Hyundai Tucson drive is modest in stature but big at heart
Jeff Voth
Date Posted: 8/2/2005
|
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. For centuries, peoples of the Sonoran Desert have cherished the fruit that grows on the saguaro plant,
enjoying its sweet pulp and turning it into products such as jam, syrup, and religious ceremonial wine.
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 directly from its big brother in the line-up, the 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, or 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; 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 plastic accents and unexciting cloth the accepted norm in this
segment.
A unique feature 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 gets 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 all new for 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.
|
| 2005 HYUNDAI TUCSON VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Compact SUV |
| Model Options: |
Compact SUV |
| 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 |
| Airbags: |
2 (front) 2 (side) 2(side curtain) |
| Gas Mileage: |
2WD GL with manual transmission: 22/27 mpg 4WD GLS & LX: 19/24 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 17,499- $ 22,799 |
|
|
|
The Big Lot! is dedicated to privacy, security, and service. Read our Privacy Policy.
