HYUNDAI TUCSON MAKES ITS UK DEBUT AT MOTOR SHOW LIVE
24 May 2004 - Hyundai

Hyundai''s Tucson SUV is to make its UK debut at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live from 26 May to 4 June - the first opportunity UK customers will have to see the car before it goes on sale here in the autumn.

The Tucson (pronounced Too-son) marks the entry level to Hyundai''s 4x4 range and complements the existing Santa Fe and Terracan. The Tucson will compete against cars such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sorento.

Tucson comes with Hyundai''s five year unlimited mileage fully transferable warranty - and joins the only 4x4 range with a manufacturer-backed warranty for a full five years.
As well as conquest sales from other four-wheel drive cars, Hyundai expects to attract customers who perhaps have not previously considered a 4x4. The added attraction is that the Tucson is a five door only vehicle, competing against three door opposition.

The Tucson has a monocoque construction, and sits on a highly modified version of the current COUPÉ platform. There will be three engine options offered (2.0 litre petrol, 2.0 litre common rail turbo diesel, and a powerful 2.7 V6), and two trim levels; GSI and CDX.
Hyundai expects the diesel version of Tucson to be particularly popular in a segment where more drivers are switching to diesel. Customers will be able to choose between a five speed manual transmission or four speed H-matic.

The Tucson uses a ''torque-on-demand'' 4x4 system. The car runs in front-wheel drive until it detects loss of traction, then the 4x4 cuts in. It will then revert to two-wheel drive when adequate traction is detected. Additionally, at speeds up to 19mph, the driver can select permanent 4x4 for extra control when required at the touch of a button.

Tucson prices will start at around £15,000 when it goes on sale.
Dimensions (mm):
Wheelbase: 2630
Overall length: 4325
Overall width: 1795 (1830 with side cladding)
Overall height: 1680 (1730 with roof bars)
Standard equipment: All Tucson models will feature the following …
Driver and passenger airbags, Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Traction control, 4x4 locking button (to lock four-wheel drive at low speeds), Front fog lights, Engine immobiliser, Electric tilt and slide sunroof, Roof bars, Electric windows, Electric door mirrors, Power assisted steering, 60/40 split fold rear seats, Rear wash/wipe, Twin exhausts (2.0 diesel and 2.7 V6 only), Seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters, RDS stereo radio/CD player.

Optional equipment:
Smartnav™'' satellite navigation, Privacy glass, Leather seats.

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