Hyundai Terracan Highlander 2005 review

The new $37,490, seven seat, diesel Terracan CRDi raises the bar again because it is arguably the most "together" vehicle Hyundai has in its local lineup.

By together I mean, well built, sensibly laid out, impressive performance, high levels of refinement and safety and extremely capable on and off road.

Yes, it's a big call, but a drive proves the point.

Our test vehicle was the leather equipped manual Terracan Highlander with high and low range constant all wheel drive.

The diesel is a DOHC, turbo four cylinder common rail unit of 2.9-litres giving 120kW/345Nm output.

It's enough to make the Terracan hum along sweetly in all driving conditions with a good reserve of go under the right foot. Off the mark isn't too bad either but the engine really starts to sing at around 2000 rpm and stays until about 4500. It provides a wide operating range that is capably harnesssed by the slick shifting five-speed manual. A four speed automatic is also available but that's the next test.

The diesel is a new device from Hyundai shared with Kia and it displays the strengths now expected from common rail engines – excellent performance, minimal fuel consumption, smooth running, quick start-up, no black smoke.

There would be precious little difference on the road between the 3.5-litre V6 and this diesel Terracan in performance.

It has softish suspension which allows a degree of body roll when cornering hard. That's the trade off for comfort in the rough. The suspension is a double wishbone and torsion bar front and five link rear with coils and a rigid diff.

It should be pointed out that the base model and Highlander's 4WD systems are different with the former having selectable 4WD and the later constant awd.It makes little difference on or off the road as both vehicles are capable, go anywhere vehicles in the true 4WD sense.

Terracan is built on a ladder chassis and has adequate ground clearance and wheel travel.

The steering is possiblya litle too light but the turning circle is not bad. The diesel manual weighs in at 2200kg.

It will go around 800km without too much trouble and is well equipped with goodies like pollen filter aircon, cruise, alloys, dual front airbags, full size spare, ABS remote central locking and electric ancillaries to name just a few.Some might criticise the vehicle's styling but it really only needs a tweak here and there – the grille and side cladding for example.