2005 Hyundai Tuscon New Vehicle Road Test
Tucson
is located in southern Arizona, a ninety minute
drive from Phoenix, along the banks of the Santa
Cruz River. It is uniquely situated in a high
desert valley between four different mountain
ranges: the Santa Catalinas to the north, the
Rincons to the east, the Santa Ritas to the
south and the Tucsons to the west. It
also happens to be the gateway for Saguaro National
Park.
The
city of Tucson is modest in size, with a population
of just over 500,000 people. It also boasts
a climate that makes it one of the sunniest
cities in North America, with an average of
3,800 hours of sunshine per year.
It's
hard to say whether or not the designers of
the new 2005 Hyundai Tucson took all of this
into consideration when they built the vehicle.
But I have a strong feeling they may have.
The
new Tucson SUV is uniquely positioned in the
highly competitive compact SUV market. It offers
first-class quality, size and comfort, along
with one of the best warranties in the industry.
In fact, you might even say this newest Hyundai
is a vehicle whose design should continue to
bear fruit for many years to come.
Styling
cues for the Hyundai Tucson are taken
from its big brother, Santa
Fe. Rounded corners accentuate the front fenders
and hood, while crisp belt-lines lead the eye
down the side, towards the back of the vehicle
and its extremely short overhang. The effect
is that of a mid-sized SUV housed inside a compact
body, a style that has worked well for Hyundai
in the past.
Depending
on which model you choose the 2005 Hyundai Tucson
offers two engine packages.
The
base model GL features a 2.0L DOHC, 16-valve,
4-cylinder engine that produces 140 hp @ 6,000
rpm and 136 lb-ft. of torque @ 4,500 rpm. Equipped
with CVVT, (Continuous Variable Valve Timing)
and electronic fuel injection, it offers reasonable
acceleration and excellent fuel economy.
The
GLS and LX models come standard with a 2.7L
DOHC, 24-valve V6 that delivers a strong 173
hp @ 6,000 rpm and 178 lb-ft. of torque @ 4,000
rpm. This is the same engine found in the GLS
model Hyundai Santa Fe, though horsepower is
increased slightly in the Tucson while torque
is marginally decreased.
A
5-speed manual transmission is part of the GL
package, required on the GL AWD. The GLS and
LX offer a 4-speed automatic transmission as
standard equipment. It is also available as an option
on the base GL 2WD.
Stopping
the Hyundai Tucson is easy, as it features 4-wheel
disc brakes, ABS and EBD, (Electronic Brake
Force Distribution). Driving the Hyundai Tucson
is a fun experience in all but the most extreme
off-road conditions.
The
suspension is fully independent ;it boasts MacPherson
struts in the front while the rear features
a multi-link setup with stabilizer bar. Wheels
are 16", 5-spoke alloys with P215/65R16
tires on the GL model, and 16", 6-spoke
alloys with P235/60R16 tires on the GLS and
LX.
Safety is enhanced with the inclusion of equipment normally reserved for vehicles that cost much more. This means the Hyundai Tucson benefits from front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted, side-curtain airbags, to go along with the mandatory dual front airbags.
Inside the Hyundai Tucson is once again ahead of the competition, with creature comforts and added features included at no extra cost. Power windows, heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry with power door locks and cruise control are all standard equipment.
Seats are nicely sculpted to accept occupants of all sizes, but do border on the firm side of the comfort scale. The quality of materials is reasonable given the price range, with hard plasticaccents and unexciting cloth the accepted norm in this segment. A unique feature on the Tuscon allows the front passenger seat to fold flat for placing longer items inside the Tucson. A leather steering wheel is included on the GLS, while leather seating surfaces get added to the LX.
Storage space is excellent in the Hyundai Tucson, with a center armrest and overhead sunglass compartment as well as dual-cupholders, a rear cargo tray and a handy underfloor rear storage bin. The rear seats fold-down in a 60/40 split adding to an already roomy interior.
The base stereo is an AM/FM unit with CD player and 6 speakers. It produces 80 watts of powerful music. The GLS upgrades this to include an MP3 player and 140 watts of power, while the LX adds even more punch with an in-dash 6-disc CD changer and 200 watts of ear numbing muscle.
The 2005 Hyundai Tucson is versatile, fun and well equipped. With a starting price of $ 17,499, it is also very affordable. Whether you're high altitude driving in the Sonoran desert, or cruising the streets of your favorite city in Arizona, or any other state for that matter, this Tucson looks ripe for the picking.
JUST THE FACTS
2005 Hyundai Tucson |
Description: |
Compact SUV |
Model options: |
GL, GLS, LX |
Wheelbase: |
103.5 inches |
Overall length: |
170.3 inches |
Engine size: |
2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder
2.7 L DOHC 24-valve V6 |
Transmission: |
5 speed manual
4 speed automatic |
Drive: |
FWD, Electronic 4WD |
Braking: |
4-wheel disc, ABS, EBD |
Air bags: |
2 (front) 2 (side) 2(side curtain) |
Fuel mileage city/hwy: |
2WD GL manual transmission: 22/27 mpg
4WD GLS & LX: 19/24 mpg |
MSRP: |
$ 17,499- $ 22,799 |
For More Information Click: Hyundai Tuscon
For the Hyundai 2005 Model Guide : Click Here
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