If the sport-utility category was a restaurant, the reply to any newcomer would be, ''sorry, we're all booked up''.

But Hyundai, not one for playing by the rule book, has found a way in the back door.

The popular Santa Fe has had to contend with a seemingly endless list of competitors, the likes of which includes the Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape and Honda CR-V.

In response, Hyundai has undercut the entire category with the new-for-2005 Tucson that's based on the compact Elantra sedan platform.

Smaller than a Sante Fe, the Tucson is big on standard convenience and safety features.

You'll get side-impact airbags (for a total of six), four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, stability and traction control, air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors and remote keyless entry with alarm.

That's in addition to heated outside mirrors, heated wiper rests and a six-speaker CD stereo.

From there, you pick from one of the GL, SLS and LX trim levels, which largely dictate whether you'll get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (GL) or 2.7-liter V6 (GLS and LX).

Both can be ordered as front drivers or with an all-wheel-drive system that directs all of the power (99 per cent, actually) to the front wheels with the ability to move it to the back wheels in varying amounts depending on how bad the driving surface really is.

With 10 years of powertrain warranty, the new five-passenger Tucson is a compelling all-weather alternative to both compact sedans and sport-utility vehicles.

HYUNDAI SONATA AND TUCSON ACHIEVE HIGHEST GOVERNMENT CRASH TEST RATING Five-star Safety Crash Performance Joins Segment-Leading Standard Safety Technology Fountain Valley, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2005) – Hyundai Motor America today announced that the 2006 Hyundai Sonata and Tucson have received the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts. These results reflect Hyundai’s commitment to lead in the standard application of the industry’s most effective safety technologies. “At Hyundai, our first priority is to ensure our customers can avoid an accident, which is why every Sonata and Tucson comes with a sophisticated Electronic Stability Control system,” said Bob Cosmai, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “These five-star NHTSA crash test results demonstrate that when an accident is unavoidable, our Hyundai Sonata and Tucson deliver outstanding occupant protection.” The 2006 Tucson SUV and all-new Sonata mid-size sedan, are setting standards for safety in their segments. Tucson was the first vehicle under $20,000 with standard Electronic Stability Control and six airbags while Sonata is the only mid-size sedan with standard Electronic Stability Control and six airbags. Both have received numerous accolades, including Tucson’s “Best Value Car Award Winner” from SmartMoney magazine, and Sonata’s “Automotive Excellence in Safety Award” from Popular Mechanics. The Sonata features six airbags—including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags—along with active front-seat head restraints. Other passive safety features include shingle-style rear seat head restraints for improved visibility, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and a rear-seat LATCH system for child seats. Hyundai devoted 300 new Sonatas to internal crash testing to make sure the Sonata attained NHTSA’s five star rating in both front and side collisions. The Tucson is engineered to provide its passengers with multiple defensive layers. The steel unibody has designed-in crumple zones and a high-tensile front sub-frame that are designed to work together to reduce the forces that reach the passenger compartment. To help resist intrusion, four structural rings encircle the body. All four doors also have internal guard beams to protect passengers in a side-impact collision. The Tucson’s passenger restraint systems help minimize injury. Three-point belts are provided at all five seating positions, and the front seatbelts have pretensioners and load limiters. There are two outboard rear LATCH child-seat anchors. A total of six airbags are positioned in the Tucson’s interior. Dual advanced frontal airbags are complemented by front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags that cover both the front and rear rows of seating. Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 670 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

SmartMoney Magazine Names Hyundai Tucson “Best Value Car Award Winner” Fountain Valley, Calif. (September 28, 2005) – SmartMoney magazine named the Hyundai Tucson “The Best Value Car Award Winner” in the small SUV category ahead of rivals like the Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V. Standard features on the Tucson, such as front- and rear-passenger airbags, exterior styling and Hyundai’s “unusually good warranty” were all contributing factors to Tucson’s win, according to the magazine’s October issue. “With the Hyundai Tucson, we’ve set a new standard in the compact SUV segment by equipping it with industry’s most effective safety technologies like Electronic Stability Control and side impact airbags, delivering NHTSA’s highest 5-star crash performance in frontal and side impacts, and keeping prices affordable,” said John Krafcik, vice president of strategic planning and product development for Hyundai Motor America. “Safety is an integral part of Hyundai’s value story, and we’re pleased that SmartMoney recognized safety as an important factor in naming Tucson the ‘Best Value’ award winner.” SmartMoney’s editors tested more than 100 new cars to provide its readers with an exclusive report on vehicles across multiple categories that are “the best car for your money.” Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed in the U.S. by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 660 dealers throughout the nation.

