Tag Archives: hyundai
Hyundai i20 Active Has a Nice Mix of Features
The Hyundai i20 Active is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get crossover. You cannot expect it to be packed with a powerful engine when it’s clearly made for practicality, although the Korean company packed it with enough innovative technology to impress even the most discerning buyer.
The i20 Active has a little 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbo engine, and it is a front-wheel drive. Power is distributed through a five-speed gearbox. There is no 4×4 here, unfortunately. It’s not even an option, truth be told.
However, the Hyundai i20 Active does enjoy an additional 20mm of ride height over the i20’s five doors. The driver’s seat has a little bit of hike, too, for better visibility, and the exterior’s panels have more rugged alternatives.
If you’re into hiking and other outdoor adventures, you can make use of the included skid plates on the front and rear, as well as the roof rails on top. Make sure to double check, however, the i20 Active’s capacity to climb mountains and drive through rough roads. Remember, this is not 4×4 drive.
But that’s not to say you won’t enjoy driving the i20 Active. It’s actually pretty good, and the suspension is the stiffest of the i20 family. It was designed as such to counter the body roll that might be triggered by the extra height, as well as to please the younger market.
Hyundai has fitted the auto a development shift while going around Nürburgring. It results to a better grip and nicely weighted steering, just like the Ford Fiesta and the Mini. Overall, the car is very easy to drive, and has a nice flexibility to it.
We cannot say it’s better than its rivals, unfortunately, as the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Fiat 500X have many personalization options, as well as aesthetics and dynamics features.
Suzuki Vitara, Fiat Panda 4xt and Dacia Duster also offers something the i20 Active doesn’t—a 4×4 option.
But at £15,225, the Hyundai i20 Active will give all these rivals a run for their money. There’s definitely competition if we look at the affordability and practicality of the current options in the market. Also, the five-year warranty could be an attraction that some cannot resist.
Source: TopGear
2014 Hyundai Tucson: A Perfect Crossover
These days using the term compact crossover seems like a misnomer to many, but with the arrival of improved 2014 Hyundai Tucson, it seems that the trend for compact SUVs is surely going to make a comeback. Measuring about 173.2 inches from its starting point nose tail, the new Tucson is somewhere around 7 inches shorter than Toyota’s RAV4, while on the other hand, Hyundai has kept Tucson 14 inches shorter than the Equinox by Chevy. Tucson trails its competitors in terms of passenger and cargo space has come as no surprise to us but when you look at its great maneuverability, you will find that the space issues have been compensated beautifully making 2014 Hyundai Tucson a complete fun to drive vehicle. For those looking forward for a hatchback on tip toes, Tucson surely fits the bill beautifully.
This year, Hyundai has introduced some notable changes in its Tucson’s credentials to make it more enhanced and appealing, some of the primary changes include tweaked styling along with revamped model lineup as they bid adieu to the sparsely equipped GL trim level from last year and making the former midgrade GLS the base trim level for Tucson, which means that the even the basic and the cheapest Tucson will come equipped with all the standard features that make it worthwhile. the well stocked SE trim level is also something to look forward as it has been designed in a way to bridge the gap between GLS and limited. Hyundai has also shown significant improvements in Tucson’s infotainment department with an update of new touchscreens, the SE and limited trim levels comes with standard 4.3 inch unit, whereas customers spending on Limited trim level can opt for a 7 inch setup which is available with optional navigation system. To make 2014 Hyundai Tucson more competitive, the company has reworked on its engine technology and has introduced new direct fuel injection technology, however the additions fail to make any significant changes in its fuel economy and output as it remains same.
Like any other crossover, 2014 Hyundai Tucson also has its share of flaws even if you keep its size concerns at the backburner. The rear seat doesn’t comes with sliding option but has an improved reclining feature. The base level 2.0 liter engine lacks punch and even its sporty handling comes at a hefty price, but the ride quality remains on the firmer side. 2014 Mazda CX-5 can be versatile and dynamic alternative for 2014 Hyundai Tucson as it comes with 2.5 liter engine, whereas the 2014 Ford Escape is strikingly similar to Tucson but offer more technologically advanced features.
