► We drive the new Hyundai Tucson
► Replaces the ix35 crossover
► Slightly larger than the ix35
Exchanging a meaningless name for one that everyone will mispronounce, the Hyundai Tucson replaces the ix35 crossover and in doing so dusts off a nameplate last seen in the UK attached to a slightly gawky SUV eight years ago. It’s the better-known badge of the two around the world, and Hyundai has global market intentions for this newest crossover on the block, hence the name change.
Looks smart enough, wearing its on-trend body creases and Cheshire-Cat-with-chrome-braces grille with confidence. Overriding impression is of a slightly smaller, more sweetly-proportioned Santa Fe. Not sure what happened to the interior, though, because it’s possibly the least memorable cabin of the year. Spot-on ergonomics and more storage space than you’ll ever need, granted, but would a bit of visual light and shade have killed anyone?
Still, the Tucson’s nondescript environs come loaded with kit. Mid-table SE Nav trim gets heated seats, cruise control, parking sensors and the eponymous sat-nav, and all for less than £23k if you pick the smallest diesel engine. That’s a slightly droning 1.7-litre with a power delivery like a monk’s haircut – plenty in the middle but nothing up top. Forget overtaking; best to keep the revs down, relax and enjoy the £1400 or so saving over the cheapest 2.0-litre, as most Tucson buyers are predicted to do.
A larger car than the ix35, the Tucson packs enormous rear legroom and a bigger boot than many of its rivals (with a full-size spare wheel, too). With surprisingly sharp steering and a flat cornering stance (but occasionally pattery ride) it’s even in danger of being vaguely fun to drive. Boiled down to the basics, the Tucson’s as good a car as any of Qashqai, Kadjar, Kuga and co. It’s roomy, frugal, fine to drive and finer to look at but in a sector that seems to grow by the hour, it could do with a little something – anything – to help it stand out. It’s a perfectly good car, just a rather forgettable one. Pity.
The specs: Hyundai Tucson SE Nav 1.7 CRDi
Price: £22,795
Engine: 1685cc 16v turbodiesel 4-cyl, 114bhp @ 4000rpm, 207lb ft @ 1250-2500rpm
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Performance: 13.7sec 0-62mph, 109mph, 61.7mpg, 119g/km CO2
Weight: 1662kg
On Sale: Now
Rating: ***
Verdict: Entirely decent, but blander than celery stew