Hyundai has announced the new Tucson (aka ix35) ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The latest version of the sports utility vehicle (SUV) was unveiled at a press event in Berlin, Germany.
The new Tuscon has been given a new face to improve its appeal, most noticeably Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille inside a new front bumper, LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. At the back are slimmer tail lights and a much cleaner design.
Increased boot space is a byproduct of the new platform that underpins the new Tucson. Even with the rear seats in place, there’s a hefty 513 litres to play with and a whole lot more if you fold them down.
Parking should be much easier, thanks to the addition of Smart Parking Assist. Meanwhile a smart powered tailgate detects when the key holder is near and opens up, saving you from having to put your shopping down, while heated and ventilated seats help with comfort.
An infotainment system with navigation and seven years of TomTom Live services has also been promised in certain markets.
A number of new safety systems separate the old Tucson from the new, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (which features pedestrian, city and inter-urban operation modes), Lane Keeping Assist for keeping you in your lane and Blind Spot Detection.
There’s also a Speed Limit Information Function that looks at road signs and warns you if you go over the limit, Rear-Traffic Cross Alert for keeping tabs on what’s going in a 180-degree view behind the car and Active Bonnet System, which raises the bonnet to help reduce the impact in the event of a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist.
Five engine options are available comprising two petrol and three diesels, ranging from the 135PS 1.6-litre GDI petrol to the 184PS 2.0-litre diesel. There’s also a turbocharged petrol known as the T-GDI, which develops 176PS.
A choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic is available on all engines except the bottom of the ladder petrol and diesel.
No word on a price or UK release date just yet. We’ll undoubtedly know more as we head towards the big Geneva reveal at the start of March.
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