Hyundai Problems

Building cars people want is a sure way to success, as Hyundai discovered with the Tucson SUV.  The Tucson marked the beginning of a successful new era for Hyundai after a worrying slump in sales in the years preceding the all- purpose family wagon.From a high of 60,000 in 1997 sales had slipped to half that in the years before the Tucson arrived.  As the end of the year approaches Hyundai is sitting comfortably near the top of the sales charts, its sales racing ahead of last year's.  While the Tucson is not alone in driving this success it is one of the models that have contributed to it; it's one people want.MODEL WATCHWhen the Tucson hit the market in 2004 Australia was in the grip of an SUV fever; any company without one was doomed the struggle.  Ford was desperate to get one, and the Territory was the result, while Holden was scrambling to find one somewhere in the General's global portfolio, and eventually found the Captiva.Hyundai's response was the Tucson, a compact crossover wagon created to compete with the likes of the Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and other similar vehicles.The Tucson looked much the same as the other SUVs in the market; it was a pleasant looking wagon with chunky lines that gave a solid look on the road.  The interior was roomy and flexible, with the ability to fold the seats flat to swallow whatever a family might need to carry, for sports or camping gear, to DIY hardware for that home reno project.There were also lots of handy nooks and crannies to stow things securely out of the way, plus shopping bag hooks and tie-downs for restraining larger items being carried.Hyundai launched three models initially, all powered by a 2.7-litre double overhead camshaft V6 backed by a four-speed sequential shift automatic transmission.A willing revver, the V6 would put out 129 kW at 6000 revs and 241 Nm at 4000 revs when at its peak.  There was a lockable centre diff, and all-wheel drive system was a Borg-Warner 'on-demand' one that automatically transferred drive to the rear wheels when needed for traction.A few months after the initial launch, in February 2005, Hyundai added a front-wheel drive model, the City, to the range.  The City was powered by a double overhead camshaft two-litre four- cylinder engine that churned out 104 kW and 184 Nm. It too was backed up by a four-speed sequential shift auto.The V6 range started with the Tucson, which came standard with air, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, and there was a full-sized spare wheel and tyre.Step up a rung and you got a Tucson Elite, which boasted among other things a sunroof, wider tyres and a trip computer.  Make it all the way to the top and you found yourself in an Elite S with body-coloured bumpers and side cladding.  When it arrived the City was also well equipped.IN THE SHOPHyundai has racked up more awards for its build quality than most in the last five or so years, so that's a good guide to the potential reliability you're likely to experience.Rarely to Hyundai's feature in the carsGuide complaints columns, which means owners are generally content.  Engines, gearboxes, drivelines all seem strong and reliable; there is little that seems to plague the body and hardware.All round the Tucson is getting through life with few concerns; those problems that do crop up are usually of a minor nature.  Make the usual checks for a service record to ensure the maintenance has been done, and of course look for signs of crash repairs that might not have been well done.IN A CRASHThe Tucson is quire well equipped to handle a crash. All models came standard with ABS antilock brakes, EBD brakeforce optimization, and traction control.They also came standard with dual front airbags, but the Elite and Elite S also boasted the added protection of head airbags and side front airbags.ANCAP gave the Tucson four stars in 2006.AT THE PUMPHyundai claimed the 2.0-litre Tucson would do 9.2 L/100 km on average, the 2.7-litre V6 11.0 L/100 km.  A carsGuide road test at the time of the launch had the V6 doing an average of 14.5 L/100 km.  Owners are saying they are happy with the economy of the 2.0-litre Tucson and getting around 9.5 L/100 km.OWNERS SAYJohn Murray has clocked up 70,000 km in his 2006 Tucson. He says its chunky style makes it easy to get in and out of for a 58-year-old, and the interior is roomy.On the road it is quiet and feels very car-like, the auto works well, the cruise and air are good, but the 2.0-litre engine, while economical, could do with more grunt.John also says the dealer service is expensive. He was told at the 30,000 km that the power steering fluid was contaminated and needed replacing. It was not covered by warranty and cost $106. Worse, he says, was that he wad told that had he not replaced the fluid future claims might have been denied.Paul Anderson has traveled 80,000 km in his 2006 Tucson City auto, which he says has never missed a beat. It is very good value for money with a good level of standard equipment, has a flexible interior with the ability to fold the seats down flat for carrying gear, and is economical.Paul's only complaint, something he'd like fixed before he would buy another one, is the gearing in the auto."It takes forever to change up, and works very hard to change up from first to second, and to third in particular," he says.LOOK FOR. Heaps of equipment. Roomy, flexible interior. Choice of AWD or FWD. V8 grunt or economy of four. Good value-for-moneyTHE BOTTOM LINEA well-equipped, value-packed, competent and reliable wagon for the family on the go.RATING80/100

