Topic: Saw My First New Tuscon At A Distance The Other Day

[jww]

What an outstanding looking vehicle. It almost gave me buyers remorse on the Santa Fe purchase back in November -- I say almost because it is smaller, has somewhat less headroom, and is slightly (only slightly) less luxurious looking inside.

All-in-all, I think it is a stunning looking vehicle -- the nicest/best looking small SUV that I have seen in some time. Hyundai has done it again with looks. And going with the 4cyl 176hp engine is a smart move, imo. It will produce much better mileage and should have enough pep to move the Tuscon around without any real problems. I still wish that Hyundai would have brought over the diesel - I think it would do well in Canada.

[ggweci]

Saw a couple of these at the Hyundai office in Markham.  I agree, it's an excellent looking vehicle.

[airbalancer]

Saw one at the mall, looks like a Nissan Rogue front the side  and a MB B200 from the front
The drive seat appear to be on top of the centre console so it looks like no room in the drivers seat
With Hyundai offering cheap money it may sell

[jww]

I saw a mid-level trim unit in the dealership yesterday when I dropped in to pick some paperwork up. I think the lines are excellent - and even like the new nose treatment. Interior was ok - but not dazzling to me like other recent Hyundai offerings. The cloth seats aren't as good a quality as I would have expected. In fact, the ones in my wife's Accent hatchback are more robust feeling a material. It definitely does look to be close quarters inside. The cargo area is smaller than the previous model.

In the end, I am happy I went with the 09 Santa Fe at year-end rather than waiting for the new Tuscon. I really like the styling and bluetooth is nice to have, but all in the Santa Fe is truly a much more up-market vehicle for the money, imo.

I can see these being very popular with those looking at the CR-V but not wanting to deal with holier-than-thou Honda dealers.

Now -- if this is a design pre-cursor for the refreshed Santa Fe, that could end up being a very interesting vehicle.