Used Hyundai Terracan 4x4 2003 - 2008 review

Size is everything with the Terracan. It's longer than a BMW X5, almost as long as a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but considerably cheaper than either.

Other than the centre rear seat being a little uncomfortable, there's little to complain about in terms of accommodation. The dash is simple and clear, the driving position basically sound (although reach adjustment on the steering wheel would help) and there's more than enough head- and legroom front and rear. Likewise, the boot is huge, with almost 2000 litres of space. Access to the boot is easy and the rear seat splits 60/40.

The car is also excellent off-road thanks to high- and low-ratio gearboxes and good ground clearance. However, it's not so good on-road, with loads of body roll in bends and slow steering that's short on feel. The car's shape also kicks up a lot of wind noise at speed, while the engine is noisy under hard acceleration.

The Terracan may be a bargain next to cars of a similar size, but it's not cheap, and it will have bills to match.

Just take fuel economy, for example: even with a manual gearbox, the car only returns 32.4mpg, and the automatic model isn't even as good as that. That may be acceptable for a car of this size, but a diesel Nissan X-Trail returns nearer 40mpg, and is not much smaller inside.

Insurance, on the other hand, is pretty good. A diesel X5 is in group 17 and a diesel Grand Cherokee just one group lower, but the Terracan is in group 12.

Likewise, you should have nothing to fear from routine running costs, and even if you need some unscheduled work, it shouldn't be too dear. Figures from Warranty Direct show that Hyundai dealers have among the lowest labour rates, and that average repair costs for Hyundais are also pretty cheap.

You don't really have a choice. The Terracan only ever came with one engine - a 2.9-litre turbodiesel - and one trim. However, it's worth getting a car from late 2004 onwards, because these have a more powerful version of the engine.

The 2.9-litre engine isn't exactly quick, but it does a very good job of hauling around such a big car. However, the optional four-speed automatic 'box does rather take the edge off the performance.

Otherwise, if you want a Terracan, your most major choice is what colour you want. Mind you, it's no great hardship choosing the basic trim, because it comes with a generous helping of standard equipment, such as climate control, alloy wheels, a CD player and all-round electric windows.

There were never that many options, but among those you might think about looking out for are an automatic gearbox, leather upholstery and sat-nav.