It was no mistake that Hyundai chose the Victorian high country to debut its diesel Terracan, the company knew its new offroader was perfectly capable of conquering the tough terrain and was more than happy to demonstrate it.  The diesel Terracan CRDi was a new addition to the Terracan range in 2005, and the first diesel model Hyundai released in this country.It had been available in other countries for a year or two, but couldn't come here until the quality of the local diesel fuel improved. That had happened by 2005, so it was with great excitement that the Korean carmaker added it to its Terracan range.The petrol-only Terracan was unveiled four years earlier, in 2001, when Hyundai was stepping up its presence here and moving from a seller of cheap-and-cheerful cars to a serious player in the market mainstream.The addition of the diesel served to underline the shift and brought with it an important new choice for SUV buyers.MODEL WATCH While the Terracan CRDi was a new model to the range in 2005, apart from the diesel engine it was the same as the petrol-engined wagon that arrived in 2001.The market for offroaders is a highly competitive one, one in which Hyundai was up against carmakers with years of experience building rough, tough vehicles for the most extreme conditions.It is one familiar to many Australians who love nothing better than a weekend away in a remote corner of the country. These people know their stuff when it comes to an offroader and mark any vehicle that fails to meet their demands hard.  There was no escaping it, Hyundai was going to be closely scrutinized when it launched the Terracan here.True, the market for offroaders has divided into a number of sub-segments as families have adopted SUV all-wheel drive wagons as their preferred means of transport, but any new model with the claim of being an offroader comes under the spotlight of serious offroaders.  Before the launch of the CRDi in 2005 the only engine available was a 3.5-litre V6 with 145 kW and 302 Nm when it was being pressed at its peak. The addition of the 2.9-litre common rail turbo diesel in 2005 changed the landscape for the Terracan, the diesel was much better suited to serious offroading and was also handy when it came to towing.  Both engines carried the option of five-speed manual and four-speed auto transmissions and drove through all four wheels.The Terracan's suspension had come in for some criticism, it wasn't that great once the black top ran out, but in 2005, when it introduced the diesel model, it also added an improved suspension option developed locally.With a package of goodies including Edelbrock gas shocks, revised rear springs and bump stops the 'Trek n' Tow' suspension pack made a huge improvement over the standard set-up, and better still it was fully backed by the factory.While the suspension copped some flak early on, the Terracan was generally praised for its value-for-money proposition.  There were in essence two well-equipped models in the range, the Terracan and Terracan Highlander.The base Terracan had air, cruise, remote central locking, immobiliser, alarm, power windows and mirrors, six-speaker CD sound, roof racks and fog lamps.  Step up to the Highlander and you also got auto air, leather, woodgrain, as well as ABS braking with EBD brake distribution.  An update in 2004 made ABS and EBD standard across the range.IN THE SHOP Hyundai's star is on the rise as can be seen through its rising sales. That's a reflection of its model range that is hitting the spot with new car buyers, but it's also a sign that the company is getting right in terms of quality, durability and reliability.It wasn't that long ago that carsGuide was regularly receiving queries from readers with complaints about their cars, but it's not so now.  The complaints and criticisms, certainly deserved, have largely dried up.That's a great start when looking for a used car. Hyundai's like the Terracan that have been built in the last 10 years are a cut above those built in earlier times.  The Terracan can be approached with confidence, it's really only necessary to carry out the basic checks you would on any used car.Those checks include inspecting for panel damage that would suggest a car has been in a fender-bender, and confirmation that it has been well serviced.IN A CRASH Before 2004 only the Highlander had the important safety features of ABS and EBD, so it's best to opt for a post-2004 model to have those essential features.  