point became clearly evident yet again when I test drove the new Tucson compact sport utility at its press introduction in Portland, Oregon recently. Expecting a good little SUV, nothing extraordinary but rather a vehicle that would rely on its low price point to garner interest and inevitably sales, I was blown away with what Hyundai showed up with. This isnt just a good little SUV, no not at all. The Tucson is a segment leader in many

Tucson is more conservatively styled than the Santa Fe, and therefore should find a larger audience. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

respects. Let me explain.

First of all thats a pretty bold claim, dont you think? And Im not talking about leading a category in a third party analytical companys quality survey, something based on owners responses to given questions, but rather a direct comparison to leaders in the compact SUV market, such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, in build quality tolerances, interior fit and finish and quality of materials, ride quality, handling, acceleration, features, and the list goes on. The Tucson is not only on par with such competitors, its better than most.

Most will find its styling

The tight fit and finish theme of the Tucsons exterior continues on the inside of the vehicle as well. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

an improvement over the Santa Fe, which works for some but not all. Tucson is more conservatively penned, and therefore should find a larger audience despite the Santa Fes enviable sales success. Rather than talking about the new SUVs design, which is pretty subjective really, I find the attention Hyundai paid in putting all the panels together more interesting. Panel gap tolerances are among the best in the industry, so close actually that luxury car manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus would be proud of the accomplishment. This is most evident in the door seams, but is true for the spaces between the hood and front fenders, and those around the rear liftgate too.

Move

I dont believe Lexus executes switchgear any better, and the gorgeous chrome-metal and rubberized HVAC knobs on the center console are Audi-grade. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

into the cockpit and the tight fit and finish theme continues. Most impressive are its buttons, knobs and switches that surround the driver. I dont believe Lexus executes switchgear any better, and the gorgeous chrome-metal and rubberized plastic heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls are Audi-grade. Very impressive.

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