Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDi 116 SE Nav, review: Practical, attractive and well kitted out

The entry-level version of the small-family SUV is a good buy

The Tucson’s performance belies the model’s height and two-tonne kerbweight

With an eye firmly on Nissan’s class-leading Qashqai and its Renault Kadjar cousin, Hyundai is aiming for the top with its new Tucson. The small-family SUV has proved its talents on a number of levels, but how does it stack up in entry-level diesel guise?

When it comes to running costs, the front-wheel-drive, 114bhp, 1.7-litre CRDi SE Nav spec claims 61.7mpg and 119g/km of CO2 emissions. The figures can’t match those of its rivals’ 1.5-litre base oil-burners, while its keen £22,796 price tag is somewhere in the middle of the two models’. A company car tax rate of 21% is higher, too, but private buyers will appreciate the comparatively low insurance group and servicing costs.

The Tucson is very manoeuvrable in town and composed around bends on the open road

The Tucson’s striking exterior styling continues through to the easily accessed five-seat cabin, where there’s plenty of comfort and space both front and rear, plus very good all-round visibility. A square aperture and low lip make for easy loading, while most of the cabin materials are of a high quality and the driver controls are user-friendly.

This 1.7-litre CRDi SE Nav adds 17in alloys, 8in touchscreen sat-nav, DAB radio, heated front seats, lumbar support, dual-zone climate control and cruise control to the standard auto lights, daytime running LEDs, Bluetooth and USB. A five-year unlimited-mileage warranty is also included, and safety kit on this car includes a full-size spare wheel, six airbags and electronic stability control.

Most of the cabin materials are of a high quality and the driver controls are user-friendly

The Tucson’s performance belies the model’s height and two-tonne kerbweight. It’s very manoeuvrable in town and composed around bends on the open road – even if the steering is increasingly vague at speed, particularly when Lane Keeping Assist System is active. The firm ride copes well with all but the roughest surfaces.

Willing power delivery across the rev range combined with a competent six-speed gearbox impress, and refinement is comparable with rivals’, but the 13.7sec 0-62mph sprint time can’t touch the Qashqai’s.

Practical, attractive and well kitted out, the Tucson 1.7-litre CRDi SE Nav is a good buy. The Renault is cheaper, though, while the Nissan offers better performance, green credentials, economy, refinement and comfort… for not an awful lot more.

Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDi 116 SE Nav

Price: £22,796

Engine: 4cyl, 1685cc, diesel

Power: 114bhp @ 4000rpm

Torque: 207lb ft @ 1250-2500rpm

Gearbox: 6spd manual

0-62mph: 13.7sec

Top speed: 109mph

Kerbweight: 2000kg

Economy: 61.7mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band: 119g/km, 21%.