All Terracans boasted dual front airbags and pretensioners from 2001.AT THE PUMP Like most four-wheel drives with petrol engines the Terracan V6 is a thirsty beast, not surprising given its bulk and the extra gear the engine has to drive. On average a 3.5-litre V6 Terracan will do around 15 L/100 km.  The diesel is better, and the best option for most situations, and it will do 10.5 L/100 km on average.LOOK FOR Improved suspension after 2005 . High fuel consumption of V6 . Good performance and economy of diesel . Only has front airbags . ABS not fitted to all models . Good build qualityTHE BOTTOM LINEValue-for-money off-roader that is capable of going the hard years in the bush.RATING 70/100

Life - human and automotive - is so unpredictable. When my 75-year-old father went looking for a car to retire with, he sought reliability, durability, comfort and a long warranty.  He bought a Hyundai, thinking that with a five-year warranty it should ‘see me out’.In fact, he saw it out. The Hyundai Lantra is still ultra-reliable in the hands of a mate of mine while my now 84-year-old father has moved himself and my active mother into the latest Corolla.  I would have expected my parents to drive a Mercedes-Benz in later life as a reward for their tenacity through economic depressions and wars.In fact, they chose economy in reverence to their working-class lives and have come out with only minor financial scars from their post-retirement car purchases.  You can as well. Carsguide readers with retirement looming all want new cars. Most of them want a 4WD or something powerful to tow a caravan or boat because ‘we're not dead yet’.It doesn't have to be expensive, but if you are retired or just on the point of pulling the pin on a working career, you want the least possible hassles.  We'll start this week with 4WDs and SUVs. These are some choices. They clearly aren't all that is available and personal choice will play its role. At the very least, this should get you thinking.4WD is for the adventurer who actually wants to go off the beaten track. These have excellent towing ability, diesel engine options (the better choice), a versatile cabin with seven seats that can be removed when not wanted, good safety levels and a comprehensive feature list. On the downside, they are big, less comfortable than a sedan, require more expensive servicing and repair (especially tyre replacement) and for aged limbs can be difficult to get in and out.Toyota Prado (from $55,990)Solid, high resale (and high initial purchase), great off the road and in the latest model, comfortable on the road.Engine: 127kW/410Nm 3-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/5-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 8.3 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction controlLand Rover Discovery-4 (from $81,990)Exceptionally competent and fitted out with excellent comfort. Fourth generation aims to rid Land Rover of quality bugs.Engine: 180kW/600Nm 3-litre V6 biturbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 9.3 l/100kmSafety: 8 airbags, ESC, traction controlMitsubishi Pajero(from $49,290)Great all-rounder on and off road at an affordable price. Better cabin package than Prado.Engine: 147kW/441Nm 3.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 5-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 8.4 l/100kmSafety: 2 airbags, ESC, traction controlSUV: Don't want to go to the Outback but like the practicality of a tall wagon? The SUV usually has all-wheel drive but less rugged construction and no low-range gearbox. Some are even only front-wheel drive so save on purchase price and fuel consumption.Hyundai Santa Fe (from $37,990)Practical, versatile and reliable with a long five-year warranty. A good allrounder. Only available as a diesel and with all-wheel drive.Engine: 145kW/421Nm 2.1-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 5-speed manual/5-speed auto/AWDEconomy: 6.7 l/100kmSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, traction controlPeugeot 4007 (from $45,490)Culturally diverse Peugeot made by Mitsubishi (it's basically an Outlander shell) in Japan with an aggressive grille and very desirable turbo-diesel engine and optional six-speed auto.Engine: 115kW/380Nm 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/6-speed auto/AWDEconomy: 7.0 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction controlSubaru Outback diesel (from $40,490)Long-awaited diesel expands Subaru's out-of-town ability in a very desirable package. New style isn't the prettiest but is functional and roomy.Engine: 110kW/350Nm 2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/AWDEconomy: 6.4 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction control

