Hyundai Tucson 2.0 GLS, 2007 model
As is the case with many Hyundai buyers, Riaan Victor is mighty pleased with his second-hand Tucson.
What made you decide on the Hyundai Tucson?
I drove a Toyota Camry 220 SEi for years, but finally decided to sell it. Because of its low ground clearance, the underbody would scrape driving in or out of the gates at many campsites. It was an even bigger problem when we towed the Ventertjie. I was looking for something with better ground clearance that was more suited to gravel roads and camping.
Did you look at other vehicles too?
I looked around for a few months, also for Toyotas such as the Hilux and the Fortuner. The Tucson won, because it cost the least.
What is the mileage?
I struggled to find one with less than 60 000 km on the clock that was within our budget. Hyundai Somerset West showed me the 2007 Tucson 2.0 GLS and my wife immediately liked the vehicle. I bought it in June 2009 for R165 000, with 56 000 km on the clock. We’ve since added 11 000 km.
What do you like about it?
Even though it’s the base model Tucson, the vehicle has all the luxuries we wanted, such as electric windows, automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, leather seats and two 12 V/120 W electrical sockets where I can plug in my camping fridge.
The cabin is spacious and has enough legroom, even when the front seats are pushed all the
way back. When I need extra packing space, I can fold the rear seats flat or fold down one of the seatbacks (in a 2/3 ratio). If I still don’t have enough space, I tow the Venter.
Even with only a part of the back seat folded flat, there’s still enough space in the back for my five-year-old daughter and all her dolls. Last but not least, I’m impressed with the Hyundai dealer in Somerset West’s excellent service.
Have you taken it camping?
Our first weekend away was to De Uijlenes near Gansbaai, and we were impressed with its handling on the gravel road. We also went camping at Leeuwenboschfontein outside Touws River one weekend. Even though the Tucson isn’t a 4x4, we could drive all over the farm thanks to the high ground clearance.
We plan to tour through seven of the provinces in August. The tour will take us through the Wild Coast, KwaZulu-Natal and to the Kruger National Park and back – a distance of 6 000 km.
Anything you’d like to change?
Only one thing – the boot flap. It tends to rattle, and it can be in the way when you load things in the boot. Other than that, the car hasn’t given any problems. I would recommend it to anyone with a small family who goes camping regularly.
Are you happy with its drinking habits?
The tank takes only 58 litres of petrol, but on the open road I easily get 600 km on one tank. I get 9,2 ℓ/100 km on the open road and 9,8 ℓ/100 km in town. The best consumption was when we went to Jongensfontein in December last year: 8,9 ℓ/100 km.
Vital statistics
Engine: 1975 cc four-cylinder petrol engine (104 kW; 184 Nm)
Ground clearance: 195 mm
Fuel tank: 58 litres
Tank range: About 600 km
Price: R165 000 (second-hand)
(Note: Price accurate in March 2010)
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