2010 Tucson: New spy shots reveal attractive exterior
Revealing the exterior of the 2010 Tucson crossover. Pilot production in run.
Our latest 2010 Tucson spy report features one image only, but this one is by far the most revealing one we have seen so far. It showcases the new Hyundai Tucson body-shell while sitting on a production line together with the current generation Tucson.
The latest spy shot reveals that Hyundais second generation compact crossover will retain a very distinctive and attractive exterior styling cues first seen on ix-onic concept that made its debut at Geneva Auto Show earlier this year.
In comparison to the current Tucson, the new model will be completely revamped. The interior of the 2010 Tucson will get a completely new look and will also be built with more quality materials. Thanks to extended wheelbase, the new Tucson will now offer even more cabin space, but will retain seating for five people.
Underneath the sheetmetal, the 2010 Hyundai Tucson will share many of its underpinings with the all-new Kia Sportage, which is expected to go on sale in the first half of 2010. Both models are expected to be built on the same uni-body platform and share many of technical components, but differ in the exterior and interior design.
According to recent Hyundai news report, the 2010 Tucson will be offered with the all-new R-diesel engine roaring under the hood. The R-diesel engine has been developed with the aim of being the worlds best high-powered eco-friendly diesel engine in the competitive 2.0L segment.
The power and torque of the new diesel engine have been dramatically enhanced, while fuel consumption has been lowered by 10 percent in comparison to the current diesel engine.
Pilot production of the 2010 Tucson is already in the run, while its serial production is expected to commence sometime during the summer of this year. The new Tucson is expected to make its US debut at the 2009 L.A. Auto Show and should be on sale across the USA in early in 2010.
June 5th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
The ix-onic is definitely a great choice to base the new Tucson off… hats off to Hyundai!
June 5th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Judging from the pictures, it should retain the black lower portion seen in the concept and the rear haunches are still distinct. Very interesting indeed…
June 5th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
If you compare the ix-onic pic and this one, it looks exactly the same, which is great. Can’t wait to see this “burner”!
June 5th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Looking good.
June 5th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Nice Construction.
June 5th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Stretched wheelbase huh? Is this infringing on Santa Fe’s territory?
June 5th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Looking good, ConceptVBS…maybe this means the santa fe will get even bigger and the veracruz a jumbo
June 5th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
that has some impressive curves
June 5th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
But then again…it’s gonna keep the 5 seater style…so santa fe is still good
June 6th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Theres a lot of Hyundai/KIA Traditionalists that have a problem with Hyundais new North American design. However, the surveys show the problem people have with Hyundais is design. They know the cars last and wont break, but they think the design makes them look like they are cheap enough to break. I go to a lot of non-Hyundai sites, and I publish articles for online Auto Journals. I advocate everyday for the Hyundai buyer, but a lot of people hated our past designs. The Current gen Accent for example: People know its a great car architecurally, but they think is crap just becuase of the design of the interior and exterior. I own one, but I consider it as a 5 year car. Meaning, I will only own it for 5 years becuase thats how long I will get tired of it befor ei want a more attractive new one, and yes I plan to get the 2011.
The Average car buyer raves at how the Current Gen Elantra feels of quality, but they think the car is only ok, becuase of the simplistic, or as they say “Old people looking” design. People believe that the Tuscon is a quite the competent little crossover, but there we go again with the styling.
Hyundai is starting to listen to people. Even if the Hyundai Traditionalists have a problem with the radical much needed new design directions the company is going.
June 6th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Hyundai’s design language and image has been undergoing an “evolutionary” transition going back to those early years to present day. The redesigned and soon-to-be released Tucson will no doubt continue this trend. Hyundai’s design language has shifted to become more focused on engaging the “senses” of the average buyer to see them as a very sophisticated and desirable brand.
Price for Hyundai is now becoming secondary as more and more people begin to awake to the fact that Hyundai is not merely a manufacturer of cheap “econo” boxes, though this perception still lives on. For example, on some auto websites I visit the comments from some posters range from open hostility to resistance (is it resentment and fear?) to the new design and direction of Hyundai.
Hyundai needs to continue their march upwards in design and perception if they are to be truly considered mainstream and relevant. The new Tucson’s redesign is another critical, important piece in their evolutionary transition and I expect this trend will move the brand’s value even higher.