If you are open for a smaller SUV then look for 2104 Mini Countryman or affordable and less chic Nissan Juke. Kia Sportage can also be feasible option as it is same as Tucson mechanically and comes with additional turbocharged power which is good for people who like sporty performance. However, 2014 Hyundai Tucson still remains a solid option especially with the improvements it has come up with in 2014.
2013 Ford Edge vs. 2013 Hyundai Sante Fe
2013 Ford Edge VS 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
Choosing between the Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe is not a decision that will likely come easily. In the midsize crossover segment, these are two that really stand out, so there is a good chance that there are a lot of elements in both vehicles that you are really drawn to. They both offer a modern exterior, comfortable cabin and strong engines, but you will have to decide which one you can see yourself in cruising around in.
Performance
Both Escape and Santa Fe have three engines available and they are quite competitive. The base engine in Santa Fe is a 2.4-liter that offers 190 horsepower and a decent 181 pound-feet of torque, and returns 21 mpg in the city and a very generous 29 mpg on the highway. This is pretty impressive fuel economy for a crossover! Edge does not have a four-cylinder in its base model; it opts for a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 285 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is still better than average at 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
All Edge models except Sport can be equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Zero to 60 mph is achieved in 8.4 seconds and fuel economy is 24 mpg combined. Lastly, Ford Sport is motivated by a 3.7-liter V6 good for 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and yields 22 mpg combined.
The optional engines in Hyundai are equally impressive. Santa Fe Sport gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 264 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque and yields 23 mpg combined. Large GLS and Limited models receive a 3.3-liter V6 that boasts 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is available across the lineup on both vehicles.
Driving and Handling
One of the reasons Edge and Santa Fe are so popular is because they are fun and easy to drive. A small turning circle on both means that they can easily be maneuvered in tight spaces, making them attractive the person who parks in a lot of parking garages or busy lots.
Edge is well-known for its well-composed, comfortable and vault-like ride. Steering is responsive, and it manages to corner nicely without much noticeable body roll.
Santa Fe gives you a compliant ride. It does not matter if you drive the regular or Sport, you feel confident whether you are merging onto the highway or cruising around town.
Safety
Safety is just one more area where Edge and Santa Fe dominate this segment. Both received top safety scores in roof, front and side-impact protection when crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Ford does have a slight “Edge” in braking capabilities though. Edge stops from 60 mph in 122 feet, which is significantly better than average. Hyundai is close behind at 127 feet.
Standard on Edge is the Ford MyKey® system that lets parents set audio and speed controls for teenage drivers. It also offers innovative optional safety features on certain models, such as collision warning, cross-traffic and blind-spot warning systems.
On Hyundai Santa Fe you get Blue Link®, an emergency telematics system, providing emergency assistance, theft-recovery, remote access and more.
Exterior
Hands down, these are two of the best-looking crossovers on the road. Hyundai’s styling was designed in Southern California, inspired by the picturesque landscape no doubt. It is aerodynamic, and boats plenty of thoughtful details like a shark-fin antenna, rear spoiler and chrome accents. The 19-inch alloy wheels are a must-have option!
Edge also commands attention on the road. The bold, fluid front grille is complemented nicely by the projection beam halogen headlamps. In the rear, 4-inch bright chrome exhaust tips and sculpted tail lamps are the perfect finishing touches.
Interior
The interior is where you see the greatest difference between these two vehicles. Edge seats five passengers comfortably while Santa Fe has third row seating available for a seven-passenger configuration. There is plenty of leg and headroom for passengers in both vehicles, and seats are comfortable yet supportive.
Edge is modern, but the three display screens may take you a bit to get used to. Hyundai went all out for this year’s redesign and give it one of the nicest cabins in the segment with plenty of high-quality materials.
Technology and Entertainment
You can go ahead and prepare to be impressed by the technology features in these two crossovers. They are neck-and-neck with everything else; might as well compete nicely in the technology department as well.
You will find navigation systems available in both, and while Ford gives you SYNC® voice-activated technology, Hyundai gives you Blue Link®. As far as upgraded audio systems goes, they are both tied again. Edge has an optional 12-speaker Sony® system available while Santa Fe boasts a similar set up by Infinity Logic®.
Image thanks to www.wbng.com