Hyundai Tucson Elite 2005 review

Picnic basket, rugs, director's chairs complete with chair covers, my bag, his suitcase (yes, suitcase), an Esky, camera, cushions, food ... and the dog in her portable cot.

Now, I better allow some space for a few cases of wine as well ...

Hoorah for the Hyundai Tucson. All this wouldn't fit in my little hatchback. From the outside, this is a mid-size SUV yet it hosts a lively V6 2.7-litre engine, making it a powerful figure around the Barossa. Hop inside and it's like you've stepped into a large room because from the driver's seat, the boot looks a long way back.

Yes, it's great for the long-legged varieties and great, too, for those of us who haven't learned to pack minimally. Luckily, there are plenty of storage pockets for maps, sunglasses, keys, books and small bags.

In the back, there are even shopping bag hooks to keep perfect purchases in perfect place and I discover an under-seat tray for tucking items like shoes out of sight.

Still searching for more storage pockets, I am pleased to find that one of the cup holders in the front – tucked neatly out of the way of the handbrake – can fit a 1.25-litre bottle. Very handy if you're hot and on a road trip. Anyway, back to the technical details. There's a choice between driving manually or in automatic mode for it has an electronic automatic transmission. Most of the time, I opt for convenience and keep it in auto while revelling in the Tucson's quiet efficiency.

I am also feeling lazy, so I click on the cruise control and all that is left to do is sit back in its spacious seats and enjoy the scenery. And on the dirt road up to the B&B, the traction keeps me in control with a solid grip on the dusty gravel.

Yes, the Tucson makes our journey very easy, perhaps because we are left wanting for little. Airconditioning keeps the heat at bay, the sunroof shows us what a beautiful day it is, while the CD player reminds that neither of us can sing.

The dual vanity mirrors also let me know that after a few hours in a car, it's always time for a lipstick touchup, especially before you say hello to your hosts for the weekend.

After all, good first impressions are imperative – especially when you may be coming home later that night a wee bit sozzled and may wake up your neighbours – but not in the Tucson, of course!

And had I bought more wine than expected, I could have made use of the Tucson's ability to fold its seats completely flat – it is a thought I keep in the back of my mind as we pass winery after winery after winery ...

Love it or leave it

Hyundai Tucson Elite 

Love it

THE rear window flips up without having to open the entire boot, which makes it easy to slip in bags, shopping or extras.

ADJUSTABLE armrest that doubles as a centre console.

Leave it

THE plastic leather-look veneer on the dash looks a bit cheap.

HEAVY on the fuel.