In India, there are only 5 compact SUVs in this segment. They are Hyundai Tucson, Subaru (Chevrolet) Forester, Suzuki GrandVitara, Honda CRV and Nissan X-Trail.
All these come in the price range of Rs 13 lakhs to Rs 19 Lakhs. While only Nissan X-Trail and Hyundai Tucson are available in diesel.
However, there's no big difference in the performance of these diesels and petrol suvs. While Only Grand Vitara is a 6 cylinder 170 bhp engine, but that generally gives 7 km/litre average.
And, In Diesel Nissan X-Trail comes close to Rs 19-20 Lakhs.
So, If you are a college Guy and don't want to spend but want Gr* Styling, and live in a city which has high traffic, or want to go to hill stations once or twice a year, you have the choice of only Hyundai Tucson, which comes under a price category of approx Rs. 13 Lakhs, which is quite affordable in comparison to others.
On Hill Stations, because the roads are narrow and parking space is very limited, so Its nonsense to take Demons like Ford Endeavour or Safari there, thats why these compact SUVs are better choice.
Oh yes, we know that Nissan X-Trail drives far better,,, but if you are looking for a perfect driving SUV, only Chevrolet Forester is Choice at around Rs 13 lakhs. as that's the only Full time all wheel drive vehicle in india, while others are four wheel.
But Forester is expensive to afford, it gives around 10kmpl in petrol and its spare parts are very very expensive. Its single front HeadLight's cost is around Rs 40,000.
And Forester's hieght is also low (similar to palio adventure).
As we all know that Hyundai is famous for very affordable parts. So Tucson wins here.
Most of these compact SUVs are based on some cars like :
Forester based on : Subaru Impreze Platform,
Honda CRV based on : Honda Civic,
and same with Nissan X-Trail....
.......... Similarly, this Hyundai Tucson is based on newly launched Hyundai Elantra.
and it also shares the same engine, a 2.0 litre crdi with 110 bhp and torque is 25 kgm.
Its dimensions are: L=4325mm, W=1830mm, H=1730mm
weight= 1553 Kg. (4x4) Because of it's llower weight (1553 kg) u can't call it underpowered at 110 bhp, but if the simlilar powerful engine is put in a 2 tonne suv like Endeavour, then the same engine becomes underpowered.
Overall, its wider than Ford endeavour also. It's looks are really dashing, especially the plastic wrap around on the body looks great. While, its looks from rear have been derived from rs 1 crore suv, Porshe Cayne. You can browse its photo gallery at <A href='https://hyundai-tucson.com'> http://www.hyundai-tucson.com</A>. It's got 4 wheel disc brakes, and other equipment which can found in top end Elantra also.
The best thing about tucson is its fuel consumption. In Diesel, it gives 15 kmpl in city and 18 kmpl on highway.
And performance is also similar to petrol powered a/t CRV = 0-100 km/hr in 13 seconds (approx.)
Its interior quality is also great, and its got 4 wheel independent suspension, So its very comfortable too.
But the handling is not as great as all the other 3 mentioned above, while, it's handling is better than Grand-Vitara.
All these data have been taken from my friend in Korea, where I have personally test-driven it while I was there on a export business trip.
I will be one of the first 100 persons to buy this car in India, as I will book it the first day it's launched here. Previously, I heard that it's going to be launch in October, but now Hyundai has confirmed its launch in Januray 2005.
So Guys, I will post another complete review after I will buy it and when will experience its services etc.
Also, This car has launched internationally just this year.
