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31 · Saturday, December 26, 2009 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Hyundai 2010 Tucson CUV to lead the way in new year Continued from page 27 Tucson features the new Theta II 2.4litre DOHC inline four-cylinder engine. The Theta II engine delivers about the same amount of power and acceleration as last year's 2.7-litre V6 engine with 20 per cent better fuel economy than the old four-cylinder engine. The Theta II is rated at 176 hp (26 per cent increase) and 168 lb/ft of torque. Helping fuel economy is a new six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual-mode shifting in either front wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD). A six-speed manual is also offered. There are three trim levels with the manual standard and the automatic optional on the GL and GLS. The automatic is standard on the Limited. Tucson features low rolling resistance silica tires to contribute to fuel economy ratings of 9.6/6.7/8.3L/100 km city/highway/combined for the manual and 9.0/6.3/7.8L/100 km for the FWD models. Fuel rating for the AWD is 9.8/7.1/8.6L/100 km. I wasn't crazy about the tires. To achieve low rolling resistance, they have to be harder and that means less sidewall flex. Harder also means more noise which I was hearing at higher speeds along the relatively smooth Pacific Coast Highway running west from Malibu. Taking photos at a secluded beach I know along the coast, the hardness of the tires oddly proved a bonus, traversing a very rocky stretching of shoreline to get a shot. On side streets the tires were fine so I am looking forward to booking the car sometime early next year to find out if it was the tires or me. The co-efficient of drag for the Tucson is 0.37, not bad for a fair-sized box on wheels. Besides the tires, this is achieved by several means including a rear spoiler atop the liftgate, wind deflectors ahead of the wheels, a steeply raked windshield and a rather large engine undercover. Like its competitors, the 2010 Tucson is really no longer "compact" at all. It's 3.3 inches longer and an inch wider than the outgoing Tucson and also longer and wider than Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Subaru Forester. There is more than adequate passenger room. With the front seat all the way back there was still ample leg and knee room in the back seat. Inside there is 2,885 litres of passenger volume. Cargo volume behind the rear seats is 728 litres and 1,580 litres with the seats flat. I spent all my time in a Limited with its panoramic sunroof, the first time this has ever been offered on a Hyundai, and just perfect for the 20 C. temperatures this time of year in LA. Hyundai is very, very careful when they pick options. Too many leads to too much cost to build so the KISS principle of loading it up with standard features instead is used very effectively. One option I have come to love is a rearview backup camera that displays what's behind you on the centre dash mounted optional navigations system monitor. It comes with a grid that twists with the Tucson as you turn the wheel. The 2010 Tucson is also one of the first next generation vehicles to incorporate Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy featuring flowing lines, full surfaces and muscular presence. Prominent is the new Hyundai family hexagonal front grille, aggressive lower air intake, sculptured hood creases, swept-back headlights, sleek greenhouse and wraparound taillights. Coming off a record sales year in 2009, Hyundai Canada is wasting no time in setting off on a higher road in 2010 and it will have the 2010 Tucson leading the way. Aston Martin Carbon Black Special Editions Aston Martin's two top-of-the-range sports cars; the DBS and V12 Vantage have undergone a unique Carbon Black makeover to create a highly desirable special edition. Celebrating the success of the DBS and V12 Vantage which have surpassed all sales expectations since launch, the new special editions add a typically understated flair to these acclaimed models. Featuring bespoke Carbon Black metallic paint especially formulated with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina. Each car will undergo 50 man-hours of hand painting followed by stringent quality checks. For the V12 Vantage the iconic Aston Martin side strake has been fashioned from real carbon fibre backed by a black mesh and complimented with gloss black 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels. A bright finished grille and front parking sensors (normally an option) complete the exterior detailing. Inside, owners will be greeted to swathes of Obsidian Black leather highlighted with a contrast silver coarse stitch all hand stitched The Aston Martin DBS and V12 Vantage are being offered in special editions called Carbon Black. by the craftspeople at Gaydon ­ Aston Martin's global headquarters in England. Lightweight seats formed from Carbon Fibre and Kevlar saving 17 kg over the standard seat also feature together with Piano black facia trim, centre stack and centre console, anodized black tread plates and unique sill plaques build on the carbon theme. The Aston Martin 700-watt Premium Audio System is delivered as standard in the V12 Vantage while the DBS boasts the Bang & Olufsen Beosound DBS audio system as standard. BUY LOCALLY SERVICE LOCALLY SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY Phone: (905) 825-8088 www.volvoofoakville.com SERVICE DEPARTMENT OPEN SATURDAYS