Next generation Hyundai Tucson rendering

The fellows at Globalmotors have published two exciting renderings previewing the 2010 Hyundai Tucson. Since all Tucson prototypes have been heavily disguised, these two renderings are very speculative, but both provide a great first look at what production model could look like. (Kudos to the artist!)

The Tucson crossover, internally codenamed the LM, will be replacing the current Tucson model, which has been on sale since 2005 and has achieved some high sales numbers over the past few years. In its first and second year on the market (2005 and 2006), the Tucson had been the best selling Hyundai vehicle with sales reaching close to 200,000 units per year.

Since then, its sales has been steadily slowing down. We can find several reasons for that, but the No. 1 reason for its slower sales is most definitely the heating competition. When Hyundai put the Tucson on the market in 2005, there have only been a few competitors out there, but lately, the compact SUV/CUV segment has been flooded with crossovers from Opel (Antara), VW (Tiguan), Ford (Kuga), Mitsubishi (Outlander) and others.

As Hyundai wants to tempt buyers away from its mainstream rivals, the company is preping to launch the Tucson successor. The new model is expected to be slightly bigger and should provide more cabin space than the outgoing model. What is even more important, the next generation Tucson will take on its rivals with completely redesigned exterior, more refined interior, and advanced powertrains and transmissions.

A new 2.0-litre diesel engine will spearhead the line-up, while a revised version of the firms existing 2.4-litre gasoline unit will also be offered. In favor of lower fuel consumption, the all-new Hyundai Tucson will also be equipped with 6 speed automatic and manual transmissions.

We were not told when exactly the Tucson will be released, but the company has revealed the 2010 Hyundai Tucson is scheduled to debut this year! [Source: Globalmotors ]

Related link: More spy shots of the Hyundai Tucson