Tucson wins fleet tributes

Test Drive by Graham Breeze

The Hyundai Tucson ticks all the right boxes, particularly if you are a fleet buyer or company car driver.

So it’s little wonder that the Nissan Qashqai rival has been named as “Best Mainstream 4X4” by Business Car Magazine – after all they’re the people who should know about those things.

The awards are determined by the fleet industry itself, with the Tucson’s striking design, cost-efficiency and practicality securing the top spot for Hyundai – and I’d have to say if I was still in the company car business I would be taking a serious look at this model.

This is without doubt the most impressive product Hyundai has released to the fleet market where there’s masses of competition. It’s a massive leap forward for the company and has quickly become its best seller.

Designed to be class-leading in several key areas, the Tucson picked up the prestigious award by offering best-in-class whole life costs, residual values and boot space along with improved standard equipment, boosting comfort, convenience and safety across the range.

The Tucson Premium 2.0 CRDi on test was good looking without being outstanding and you quickly got the idea that this model wasn’t built to attract the driver looking for individuality and stunning performance.

This is for the man or woman impressed by combined fuel figures of 54.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km and the driver impressed by space and practical motoring.

Mind you there’s still a top speed of 114mph, 0-62mph in 10.9seconds and an impressive list of standard equipment which includes 19 inch alloys, a rear spoiler with LED integrated brake lights, front silver skid plates and a chrome effect radiator grille.

The well spaced six-speed gearbox and automatic four wheel drive system make the Tucson easy to drive and handle with plenty of traction and very little corner lean, though the steering may not feel quite as precise as some rivals.

If space is important to you then the Tucson may be just what you are looking for because this is the class leader with loads of storage space in the cabin, a huge boot and comfortable seating for five.

The 2.0litre CRDi on test would cost you £28,425 but you get a lot for your money with an outstanding five year unlimited mileage warranty which includes roadside assistance and annual health checks.

Hyundai is noted for safety levels and the Tucson is no exception. There’s a full size alloy spare wheel. AEB emergency braking, ABS, electric parking brake, six airbags, downhill brake control, an emergency stop signal, hill start assist, an immobiliser, lane keep assist and tyre pressure monitoring.

There’s heated front and rear seats, automatic headlights, cornering lights, climate control, electric door mirrors, follow-me-home lights, parking sensors, speed limit information, a blind spot detection system and rain sensing wipers.

The cabin is functional rather than revolutionary with an 8inch touchscreen containing the Sat/Nav system, reversing camera, Bluetooth connectivity and all the radio controls.

If £28,000 is out of your reach there are other, less expensive models in the range. You could pick from S, SE, SE Nav variants and if you don’t need four wheel drive the price drops further.

It’s easy to see why the new Tucson has become Hyundai’s best seller.