But the really important question is: what do women want in a car?Finding the answer keeps carmakers tossing and turning at night, because they are well aware that women choose more than half the vehicles sold in Australia. There are all the ones they buy for themselves, as well as the deciding vote on most of the ones bought by households.Sorry, fellas. It’s true. No matter how much you want that souped-up sports car, unless the head of household finances agrees you may as well back away from the vehicle now.One of the earliest attempts to deliver a car for women was the mid-1950s Dodge La Femme. It was actually a 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer under the skin, but the Detroit designers camouflaged that skin as thoroughly as a make-up artist doing Vogue covers.The car was decked out in pink paint, with an interior covered in pink vinyl, set off by pink rosebud tapestry. And to show that this was not merely a cynical marketing exercise, Dodge kitted the car with accessories they thought reflected the growing independence of post-World War II women moving into meaningful career paths - a pink handbag complete with office essentials like a matching powder compact, lipstick case and comb.Sales estimates run as low as less than 1000 cars. And the pink panderer was quickly dropped from the Dodge range at the end of the following year.Australia’s own Carla Zampatti tweaked a Ford specifically for women in the 1980s, but whether it won women - with accessories including a hanging hook for handbags - is still open to question.However, Dodge and Ford weren’t completely on the wrong track. Women want a car to be stylish, but also practical. Luckily, these days there are quite a few vehicles that fit the bill – without playing the pink paint card. These are the best style picks for women today, from a woman's perspective, with the figures for the basic car.Don’t agree with these? Let us know what YOU think women want in a car in our poll at left.LIGHTMazda2Price: from $16,030Engine: 76kW/137Nm 1.5-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 6.4L/kmEmissions: 152g/kmThe baby 2 has cute and slightly edgy looks, is compact with usable space, and the long doors make it easy to get in the back seat. The auto will be preferred by most, but it adds to the weight of the little car.Close calls: Ford Fiesta from $16,990; Peugeot 207 from $22,490.SMALLBMW 1-SeriesPrice: from $38,900Engine: 160kW/270Nm 2.0-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.2L/kmEmissions: 190g/kmA pocket-sized entry in German prestige – without breaking the pocket. Looks stunning, an amazing amount of room, and great to drive.Close calls: Mazda3 from $21,330; Hyundai i30 from $20,390.MEDIUMFord MondeoPrice: from $31,990Engine: 118kW/208Nm 2.3-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 9.5L/kmEmissions: 227g/kmThe best thing Ford has brought to Australia in … ever, possibly. Enough space to make you wonder if you’ll ever need a larger car, elegant design and well built.Close calls: Mazda6 from $31,834; Audi A5 Sportback from $78,400.LARGEAudi A6Price: from $74,500Engine: 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre petrolTransmission: automaticEconomy: 5.8L/kmEmissions: 153g/kmThere’s not a high chic quotient in this class - where the homegrown Falcon and Commodore lean more to aggressive styling - so the Audi’s restrained elegance makes it a clear winner.Close calls: Honda Accord from $36,381Mercedes-Benz E-Class from $80,900.PEOPLE MOVERHonda OdysseyPrice: from $46,166Engine: 132kW/218Nm 2.5-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.9L/kmEmissions: 212g/kmIn a class that’s dominated by lumpy boxes, the Odyssey is a sleek stand-out. It's low-slung, car-like and leading with a fashionable face.Close calls: Citroen C4 Grand Picasso from $39,990; Chrysler Voyager $60,990.SPORTYBMW Mini Cooper ClubmanPrice: from $36,600Engine: 88kW/160Nm 1.6-litre petrolTransmission: automaticEconomy: 6.8L/kmEmissions: 163g/kmA bonsai wagon with go-kart street cred and revamped retro lines, this one will get admiring glances from everybody.Close calls: Kia Cerato Koup from $23,690; Audi S3 from $69,100.CONVERTIBLEVolkswagen EosPrice: from $47,990Engine: 103kW/320Nm dieselTransmission: automaticEconomy: 6.0L/kmEmissions: 158g/kmThe EOS is streamlined and sophisticated, looks equally good with the roof open or closed – and has enough room in the back to get a couple of extra friends in for short trips.Close calls: BMW Z4 from $86,200; Lexus IS250C from $80,150. SUVHyundai ix35Price: from $26,990Engine: 122kW/197Nm petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.5L/kmEmissions: 201g/kmThere’s heaps of practicality but precious little style in the SUV paddocks. But Hyundai’s new compact ix35 proves you can have both. Ultra-modern lines, trim shape and space to spare.Close calls: Jeep Wrangler (medium) from $31,590; Land Rover Range Rover Sport (large) from $99,900.