Hyundai is gearing up to launch the new Tucson SUV in India sometime later this year, and the SUV has just been caught testing on our roads. The fourth-generation Tucson SUV, which will sit above the Alcazar in Hyundai’s India line-up, was showcased internationally in September 2020.
Upon its arrival in India, the new Tucson will compete against the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, Citroen C5 Aircross and Jeep Compass.
Here are five things you need to know about Hyundai’s new premium SUV.
1. Features Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language
The new Tucson is radically different from the outgoing version, thanks to its bold new Sensuous Sportiness design language. The design also features flourishes of what Hyundai calls ‘parametric dynamics’, which lends jewel-like effect to the car’s exteriors.
It also boasts of the new parametric grille that nestles half-mirror type LED daytime running lights that distinguish themselves from the grille only when they are switched on. The projector headlights are mounted below the grille, in the front bumper.
Along the side, prominent character lines and flared wheel arches give it a bold look. At the back, the highlights are the T-shaped tail-lights linked by an LED light bar across the width of the Tucson. It is expected that this design will filter down to other Hyundai SUVs like the facelifted Creta, particularly the parametric grille.
2. Gets two wheelbase options overseas
For the first time, Hyundai is offering the Tucson with a long-wheel base variant in certain markets. While the standard wheelbase model of the new Tucson is 10mm longer, 15mm wider and 10mm longer than the outgoing model, the long wheelbase model is a significant 150mm longer and has a 85mm longer wheelbase, in the interest of maximising interior space. Internationally, the SUV is available in a 5-seat form, but in India, we will only get the 7-seat version which will sit above the Alcazar.
3. Could be one of four Hyundai SUV launches this year
Hyundai is expected to launch four new SUVs in 2022, including the Tucson. While the Tucson will be an all-new model, the other three will be mid-cycle updates.
The company is looking to launch the facelifted Venue with cosmetic changes, and a front end similar to that of the new Tucson. Hyundai has already begun testing the Venue facelift in India. With this update, a sportier N-Line version is also expected. Following the Venue facelift, Hyundai will launch the updated version of their popular Creta SUV. The SUV was showcased last year featuring the company’s parametric grille.
Finally, the Korean brand will launch the updated Kona Electric SUV in the Indian market. It will come with a sharper design, more equipment and additional safety features.
4. New Tucson could get Hyundai’s ADAS tech in India
The new Tucson is expected to get Hyundai’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for the Indian market. This brings a host of active safety features like lane keep assist, blind spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and autonomous emergency braking with forward collision avoidance. Additionally, the car will get the usual safety features like ABS, ESP and airbags. The European-spec Hyundai Tucson has also scored a full five-star rating in Global NCAP.
5. Launch expected in the second half of 2022
Hyundai will likely launch the new Tucson in the second half of 2022. When it is launched, the SUV will take on the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, Citroen C5 Aircross, and Jeep Compass. Prices for the Tucson are expected to be between Rs 25 lakh-35 lakh, and it will come to India via the CKD route.
For our market, Hyundai is likely to retain the current Tucson’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel engine options.
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