Mix and match styling cues for standout rugged looks!

There is no hiding the fact that the Terracan has its origins in Mitsubishi territory but it is commendable that the khan bears little resemblance to its sibling, the 2.8-litre Pajero that we had tested in January. The essentially boxy structure as was evident in the earlier Pajero and the Galloper has been given a total work over at Hyundai’s Namyang Research and Development Centre at a cost of over US$240 million. With a mix and match of aggressive styling cues the R&D engineers in Korea have managed to create a rather flamboyant and rugged looking SUV. The flatter and thinner front end gives the Terracan an all conquering look while all the lights, whether it be at the front or rear add style and class.

The tail lights are especially stylish and draw attention away from the rather flat backside. Missing too is the spare wheel from the rear hatch - mind you, it is a hatch and not a door unlike in most SUVs in India like the Mercedes-Benz M-class and the Pajeros as well as our own home-made Tata Safari. The placement of the spare wheel under the body might have taken away a little from the butch looks that most people want SUVs for, but will prove to be highly beneficial in the long run. As usually happens, the door starts sagging ever so slightly under the weight of the wheel and causes problems in shutting of the door. As the rear-most foldable seats are front facing and have to be accessed from the front, it was not necessary to have a door at the rear.

Hyundai Motor India has built up a reputation for good build quality over a period of time in the country with the Sonata being its best example. The Terracan is all set to take over that mantle as the build quality of the Terracan feels and looks even better. That might be in part because of the role that it has been designed for but even by that yardstick, the Terracan is a well built vehicle.