After taking a walk around Hyundai’s new Terracan 4X4 at the Durban Motor Show, but before I heard its price, I reckoned that if the importers could keep the price below about R370 000 they’d be onto a very good thing.
The Terracan, a full-sized SUV that slots in well above the company’s Santa Fe, is an uncompromising off-road vehicle with loads of comfort built in. It should appeal to buyers who need a 4X4 rather than simply want one. The new model comes with a choice of two engines: a 110 kW 2.9 CRDi diesel manual transmission or a 143 kW 3.5 liter DOHC V6 petrol automatic transmission which is compatible with leaded and unleaded fuel. The body-on frame construction and solid rear axle place it in the company of much more expensive offerings when it comes to off-road performance, and part-time 4WD with Electric Shift Transfer (EST) that provides shift-on-the-fly capability is standard on all models. With the part-time 4WD system, the Terracan switches between 2WD and 4WD modes effortlessly (2H and 4H) at speeds of up to 80kph for shift-on-the-fly performance. The 4L switch setting is reserved for slow maneuvering and maximum traction when negotiating difficult off-road conditions.
The Terracan offers plenty of conveniences from door map pockets and seatback pockets to seat under-trays and center armrest consoles that help keep things organized. The standard luggage net and hook help to keep everything in its place, while a luggage screen lets passengers organize and compartmentalize their cargo. A climate controlled airconditioning system and a front loader CD/tape audio system and cruise control on the 3.5 V6, are just a few of the many standard features. Twin airbags, ABS and EBD are fitted.
Price? R299 500 for both petrol and diesel versions. At that price, and with Hyundai’s quality having improved in leaps and bounds over the last few years it’s a bargain. At R370 000 it would still be a fair buy.