Tucson facelift to be next Hyundai launch in India

• To come with BS6 150hp, 2.0 petrol and 182hp, 2.0 turbo-diesel units

• Will get new interior and exterior styling, along with more features

• All-wheel drive will only be available with top-spec (GLS) diesel trim

After a long build-up, the Hyundai Tucson facelift made its India debut at Auto Expo 2020 earlier this year. The new model featured upgraded engines and both interior and exterior cosmetic updates.

In an exclusive interaction on #LivewithAutocar on Instagram, Tarun Garg, business head of Hyundai India, confirmed that the Tucson facelift is on track and will be the carmaker’s first launch when the nationwide lockdown lifts.

What's new on the Tucson facelift?

Taking a closer look at what lies under the hood, the Tucson facelift will come equipped with BS6-compliant versions of both the petrol and diesel engines from the outgoing car. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine will be rated at 150hp and 192Nm of torque, while the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine will produce 182hp and 400Nm of torque. Both engines come with torque-converter automatic gearboxes as standard, though the petrol version will come with the older model's 6-speed unit while the diesel will get an all-new 8-speed unit. All-wheel drive will be available on the top-spec (GLS) diesel trim.

On the design front, the biggest changes to the facelift comprise the new cascading grille, headlights, tail-lights, and front and rear bumpers. Besides these changes, the SUV’s overall silhouette remains more-or-less unchanged.

What are the interior updates on the Tucson facelift?

The interiors also get some updates, the most noticeable being the new dashboard design, replete with a free-standing 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with Hyundai’s Blue Link connected-car features. The facelift also sees the addition of wireless chargers, a panoramic sunroof and electric front-passenger seat adjustment.

Who will rival the Tucson facelift?

Hyundai will launch the Tucson facelift in two trim levels – GL Option and GLS – and pricing is expected to increase over the current model. Once launched, the model will take on the Jeep Compass and Honda CR-V in the Indian market.

Hyundai previewed the next-gen Tucson with the Vision T concept showcased at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. The all-new Tucson was slated to make its international debut this year; however, those plans may have been affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.