New Hyundai Tucson revealed – replaces the ix35

A new Hyundai Tucson has been  revealed – to replace the current ix35 – with styling from the Santa Fe and a more purposeful stance. Debuts Geneva 2015.

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We’re not entirely sure why Hyundai has decided to revive the Tucson badge for the ix35 – which itself was the replacement for the old Tucson – but it does bring it in line with the naming of Hyundai’s bigger SUV/Crossover – the Hyundai Santa Fe – so perhaps they’ve decided to give all their SUV/Crossovers names instead of numbers?

Still, whatever name Hyundai want to give their new SUV, it’s an important car for the Korean car maker, and one they need to get right. And, at first look, it seems very promising.

A bit longer, a bit wider and a bit lower than the ix35 – and sitting on a new platform – the new Tucson gets styling that makes it look part of the same family as the Santa Fe, with the latest hexagonal grill, LED headlights and a bumper with a wing-shaped appearance up front, a ‘Z’ character line over the rear wheel arches and a back end that has horizontal lines flowing from the back wings and slim tail lights. It looks to work.

Inside, there’s an ergonomic overhaul together with new soft-touch, high quality materials, an uncluttered centre console, more space for passengers and a decent-sized boot.

There’s more toys too (dependant on spec and options) including heated and ventilated front seats, power tailgate, Smart Parking Assist, new TomTom SatNav with free updates, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection and Active bonnet to mitigate injuries to pedestrians and cyclists in the event of an accident.

Under the bonnet there’s a choice of two petrol engines – 1.6 litre with either 133bhp or 174bhp – and three diesels – 1.7 litre with 113bhp and the 2.0 litre with either 134bhp or 181bhp – with a six-speed manual as standard or a seven-speed DCT ‘box on the 174bhp petrol.

It seems likely there will also be 4WD options at some point, as well as a hybrid version and, we assume, a hydrogen FCV to replace the ix35 FCV.

The new Hyundai Tucson will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month and arrive in Hyundai’s UK dealers in autumn 2015.