The shifts in the five-speed manual GL FWD Tucson were fluid and the throws were not too long. The clutch wasn't a chore to
 |
| It's impressive how well the Tucson handles. Not that I would expect anything less from the award-winning Korean car manufacturer. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
push in and didn't feel chunky either, which is somewhat uncharacteristic of small SUV's. But it is nice to tackle rush hour traffic with an automatic transmission. Both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive Tucsons come with a cushy front MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar, and a rear multi-link arrangement with stabilizer bar. The only difference I really felt between the two smooth-riding set-ups was that the V6 AWD's ride was stiffer. Once again, it's a toss up between which one felt better because they are both very comfortable to ride on.
When it came to handling, the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering leads the P215/65R16 tires with five-spoke aluminum alloy rims on the GL, and P235/60R16 tires with six-spoke aluminum alloy rims on the GL V6, into corners with precision and stability. It's
 |
| Cruising on the highway, the AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six-speakers, standard on both models, was swell. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
impressive how well the Tucson handles. Not that I would expect anything less from the award-winning Korean car manufacturer, but it just exceeded my expectations. At highway speeds, I did notice the GL FWD's steering wheel shook, but that was probably due to the alignment, because I didn't notice the shake on the GL AWD V6, and that one had about 2,000 more kilometres on it. Otherwise, cruising on the highway, the AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six-speakers, standard on both models, was swell. What's more, both trim levels come standard with front ventilated and rear solid disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control, making for solid handling, and fast and effective braking, in all weather conditions.
