A Working 4x4
by Graeme Giles (13 Jun 03)

Korean manufacturers have at times - now, how shall I put this - a rather quaint approach to car names. Remember the SsangYong (latterly Daewoo) Korando, which stood for Korea Can Do? Yes, exactly.

Now, it seems, Hyundai has got in on the act with its new full-size 4x4. Scheduled to be launched over here on July 1, it is badged Terracan: "Terra" for land and "can" derived from Khan meaning King. So, the Hyundai King of the Land then? Well, let’s see.

Hyundai already has a track record in the off-roader world, thanks to its Freelander-sized Santa Fé sports utility vehicle which, despite somewhat fussy styling, has proved a strong seller in the UK - 1800 registrations so far this year, which is 300 over target. And not just on price or the fact that Hyundai offers an unrivalled five-year/unlimited mileage/fully transferable warranty. The Santa Fé is a genuinely accomplished vehicle.

Hyundai intends to repeat that success story with the new Terracan. I say "new" but, in fact, the vehicle has been available in some European markets since last year, and has sold well in countries like Spain and Italy which collectively registered 4400 during 2002.

In the UK, Hyundai has the likes of the Vauxhall Frontera, Jeep Cherokee and Mitsubishi Shogun Sport in its sights. The average price in this segment, say Hyundai’s bean counters, is £23,000. The Terracan will launch at just £18,495 for the five-speed manual CRTD or £19,345 for the four-speed automatic. Just a single engine is available - a thumping 2.9-litre turbo-diesel "four".

Not Quite Kia Style

Kia, which is part of the Hyundai empire, received plaudits for the styling of its recently unveiled Sorento SUV - rather Lexus RX300-ish. In comparison the Terracan is ultra conservative, even a touch old-fashioned. But Hyundai is convinced that the no-nonsense looks and very roomy body will find favour with the target audience, folk like farmers, rural doctors and vets.

Just one specification will be on offer and that boasts selectable four-wheel drive with a low ratio box, a rear limited slip diff, alloy wheels, front fog lamps, neat side steps, climate control, remote central locking a CD sound system, powered windows front and back, and an anti-theft immobiliser and alarm. Just four items - leather seats, sat-nav, privacy glass and metallic paint - appear as options, such is the depth of the Terracan’s standard equipment list.

It has exclusive use of Hyundai’s 2902cc 16-valve common rail engine, which delivers 148bhp and peak torque of 246lb/ft at a lowly 2000rpm.

The manual gearbox has a light but slightly long-winded shift. In normal use, the Hyundai runs in rear-wheel drive. But a system called Electrical Shift Transfer (EST) allows the driver to select high-ratio 4x4 by rotating a knob situated aft of the gearlever. That facility is available at speeds up to 50mph. Dropping down to low-ratio for serious off-roading demands that the Terracan be stopped.

Tarmac performance is brisk enough. The 0-62mph dash is reeled off in 13.7 seconds, and claimed top speed is close to 104mph. The engine is willing, free-revving and commendably quiet, especially when it settles into the cruise.

Going Strongly Off-Tarmac

Off-road, that low-rpm muscle delivers impressive ground covering performance, and the engine’s ability to climb side-of-a-house slopes at idle speed, with the driver’s right foot off the accelerator (the engine management black boxery ensures the wagon keeps rollin’) is extremely impressive.

Prior to taking to the dirt I had feared that the Terracan’s lowish stance might be the limiting factor. In fact, ground clearance is akin to the Freelander, and the Korean motor romped through some pretty testing terrain.

And hats off to Hyundai for introducing something a little different at the press launch, by way of a towing exercise. A twin-axle horse box and a heavily laden contractor’s trailer proved the Terracan’s ability to haul up to its 2800 kilo limit.

Truth to tell, unless you looked in the rear view mirror there was nothing in the vehicle’s behaviour to indicate it was hitched up to a heavy load. It hauled with real gusto.

Hyundai fits ball and nut steering to minimise kick-back over rough surfaces, and an excellent turning circle is a real bonus in tight situations. On the road, the almost four turns lock-to-lock can prove a touch tiresome, but feel isn’t too bad.

As I said in the introduction, Terracan uses traditional 4x4 construction rather than the monocoque approach, which is increasingly finding favour in SUV country. So you do get the odd structural shudder when a wheel drops in a pothole. That said, the quiver is less pronounced than in some rivals I could name.

Interior Space To Spare

The cabin is hugely roomy with comfortable seats. Getting in and out the Hyundai is helped by its standard side steps and by a profusion of grab handles. The front seats proved comfortable after a long day in the saddle - the rears, which fold 60:40 to increase the size of the already generous load area, are mounted several inches higher, improving the view out for passengers.

The dash design is logical, with the controls and instruments well enough placed. But, oh dear, Hyundai, why did you not take a leaf out of Kia’s book and give the elbow to the truly awful fake wood on the centre console and door trims?

Hyundai has fairly modest sales targets for the Terracan. It’s looking for its dealers to register 350 this year and 500 next. That should be easily achievable. "King of the Land" may be rather over-egging the pudding, but there’s no question the Hyundai is a highly competent new addition to the large 4x4 segment.

I can see it going down extremely well with the agricultural community in particular, who will appreciate its no-nonsense design, low price tag and, especially, that cracking warranty. Yet another Hyundai which underlines just how far the Korean motor industry has advanced in recent years.

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