| Hyundai has become an increasingly popular | | | | weekends, then this may be a viable option for |
| carmaker in the Australian market, thanks largely | | | | you. The Santa Fe looks great and has the same |
| to the ubiquitous Hyundai Excel. But it's in the | | | | standard features as the Tucson. The Santa Fe is |
| off-road market where Hyundai is now really | | | | reasonably priced at around $34,000 brand new. |
| making in-roads. Here we look at the off-road | | | | If you're in the market for a used car, go for a |
| offerings from this emerging Korean carmaker. | | | | one owner late model, as earlier vehicles weren't |
| Hyundai Tucson | | | | built as well as later models. And remember to |
| The Hyundai Tucson offers a good off-roader at | | | | check underneath and in the body for signs of |
| a great price. A new Tucson will set you back | | | | off-road damage, and get a professional |
| around $30,000 for the standard 2.7 litre V6 five | | | | inspection. |
| door wagon. For the top of the range Tucson | | | | Hyundai Terracan |
| Elite S, you'll pay around $33,000. | | | | The Hyundai Terracan is much boxier in |
| The Tucson has air conditioning, automatic | | | | appearance compared with the Santa Fe and |
| transmission, driver and passenger airbags and | | | | Tucson, but this vehicle is built for more serious |
| anti-lock brakes all as standard equipment. One | | | | off-roading and the boxier shape actually makes it |
| thing to consider though with the Tucson is its | | | | look like it means business in the bush. The |
| lack of real ground clearance which inhibits its | | | | Terracan, as opposed to the Santa Fe and |
| off-road abilities. But despite this, the Tucson | | | | Tucson, has good ground clearance offering good |
| represents good value for money. | | | | entry and exit angles. The Terracan is in |
| A good one owner Tucson in good condition | | | | permanent four wheel drive and has a two speed |
| should be relatively easy to come by. If you are | | | | transfer box for torque low down when the going |
| looking at buying a used car, check for off-road | | | | gets tough. The Terracan has some little luxuries |
| damage in the body and try to go for one that | | | | too, with front fog lights, an MP3 CD player and |
| has done little or no off-roading. Also, get an | | | | ABS brakes standard from 2004 models onwards. |
| inspection from a qualified Hyundai mechanic. | | | | New car prices start from around $35,500 for the |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | | | | standard model and $37,500 for the Highlander. |
| The Hyundai Santa Fe has been a great success | | | | If you're looking for a used car, check for |
| story for Hyundai in Australia. The Santa Fe | | | | steering stability on the open road and check the |
| should be considered more as a soft-roader | | | | body for damage from off-road use. Try and go |
| rather than a serious four wheel drive. However, | | | | for a one owner car made after 2004 as these |
| if you're just looking to have a little fun on the | | | | will have the extra equipment as standard. |