2006 Hyundai Tucson

AutoWorld.com - As the industry's first SUV under $20,000 with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six airbags, Tucson returns in 2006 with a new luxurious Limited top trim level that takes the place of the previous LX version

Tucson is the SUV that changed the rules of engagement by ranking first in Strategic Vision's 2005 Total Quality Study in the Small SUV Category. Kiplinger's Personal Finance named Tucson the "Best New Small SUV" and J.D. Power and Associates named Tucson as the industry's highest quality all-new model launched in 2005 based on its Initial Quality Study. The Hyundai Tucson also has captured top honors in the AutoPacific 2005 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards and SmartMoney magazine's "Best Value Car Award".

Tucson earned these accolades with an unmatched combination of features, value and quality. For 2006, Tucson returns with additional changes including styling and refinement enhancements inside and out, illuminated vanity mirrors and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on GLS and Limited models.

SEGMENT-LEADING SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES
Hyundai's approach to combining state-of-the art safety and affordability is clearly evident in the Tucson. Its active safety technologies include four-wheel disc brakes controlled by advanced four-channel ABS that includes Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance even with differing vehicle loading. All Tucson trim levels also have Electronic Stability Control (ESC) that includes traction control. ESC compares the driver's intended course (based on steering and braking inputs) with the vehicle's response (based on lateral acceleration, yaw, and individual wheel speeds). ESC then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces engine power as needed to help correct understeer (plowing) or oversteer (fishtailing). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) studies show SUVs equipped with ESC experience 67 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes, and 63-percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities.

Should a collision prove unavoidable, the Tucson is engineered to provide its passengers with multiple defensive layers. The steel unibody has designed-in crumple zones and a high-tensile front sub-frame that are designed to work together to reduce the forces that reach the passenger compartment. To help resist intrusion, four structural rings encircle the body. All four doors also have internal guard beams to protect passengers in a side-impact collision. The 2006 Tucson has received the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts. The Tucson's passenger restraint systems help minimize injury. Three-point belts are provided at all five seating positions, and the front seatbelts have pretensioners and load limiters. There are two outboard rear LATCH child-seat anchors.

A total of six airbags are positioned in the Tucson's interior. Dual advanced frontal airbags are complemented by front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags that cover both the front and rear rows of seating.

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN
Tucson's purposeful exterior has a taught, athletic presence, framing a distinctive Hyundai grille, standard alloy wheels and roof rails. There are four doors for easy passenger access along with a large rear hatch for easy loading. A convenient flip-up rear window eases loading of small items. GLS and Limited models have a more upscale look, with unique double-spoke alloy wheels and wider tires. The upper trims levels also have fog lights, bodyside cladding, bodycolored door handles and mirrors, and a chrome rear accent trim.

ACCOMMODATING INTERIOR
The Tucson's five-passenger interior is a handsome blend of luxury and utility. It echoes the sleek athleticism of the exterior, with matte-black accents in GL trim and new metalgrain accents in GLS and Limited versions. Soft-touch surfaces on the instrument panel and premium two-tone beige interior treatments are new for 2006. Illuminated power window and door lock switches combine with highly legible analog instrumentation to aid functionality and convenience. Driver comfort is a top priority in the Tucson's design, as evidenced by the 10-way adjustable driver's seat and tilt-adjustable steering column.

Versatility is a Tucson strong point. The standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback makes it easy to accommodate passengers and cargo. Single-lever operation and headrests that remain in place speed the conversion from passenger to cargo use. Another thoughtful touch: the front passenger seatback can fold flat either forward or backward, further adding to loading and cargo carrying versatility. To help secure cargo, there are three grocery bag hooks, six flush-mount metal tie-down anchor points and six cargo net mounting points. Tucson is ready to haul gear with a rear cargo mat covering an easy-to-clean composite load floor with a removable rear section. Underneath, you'll find an additional sectionalized storage area with the spare tire positioned below. Plenty of storage bins, compartments and eight cupholders are positioned throughout the interior, as are three 12-volt power points.

Comfort and convenience features include a two-tier front storage console with a two-position padded armrest. Two cupholders are positioned nearby, with one more in each door pocket. The rear armrest also includes a cupholder that can accommodate juice boxes.

TWO POTENT ENGINES
In a market segment where four-cylinder engines are the norm, the Tucson goes above and beyond by offering freedom of choice. In addition to a smooth and efficient four-cylinder engine, the Tucson also offers the assurance of an optional 2.7-liter V6 for greater pulling power, energetic performance at high altitudes, and more snap when passing or merging on the highway.

The standard powerplant in the entry-level Tucson GL is a 2.0-liter DOHC Beta in-line four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels. This advanced four-valve-per-cylinder powerplant has a rigid cast-iron block that's topped with an aluminum cylinder head for reduced weight and superior cooling. Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) optimizes the timing for operating conditions. This precise cam-timing control is a factor in the engine's strong power output, low emissions and good fuel economy. At 6000 rpm, the engine develops 140 horsepower, with the 136 lb.-ft. torque peak arriving at 4500 rpm. When coupled with a two-wheel-drive powertrain (with manual or automatic transmission) the Tucson's in-line four returns an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. With four-wheel-drive and a manual transmission (required with four-wheel drive) the figures drop by just one mpg in both city and highway driving.

