The Tucson has retained its position as the best selling car in Ireland for a second year in 2017.
That speak volumes, both for the colossal sales figures the chunky Hyundai racked up in 2016, and for the fact that the big-ish SUV or crossover has suddenly, totally eclipsed more traditional saloons and hatchbacks as our favoured choice.
The Tucson’s success is built on simplicity. It offers a few trim lines, all well-equipped; three engines, realistically only one of which (the 1.7 CRDI diesel) people will ever actually buy; and the prospect of competitive pricing, a long warranty, and a lack of showy razzmatazz which people seem to appreciate.
To drive, the Tucson is rather dull, but that’s not the point. It’s steady and sure-footed, it’s roomy and comfortable, it’s tolerably refined and safe. All of which, as we can see from incontrovertible numbers, sells.
You could argue that Hyundai should be offering a more enticing petrol option, or a plugin model (which is assuredly on the way) but why alter the course of a steady, profitable, ship?
Best model: 1.7 CRDI Executive
Prices start from: €26,245
Finance package from: €250
CO2 emissions: 119-147g/km
Sum-up: About as exciting as RTÉ's Nationwide, but lots of people watch that, don't they?