Hyundai Tucson Elite 2004 review

But it appears supply from Korea has let the side down.

A Queensland Hyundai spokesman said they could easily sell an extra 200 units.

Hyundai Motor Company Australia spokesman Richard Power confirmed that demand had greatly exceeded supply with orders backed up for a few months.

Explore the 2004 Hyundai Tucson range

• Hyundai Tucson 2004 review: road test
• Hyundai Tucson V6 2004 review
• Hyundai Tucson 2004 review
• Hyundai Tucson Elite 2004 review
• Hyundai Tucson V6 auto 2004 review

At the world launch in Korea last May, the compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) didn't have cruise control as standard, was expected to start at $32,000 and was sprung soft for the American market. Understandable, given the continuation of Hyundai's US nomenclature.

However, despite being designed for a world market, it arrived here with right-side blinker controls, a nicely stiffened suspension package, standard cruise control, a wealth of other attractive features, and a highly competitive starting price of $29,990.

A diesel Tucson was to have arrived shortly, but unfortunately, no such luck.

"We are looking at it for the future but more research is planned before any moves are taken," Power said.

"Our current Tucson supply shortage wouldn't improve with the diesel variant, given Europe's strong demand for it."

Tucson comes with a 129kW V6, all-wheel-drive on demand, lockable centre differential, tilt adjustable steering, four-speed sequential-style automatic, ABS, traction control and 16-inch wheels.

Standard gear includes airconditioning, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, dual airbags, MP3-compatible CD player and a full-sized spare wheel and tyre.

The range starts with the Tucson at $29,990, Tucson Elite at $32,490 with six airbags, sunroof, wider Bridgestones and fancier cloth trim and Tucson Elite S at $33,200 with body-coloured bumpers and side-cladding.

I recently drove the Elite. The cloth trim is OK, but the seats are flat and lacking in long-range touring support.

The 4.3m long Tucson sits on a 2630mm wheelbase, long for this class of machine and longer than its bigger brother, the Santa Fe.

And with similar brotherly styling, a short front overhang and wheels at the back corners, it appears a little stretched and out of proportion from the side angle as well as having limited luggage space.

However, a flat-fold rear seat converts the premium 325-litre luggage area into a generous 805 litres with a washable flat floor.

The Borg-Warner electronic interactive torque management four-wheel-drive system directs 99 per cent of the drive to the front wheels. When slip is detected in relation to throttle position and front-wheel angle, power is diverted to the wheels that need it most.

Consequently it understeers on the tarmac like any front-wheel-drive.

Drivers also can switch on the fly to 50-50 4WD which operates up to about 30km/h. Fine in the soft stuff, but limited over coarse country.

The monocoque body with bolt-on engine bay and rear suspension sections has a strong and rigid feel, with no hint of flex, or accompanying rattle or groan.

Power is delivered smoothly without too many screaming engine revs despite hauling around a rather hefty 1625kg, while the four-speed box never has to work overtime on hills thanks to 410Nm of torque. Using the sequential and keeping the engine ticking above 4000rpm guarantees even better results.

Bringing the Tucson bulk to a halt are power-assisted brakes with ABS as standard. They worked well with a spongy first touch, followed by a reassuringly progressive feel.

Inside, four adults (or two adults and three children) are well accommodated with plenty of leg and head room, front and back. There are three 12-volt power points and all four doors feature bottle and map holders, with extra cup holders in the centre armrests.

Ride is firm without being uncomfortable. Coil springs and two sway bars ensure good footing around the roundabouts.

Push too hard and the traction control cuts in and neatly tucks the nose back under. Turn it off if you are playing in the dirt.

Hyundai sales are up by more than 45 per cent this year. Imagine how well they would be going if they could get decent Tucson supply.