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LIFESTYLE AUTOWORLD
Tucson is Hyundai’s thrifty alternative to a midsize sedan [by Mark Maynard] Twenty-thousand dollars goes a long way in the Hyundai Tucson GLS.
Smooth riding, quiet and fairly fuel efficient,
Borg Warner system - InterActive Torque
or it can be folded forward as a work space
this compact SUV is an alternative to a
Management - can route up to 99 percent of
for the driver or to open up space to load
midsize sedan that could cost an additional
the available power to the front wheels or up
long tools or toys. And there’s even an exte-
$5,000, or more.
to 50 percent to the rear wheels. The system
rior passenger door lock port - an item that
monitors throttle position, front-wheel angle
has been phased out of many cars to save
and wheel slips.
money.
For those sending a grad off to college, this
There was also plenty of budget for the cargo
isn’t a bad way to protect the investment.
area. The tailgate has flip-up glass so you
This is Hyundai’s second SUV, a notch down from the Santa Fe, and it has a value pack of extras.
don’t always have to heft the full door. Inside,
All Tucsons come with remote locking, air conditioning, power windows and locks,
Thrift never seemed more extravagant, but
there is a light, 12-volt plug-in, cargo cover,
power heated mirrors, tinted glass, eight-
for those who want absolute power and
underfloor storage and tie downs, and the
way adjustable driver’s seat, six-speaker
leather-trimmed seats, there is the GLS and
rear mat is removable to hose out the plastic
audio with CD and even heated windshield
LX.
floor.
wiper rests. The GLS, today’s tester, lists for $20,644 and
What’s not to like? The suspension is set for
And it is a safety cocoon - with six air bags
adds the 173 horsepower V-6 and four-speed
comfy not zoomy, so it might disappoint those
(including roof-mounted side curtain bags),
Shiftronic, fog lights, leather-trimmed and
drivers who like to push hard through the
four-wheel disc brakes and ABS with elec-
heated seats and an upgraded audio system
corners. (But the tidy 35.4-foot turning circle
tronic brake force distribution and Electronic
with cassette and MP3. The only factory op-
makes it very nimble in tight spots.) And the
Stability Program with traction control.
tion is a power sunroof, $850.
back seat area is small for a growing family,
Choose from three models with two engines
Tucsons of all levels are loaded with good
and transmissions in two- or four-wheel
ideas and safe design elements. For ex-
drive with pricing that starts at $18,094. The
ample, there are hefty 16-inch BF Goodrich
For Tucson, it’s the attention to detail, how
top-line LX 4WD is $23,394.
tires on attractive alloy wheels. Durable
well it’s put together and how much it gives
plastic moldings rim the lower body and
along every mile of driving that makes it
The base front-wheel-drive GL comes with
wheel openings to fend off highway rash and
seem like a smart buy.
a 140 horsepower, 2-liter double overhead
road salt.
but there’s always the Santa Fe for anyone in that position.
HEMI.COM NEW AND IMPROVED
camshaft four-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing. The stan-
Inside, there are helpful touches in the purse
dard transmission is a five-speed manual;
or bag hook in the passenger foot area, an
Chrysler has revved up its Hemi.com Web
upgrade to a four-speed Shiftronic automatic
adjustable front armrest, visors with extend-
site (www.Hemi.com) with new stories and
for $850 more. Fuel economy is 22 mpg city
ers, an overhead console with sunglass
photos, more in-depth history and specifica-
and 27 highway with the manual, 21/26 for
storage and map lights, and back-seat coat
tions, and new multimedia features, includ-
4WD, using 87 octane.
hooks and grab handles, so you don’t have to
ing Hemi sounds.
hang dry cleaning from an assist grip. The new Hemi engine story is continued and
Four-wheel drive adds $1,500, and it’s a slick, all-weather system. The electronic
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The front passenger seat back fully reclines
expanded to include the 6.1 liter version.
continued on back