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