The outgoing Tucson , introduced in 2005, is and was Hyundai's oldest product on the show floor. In case you were wondering, the Azera is next up and it should be replaced by the all-new Equus sometime in late summer or fall 2010 as a 2011.
Getting back to the Korean's compact SUV offering, the Tucson has been quite a success story for the brand since its arrival but let's be frank, it has aged rather quickly over the last 2 years. What with competitors like the Honda CR-V (new for 2007), the Volkswagen Tiguan (2009) and the Ford Kuga (in Europe), Hyundai needed to severely review and renew one of its best sellers.
Official details are limited as we write these lines, but we are however certain that it will be available both as a FWD and an AWD vehicle, as well as offer the option of selecting between a four and six cylinder engine. As far as which powertrains they will be, it could be safe to speculate that the Sonata's 2.4L I4 and 3.3L V6 would make the best candidates. Europe and other world markets can expect diesel engines. As for the Canadian market? Our breath will not be held...
Available high-res pictures travelling on the web suggest that the new Tucson will definitely have more stage presence, and to use one of Hyundai PR person exact words: “It looks hot”. The jury is still out on whether or a not a crossover/SUV can be hot-looking but the new Tucson is certainly more pleasing aesthetically than the one it replaces.
Same goes for the vehicle's cabin which sports a more richly designed dashboard and seriously seems to have benefited from the Genesis' “we can do high-end stuff too” approach.
The most striking aspect of the 2010 Tucson is its new fascia. We can see some type of slow evolution taking place from the Santa Fe , to the Veracruz and now this. If anything, the latest grille, headlight and bumper design would certainly look great on the front ends of the next aforementioned Hyundai vehicles.
North American specifications will be announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in early December. Prices should be made available shortly thereafter.
photo: Hyundai
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Getting back to the Korean's compact SUV offering, the Tucson has been quite a success story for the brand since its arrival but let's be frank, it has aged rather quickly over the last 2 years. What with competitors like the Honda CR-V (new for 2007), the Volkswagen Tiguan (2009) and the Ford Kuga (in Europe), Hyundai needed to severely review and renew one of its best sellers.
Official details are limited as we write these lines, but we are however certain that it will be available both as a FWD and an AWD vehicle, as well as offer the option of selecting between a four and six cylinder engine. As far as which powertrains they will be, it could be safe to speculate that the Sonata's 2.4L I4 and 3.3L V6 would make the best candidates. Europe and other world markets can expect diesel engines. As for the Canadian market? Our breath will not be held...
Available high-res pictures travelling on the web suggest that the new Tucson will definitely have more stage presence, and to use one of Hyundai PR person exact words: “It looks hot”. The jury is still out on whether or a not a crossover/SUV can be hot-looking but the new Tucson is certainly more pleasing aesthetically than the one it replaces.
Same goes for the vehicle's cabin which sports a more richly designed dashboard and seriously seems to have benefited from the Genesis' “we can do high-end stuff too” approach.
The most striking aspect of the 2010 Tucson is its new fascia. We can see some type of slow evolution taking place from the Santa Fe , to the Veracruz and now this. If anything, the latest grille, headlight and bumper design would certainly look great on the front ends of the next aforementioned Hyundai vehicles.
North American specifications will be announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in early December. Prices should be made available shortly thereafter.
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photo: Hyundai