Preview: India-bound 2016 Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai unveiled the new Tucson at the 2016 Auto Expo Show. The third generation of the premium mid-size SUV gets a sleek design language, upmarket and spacious interiors alongwith new engine options.

The first-gen Hyundai Tucson was launched in India in 2009 but couldn't do much for the brand. The first Tucson in India had a few high points and a few quirks. Also, Hyundai was not a seasoned manufacturer in that segment. With the new generation Tucson, Hyundai intends to get more aggressive in the sub-30 lakh SUV segment. The 2016 Tuscon will bridge the gap between the 2016 Indian Car Of The Year, Hyundai Creta (Rs 9.60 lakh to Rs 15.20 lakh, ex-Mumbai) and the Santa Fe (Rs 29.66 lakh to Rs 33.24 lakh, ex-Mumbai). It is expected to be launched by end-2016.

Design

Based on Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, the new Tuscon gets a design similar to the Santa Fe. The triple-slat hexagonal radiator grille, a signature feature on all new age Hyundai cars, dominates the front profile. It hass LED twin-projector headlights with integrated daytime running lights. The front bumper gets chiseled contours with a skid plate underneath. The side gets a muscular profile with flared wheel arches.

Hyundai offers 19-inch alloys on Tuscons sold in global markets which we believe will make it to the Indian Tuscon as well. The rear section looks impressive with LED lights, rear spoiler (to be offered as standard) and twin-chrome exhausts.

The 2016 Tuscon measures 4,475mm in length, 1,850mm in width and 1,645mm in height. It is longer by 76.2mm and wider by 28mm than the previous model. Even the wheelbase has been increased by 30.48mm at 2,670 mm. Hyundai claims the increased dimensions contribute to the spacious interior.

Interior, features and options

The new Tuscon gets a dual-tone dashboard in beige and black. It gets a soft-touch pad located near the driver's knee and offers support to the knee while cornering at high speeds. The top-end variant of the international model gets a 4.2-inch color TFT LCD instrumental cluster, multi-function steering wheel, five-inch color LCD display with rear-view camera, dual-zone automatic climate control and ventilated seats with eight-way electric adjustment. In addition, it comes with a panoramic sunroof. Knowing Hyundai and the exhaustive feature list that its cars boast of, we expect the Indian version to get the same list of features as the global model.

Engine

The India-bound Hyundai Tucson, which was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, will be offered with a 178PS 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel motor, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The international spec models, however, are offered with 1.6-litre and 2-litre petrol engines and a 2-litre diesel engine. Transmission options include a seven-speed DCT, six-speed automatic and a six-speed manual.

Internationally, the Tuscon is offered with either Front Wheel Drive (FWD) or All Wheel Drive (AWD) options. Considering the fact that it will be slotted in the Rs 20-25 lakh range, Hyundai might only launch the all-wheel drive variant.

Price

As mentioned before, Hyundai aims to create a unique segment for the Tuscon which ranges between the Hyundai Creta and Rs 20 lakh+ SUVs. It will help reduce the wide gap between the Hyundai Creta and the flagship Hyundai Santa Fe. We expect the prices of Hyundai Tucson to range in between Rs 20-25 lakh in India.

Also see:

2016 Hyundai Tucson first look video

2016 Hyundai Tucson image gallery