Hyundai Tucson 2004 test drive - 2009 SUV

Good schools

The same gamma of engines, identical all -wheel drive transmission, gearboxes, pendants, brake systems, a similar set of safety devices.
Honestly, even the concept on one platform does not fully reflect the constructive community of these cars. In a word, when we prepared the Hyunda-Tusan and Kia-Sportage test, there were doubts: will we be able to find enough differences to at least somehow (in addition to the names) to divide these cars? Oddly enough, the comparison of the counterparts turned out to be much more informative than expected.
PUZZLE
Here they are, nearby. In memory, very evasive comments on dealers about the same car. Say, there are enough communities, but
Rather, there is a reason to talk about the variety of forms, lines, stylistic techniques than the identity of the exterior. Bumpers, lighting equipment, side lining of the body, it is these elements that largely form the individuality of each of the cars. As it turns out, they were not limited to them. The twins have original understeptings of doors, wings, roofs. Even mirrors and external handles have their own size and location. The opening of the fifth door differs in shape and size. Despite the fact that they are exactly the same trunk, covered with perfectly interchangeable curtains. That's what a puzzle turns out.
At first, childishly rejoice at every difference found, until you are convinced of them much more than an accessible look. For example, henda-tusan, according to the plan, he definitely gravitates to Europeans. This is traced in solid bodies of the body, deliberately rude, powerful bumers.
Kia-Sportage, on the contrary, does not hide his Asian origin behind the right forms. Sloping hood, playful, with a fracture of the side lining of the body and, conversely, smooth, rounded surfaces.
As a result, you cannot choose a more preferred style: finding your positive and negative sides in both of them.
Covering the emblem
Each of the twins has its own character in this thought you are strengthened, evaluating their salons. A two -liter Tusan meets the skin of the seats, a four -speed machine selector and the most complete set of passive safety systems. We are ready for this, because it is more expensive than Sportij with the same engine. The fact that initially kia is simpler is not the main thing, the matter is not only in the trim levels, it is important to feel the difference in the approach. And she is much more noticeable than outside.
In Tusan, you see a very solid car thank you high quality finishing materials and strict style. You, as granted, perceive the comfortable hugs of spacious seats, an adjustable central armrest, numerous boxes and shelves surrounding the driver and front passenger. It seems that close the hand of the Hyunde emblem on the steering wheel, and immediately find yourself in an absolutely European car with comfortable, thoughtful controls.
The light beige velor of Sportija pleases with airiness, only a feeling of goodness is rapidly disappeared. And the point is not only in the noticeably sad dashboard or the climate unit. In the end, it is even more convenient to use two twists of the latter. The performance itself looks cheaper. The front panel is rough and tough to the touch, the silver insert in its center looks clumsy, and the handle of the gearbox lever is turning at the slightest touch. Even the seat, becoming more sports, embossed, is not so convenient. As soon as you cover the emblem on the steering wheel, you summarize the Chinese, and nothing more.
Automatic and pen
It seems to you that the choice is made, and the difference in behavior with the same motors is unlikely to be significant? Do not rush!
Tusan is undoubtedly solid good, his sled abilities are so balanced. Of course, it is noticeable that even 142 horses are not easy to disperse a heavy machine, besides, the motor loves momentum. However, its capabilities are well linked to the logic of automatic transmission, they understand each other at a glance. In general, there are not enough stars from the sky on the dispersal of the tusan, but it is lucky confidently and reliably. An annoying only the sharp, rattling sound of the engine. Somehow you don’t attach any value in ordinary modes, but if the tachometer arrow is picked up to 4000 rpm, as the engine bursts into the salon and no longer gets off your ears until the moment of switching.
In the settings of pendants, all the same reliability, even a certain monumentality. The car is comfortable on small irregularities, it copes well with larger potholes. However, at high speed it begins to swing quite actively, repeating the relief of the road. On gentle waves, it talks pretty inside the car.
In conventional modes of movement, the reaction of the Tusan is a little heavy, but at the same time understandable and well predicted. But in quick turns, he is inclined to side swing, he reacts sluggishly to the steering wheel movements, preferring a less aggressive control style.
The KIA-Sportage mechanical box only emphasizes a two-liter motor really loves momentum. Boring up to 35004000 rpm, then he recalls his capabilities. It is necessary to pay tribute to the second third of the scale of the tachometer Sportij is traveling noticeably more fun. But the long moves of the lever of the box is not the best alternative to the machine gun.
Quite unexpectedly, Kia turned out to be preferable to acoustic comfort. As it approaches the treasured four thousandth mark, the noise of the motor grows smoothly, in addition, it is generously diluted with a firing tire and aerodynamic whistles. As a result, at the peak of sound pressure, all this sounds softer, not annoying.
And Sportij's pendants settings are different. It is tougher on small irregularities, but at speed it is completely not inclined to vertical buildup, at some moments it is even more comfortable than Tusan.
More striking than the difference in controllability: not without reason he is still a precortje. From the first minutes, the car pleasantly surprises with quick, clear feedback on the steering wheel. After the counterpart, he seems light, assertive, in quick turns is perfectly controlled by the steering wheel and gas. Yes, Tusan has something to envy.
True, there is a sportjah of the pollution in the brakes, they are much more sensitive to heating. During measurements, the results sailed from the third or fourth attempt, and the braking distance increased by 4 meters. Hyunde was much more stable.
Versions and options
Tusan and Sportij are close at the price of basic versions $ 26 990 and $ 25,890, respectively. That's just the offer of the options, they again have different things. Hyunde goes along the steps and first of all offers the consumer an automatic box, a combined (velor + leather) salon, active safety systems and only then the most powerful (2.7 l) gasoline version of the machine. KIA is still simpler: either the basic version identical to the test, or immediately a jump in maximum configuration (ZR, 2005, No. 7). But another two -liter turbodiesel engine is available. By the way, a certain variety of options appears in a diesel machine.
Hyundai Tucson an example of balanced solutions, striving to be solid, averaged in everything. And let him succeed not everything, the general impression is just that.
General assessment 7.8
+ A practical interior, thoughtful ergonomics, balanced sledged capabilities.
- noisy engine, inexpressive handling.
Kia Sportage is very emotional, and not only from the positive side. It will notice small shortcomings and contradictions, but the advantages are very expressive.
General assessment 7.8
+ Energetic in management, comfortable, well equipped in the basic configuration.
- Inexpressive interior, uniting work of the gearbox.

Hyundai Tucson
The compact 5-door all-terrain vehicle debuted at a car dealership in Chicago in February 2004, and six months later was represented in Russia.
Engines: gasoline 2.02.7 l (142175 hp); The turbodiesel 2.0 liters (140 hp) is not delivered to the Russian market.
Gearboxes: 5-speed mechanical, 4-speed automatic.
Complete: Russian dealers only GLS.
Price: $ 26 99033 690.
Kia Sportage
It was first shown at the Paris Motor Show in September 2004, a year later the car appeared on our market.
Engines: gasoline 2.02.7 liters (142175 hp) and turbodiesel 2.0 liters (140 hp), offered by local dealers from this year.
Gearboxes: mechanical 5-speed, 4-speed automatic (2.7 l and 2.0crdi).
Complete: LX, EX.
Price: $ 25 89032 290.
 

 

 

 
 
 

 

 



Sergey Voskresensky
 

Source: The magazine "Driving"