Family Thrillers

MANILA, Philippines - It is indeed a good period for car buyers. Never has the market been so abundant with quality choices, so abundant in fact that today’s prospective customer no longer needs to conform to tradition. Are family duties a top consideration for acquiring that new ride? Don’t be stuck with the typical humdrum options. Here are two new picks that will surely get you road tripping more often.

Hyundai Tucson 2.0L GL

The second-generation Tucson is proving to be one of the most popular new releases of 2010, as evidenced by the increasing number of this Hyundai in Philippine streets. Just take a quick drive and you’re liable to see a couple out there. This is testament to the car’s spectacular value, but its pretty safe to assume that people also love it for its sleek looks and fun to drive persona.

Adopting a lot of European influenced styling, the Tucson departs from the old accepted norm of quirky looking Korean cars. The Tucson was penned in Hyundai’s Frankfurt design center, hence the obvious infusion of premium market aesthetics. Visually, it is dominated by a very angular front that makes use of bold shapes, and as a result commands more attention compared to its predecessor. The hexagonal front grille is a focal point in terms of looks, giving this CUV a more aggressive face. The bulbous fenders add some sense of sophistication, while the high belt line supports the up-market perception.

Though you normally wouldn’t carve racing lines with a vehicle of this type, the Tucson actually surprised once it was put through its paces. It handles pretty much like a compact sedan, with car-like reflexes rather than that of a clumsy SUV. Grunt from the 2-liter petrol motor was satisfactory, as ample torque was accessible down low from 2000 rpm onwards. Hyundai rates the Tucson at 165 HP and 145 lb-ft, very respectable figures coming from this kind of displacement. What caught attention the most though was the slick shifting 6-speed auto tranny, which when operated in manual mode, made for some delectable downshifts. The engine matched revs too providing the driver with some heel and toe like action. On the highway, the Tucson proved relaxed and composed making it a capable out of town carriage. The tires were a bit noisy though at high speed. Speaking of noises, the Tucson emitted weird interior rattles whenever it went through bumps and humps, making one think that maybe Hyundai isn’t at par yet with the Japanese in terms of overall build quality.

Inside, there is ample room for five occupants, which turns to a very comfortable place when only seating four. The high windows make you feel that you’re sitting low and relaxed just like in a living room couch. Front seats are comfortable for passenger and adequately supportive for the driver, with electronic adjustments for further ease of use. The generous use of black plastic detracted from the exterior’s handsome appeal though, but at least this CUV comes with steering wheel mounted controls for the stereo, which has an auxiliary port for iPod.

The Tucson registered fairly acceptable fuel economy figures, which ranged from 10 Km/L if you’re careful, but would drop to 6 Km/L if you’re not. As a family car, it will suit those with 2 to 3 children, as the need for a 3rd bench shouldn’t be that pressing. With the convenience of an SUV, drivability of a sedan, and looks of a premium European car all rolled into one, the Tucson makes for one attractive family car.

Subaru Legacy GT Wagon

This is not your regular grocery go-getter. Sure, it’s a station wagon. But its also packing a turbocharged boxer engine with requisite Subaru Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. Who wants to race?

Meet the all-new Legacy from Subaru. Motor Image Philippines has been thoughtful enough to offer both sedan and wagon variants locally. This ultimately works to the buyer’s advantage as they can now decide which platform suits them best.

Unlike typically staid and lust-less wagons, what greets you first with this Sub is the racy exterior. Adorned with a more aggressive aero-kit and handsome 18-inch wheels, it certainly evokes more panache than your garden-variety soccer mom mobile. Glance on the bonnet and you’ll notice the hood scoop, a subtle but effective cue that tells you there’s a turbo cooking inside. Smooth and flowing lines dominate up to the rear, where wrap around tail lamps keep the over all look fresh. A set of dual mufflers in the back round out the tidy look.

Most exciting about the Legacy is its power plant, a force-induced 2.5 liter horizontally opposed motor that’s making a healthy 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. That translates to a 0-100 km/h run of 6.2 seconds and a terminal velocity of 245 km/h. Despite its propensity for speed, it can easily return 9.71 KM/L of fuel consumption (mixed city and highway). Not bad for such a long and sizable family hauler. This being a genuine mid-size vehicle, it offers plenty of space for occupants both for and aft. It’s up there with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in terms of leg room and elbow room. Plus, there are also features that would please even the most discerning type, like cruise control, climate control, moon roof, heated leather seats, auxiliary port, and rear A/C. The most enjoyable feature of all though is the S-I Drive, a patented Subaru trait that gives the car three main settings: Intelligent (fuel economy), Sport (brisk driving), and Sport Sharp (maximum performance).

What makes the wagon lay-out more desirable as a family car is the versatility. There’s simply more cargo room for whatever it is the entire caboodle needs to bring…bags, tents, coolers, toys, groceries etc. Plus, having that all wheel drive capability is always good to have. It ensures surefootedness on foul weather driving, and allows you to even do some soft-roading driving in the farm or ranch. With style, speed, and versatility all thrown into the mix, the Legacy truly breaks from the mold of boring family mobiles.

Specifications:

Hyundai Tucson 2.0L GL

Engine: 2.0L SOHC 16v inline 4 cylinder

Power: 165 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque: 145 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed A/T

Price: P1,158,000

Subaru Legacy GT Wagon

Engine: 2.5 liter DOHC 16v horizontally opposed 4 cylinder turbo

Power: 265 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 2700 rpm

Transmission: 5-speed A/T

Price: P2,148,000