Tucson's two upper trim levels, GLS and Limited, both come standard with a refined 2.7-liter V6. This Delta-series engine has an aluminum block and cylinder heads to keep weight down, while four-valve combustion chambers and dual overhead camshafts ensure plenty of performance. A Variable Intake System (VIS) helps provide smooth power delivery across the entire engine operating range. Horsepower peaks at 173 at 6000 rpm, and torque crests at 178 lb.-ft. at an accessible 4000 rpm. The V6 with its standard four-speed automatic and front-wheel drive delivers 20 mpg in the EPA city driving cycle and returns 26 mpg on the highway.

TWO TRANSMISSIONS, TWO DRIVE CHOICES
Tucson offers a wide range of drivetrain choices, so customers can get the capability they need. In GL trim with the standard four-cylinder engine, owners can choose between a precise five-speed manual transmission or a slick and convenient four-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic. This sophisticated unit can function like a conventional automatic, but also has a special manual gate that provides maximum driver control. A digital readout in the instrument display indicates the transmission gear that's in use. The SHIFTRONIC® transmission is standard with the V6 engine.

For maximum all-season traction with good fuel efficiency, the Tucson is available with a Borg Warner Electronic InterActive Torque Management Four-Wheel Drive System that routes up to 99-percent of the power to the front wheels. As road conditions or torque demand (acceleration) changes, the system automatically diverts up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels. This electronic on-demand system operates by monitoring the throttle position, front wheel angle and wheel slippage; then as conditions change, power is automatically routed to the wheels with the best traction.

The Four-Wheel Drive System is technically identical to the Santa Fe 3.5-liter four-wheel drive system except the Tucson system can be manually locked into four-wheel drive for a continuous 50/50 power split between the front and rear wheels for off-road and very slippery situations. The locking system begins to disengage at 20 mph and is fully disengaged at speeds over 25 mph. The system re-locks when speeds again drop below 25 mph. The system is disabled when ABS is activated.

VERSATILE SUSPENSION
Given the Tucson's broad mission both on the road and in natural terrain, it requires a versatile suspension system. A robust MacPherson strut front suspension is used in combination with a fully independent strut rear suspension system that uses tailing arms and multiple links to control wheel geometry precisely though the full range of suspension motion.

All four wheels are controlled by coil springs and fade-resistant gas charged dampers. In the interest of balancing the Tucson's handling and minimizing body roll during cornering, front and rear stabilizer bars are standard on all trim levels. The final element in the Tucson's handling dynamics is its responsive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. With a tight 35.4-foot turning circle (measured curb to curb) the Tucson is easy to maneuver in parking lots and on backcountry trails.

CAREFUL ATTENTION TO NOISE REDUCTION
The Tucson employs a wide range of strategies to keep interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) to a minimum. Vertical and horizontal reinforcements in the instrument panel work insulation in the front bulkhead and wheelhouses. The floor pan has complex curved sections stamped in to reduce flex and undesirable resonation while the door frames feature triple seals to reduce the intrusion of wind and road noise. The Tucson also uses a large electric radiator-cooling fan that minimizes the blade noise that can be particularly noticeable at low speed.

TUCSON GL
The Tucson entry model is the GL, priced at $17,495. It comes with a 2.0-liter in-line four cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. Electronic Stability Control (ESC), traction control and ABS are standard, as are 16-inch alloy wheels, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags covering both rows of seating. The GL also includes power windows, door locks and exterior mirrors, air conditioning, and an 80-watt AM/FM/CD audio system. Available upgrades include a four-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission, and electronically controlled four-wheel drive (available only with manual transmission).

TUCSON GLS
Upgrading to GLS trim brings a 2.7-liter DOHC V6 engine, four-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission, unique 16-inch double-spoke alloy wheels with 235/60R16 tires, bodyside cladding and bodycolored door handles and mirrors. Inside, you'll find a leather-covered steering wheel, deluxe cloth seating surfaces, a trip computer, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and other upgrades. Options include electronically controlled four-wheel drive, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, heated front seats and an upgraded 200-watt AM/FM/cassette audio system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, six speakers, and subwoofer.

TUCSON LIMITED
Moving up to the luxurious Limited priced at $21,695, Tucson customers will enjoy leather seating surfaces, heated front seats plus an AM/FM cassette audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer, subwoofer and 200 watts of total power. The Limited also has a new monochromatic exterior appearance package, fully automatic temperature control with outside temperature display, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass, and rear cargo mat. The only options are electronically controlled four-wheel drive and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof.

WARRANTY
The 2006 Hyundai Tucson is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty™. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Tucson buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 670 dealerships nationwide.

Source: http://www.autoworld.com

For a great deal on a new or used 2006 Hyundai Tucson go to Gary Rome Hyundai.