Hyundai Terracan

The Terracan can

Hyundai has streamlined its Terracan range of four-wheel drive wagons with the introduction of a solo SLX model. The new-for-2007 SLX offers the choice of an economical yet torquey 2.9lt CRDi 16-valve turbodiesel or a smooth, V6, petrol-powered, 3.5lt, 24-valve powerplant.

On the road the diesel delivers a healthy 345Nm of maximum torque from 1750rpm to 3000rpm, and 120kW of peak power at 3800rpm. The petrol V6 ups the ante in the power stakes, delivering 143kW at 5500rpm and 302Nm of maximum torque at 4000rpm.

According to Hyundai, the CRDi variant has been an incredibly popular choice since its launch in 2005, accounting for close to 95 per cent of all Terracan sales, due mainly to its fuel economy and torquey performance.

The company quotes fuel figures as 10.1lt/100km for the manual, while the automatic version is quoted at 10.3lt/100km, and believes the 75lt fuel tank will crank out close to 700km for mainly urban driving and push 800km for highway touring. With figures like these, its little wonder the diesel four-wheel drive segment of the marketplace continues to gain momentum.

The SLX features Electronic Shift Transfer, which can shift from rear-wheel drive to four-wheel drive at speeds of up to 80km/h. Both High and Low ranges lock drive into 50/50 front/rear and back to RWD via a Centre Axle Disconnect System, which disengages drive to the front wheels. A limited-slip rear differential is standard on all Terracan models.

Automatic Terracans have an extra-low gearing facility for descending hills. This system engages when low range and first or reverse gears are selected and no throttle is applied.

In such a competitive sector the Terracan needs to be big on features...and it is. The standard kit includes pollen-filtering air-conditioning, cruise control, alloy wheels including a full-size alloy spare, dual front airbags, ABS with EBS, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters, MP3-capable CD/FM/AM audio, remote central locking with an alarm/immobilizer, electric windows and mirrors, four 12V power outlets and roof rails with integrated carry cross bars.

The cabin is spacious and the interior is finished with mid-toned grey cloth trim. The front seats, which are separated by a large bi-level centre console, have tilt and height-adjusting head restraints and seatback storage pockets. The driver’s seat adjusts for height, tilt, backrest rake and lumbar support, while the passenger seat has a storage drawer underneath.

The centre row seats split 60/40, have four-stage backrest rake adjustments including vertical and tumble-fold forward to offer up to 1.56m of storage floor length when the two third row seats are retracted.

The two separate third row seats will offer the kids good legroom. The seats also have vertically adjustable head restraints, backrest rake adjustments and they fold up off the floor each side.

Hyundai really pushes the Terracan as a hardcore towing vehicle, evidenced by a tow limit of 2500kg for a braked trailer. The company has developed a specific Terracan Trek’n’Tow suspension kit to maximise its full 2.5-tonne braked trailer capacity. The kit boosts the tow-ball capacity to 250kg, which is said to trim your car level when towing a big load such as TrailerBoat’s very own 540 Bluewater Cuddy Cabin.

The kit is not cheap at $2585 (plus fitting) as an option but uses premium, variable rate German cold-wound springs and bushes and specialist shock absorbers. Hyundai believes this option is superior to aftermarket suspension kits and offers increased stability and bump absorption.

» Click here for CarPoint's further news & reviews articles on the Hyundai Terracan

» Search here for a Hyundai Terracan from CarPoint's extensive used car listing