June 7th, 2009 at 5:08 am
Of course Pill, they fear their beloved brands will get under cut. Lexus lovers fear Hyundai, and Toyota lovers fear KIA. Chevy lovers fear KIA, and Buick Lovers fear Hyundai. VW lovers dont like the competition from KIA, and Audi lovers see the upmarket move for Hyundai as a Nadir to the Automotive world. Volvo, BMW, Mini, and SAAB lovers really fear us for some reason.
Ford lovers take KIA very seriously, and Lincoln lovers take Hyundai very seriously. Ford/Lincoln as a company take Hyundai/KIA very seriously. More so than the Japanese, they see us Japan 2, and they dont want to trip like they did in the 1970s.
Hyundai should be able to steal Chrysler onwers with the right product. Do you guys know that most of the trade ins for: Sonata, Genesis, Veracruz, Santa Fe, and Azera are Chrysler Products?
June 7th, 2009 at 6:23 am
Hey I just saw in an Interview, that John Krafcik stated that the Next Gen Tucson and Sonata will come out later this year, then the Next Gen Accent and Elantra will be right around the corner, and then Veloster Concept (which will not be named Veloster) afterwards. He also stated, that 5 Door Hatches will be called Touring, and Rear wheel drive will be called Genesis. He also stated that it is still too much money to build a new Genesis brand, and the more affordable way is to bring the entire Hyundai brand more upscale.
He also stated that starting with the Next Gen Sonata and then Next Gen Accent, all SE models will have Turbos as standard. SE will =Direct Injection Turbo engines, and Front Wheel drive Performance for now on. He also said that luxury content like: Navigation and more will be available for the Next gen Accent and Elantra.
Here goes the interview its about 30-35 minutes of reading:
http://cars.about.com/od/detoursanddiversions/a/jkrafcik_pt1.htm
June 7th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Smoke, thanks for the link. A very informative and revealing look inside Hyundai, their upcoming vehicle launches and strategy. I have been watching and following Hyundai’s impressive growth in the last five years. As I said in an earlier post, and as confirmed by Krafcik in the interview, “pricing for Hyundai is now becoming secondary” as Hyundai’s next move up the value ladder is to offer leading edge technologies that are normally found at 2 price points above its entry level and midsize market segment leader. This will in turn push enormous pressure on brands like Nissan, Honda and Toyota to respond. Of the three just mentioned, Nissan is the weakest and I see Hyundai market share gains increasing against Nissan.
The dire fates of Detroit’s big three has also created another opportunity for Hyundai which by all accounts they are poised to leverage to their advantage. I liked the fact that Krafcik when asked whether Hyundai wanted to be no. 1 in the U.S. market, wisely said they want to continue delivering products that exceeds customer’s expectation. That translates to we know if we continue to build great, quality, cars, people will come and vote “Hyundai” with their check books.
As far as the 24/ 2.0 plan, starting with the 2010 Gen Coupe, upcoming redesigned 2010 Tucson, and Sonata, followed by the all new Accent, new launch of Veloster, available direct injection, push button ignition, navigation, I say bring it as the timing ironically could not be more perfect even during this weak economic climate that we are experiencing. An ever increasing majority of consumers in the U.S. are receptive to the “value” proposition more so now than ever before and this fits in with Hyundai’s DNA.
It’s really funny how things are working out in Hyundai’s favor, they have a 3% market share in the U.S., yet occupy 7th place position out of 30 plus brands. This means they have much more room to grow and by my projections are on track to gain another 2% market share as a result of the contraction by both GM and Chrysler.
June 7th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
@ The Pill
Good points, however your last paragraph says they have a 3% market share in the US and, HMC/Kia combined I believe has a much higher percentage..
I would guess latest figures would put the entity closer to 7% with other makers faltering..
If anyone has figures, please do post.. Thanks
June 8th, 2009 at 12:15 am
Alex, the market share percentage comes directly from the interview with Krafick, who mentions the 3% number. http://cars.about.com/od/detoursanddiversions/a/jkrafcik_pt3.htm
June 8th, 2009 at 5:23 am
The interview was a few months ago, as of this week Hyundai has now surpassed Nissan as the 6th best selling make in America. You guys havent seen the new Commercial yet have you?
Article:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/hyundai-kia-displaces-nissan-as-number-six-automaker-in-us.html
June 13th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
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