Officially official: Next Hyundai Tucson
The long-anticipated second generation Hyundai Tucson makes its official debut.
Hyundai has unveiled its all-new Tucson crossover in Korea today. The automaker held a press conference where it has shown the production model in flesh, for the first time.
The 2011 Hyundai Tucson features a completely different exterior styling that the out-going model. It incorporates Hyundai’s new design language and carries over much of the confident, sweeping styling of the very attractive ix-onic concept car that made its official debut at Geneva Auto Show earlier this year.
In addition to its new premium exterior look, the all-new Hyundai Tucson also comes available with some new features, such as panoramic glass-roof, hill-start assist control, downhil brake control (DBC), vehicle dynamic control (VDC) that improves the safety of a vehicle stability by detecting and minimizing skids, rear-view camera and others.
According to Hyundai, the new Tucson’s safety features are sufficient to receive five star ratings in both, European and U.S. new car assessment programs. The car will be available with driver and passenger airbags as well as side and curtain airbags. In addition, 68.9 percent of the vehicle has been built with high strength steel for increased structural integrity.
Under the hood, Hyundai Tucson will at first have a choce of one gasoline and one diesel engine, but latest rumors indicate that Hyundai will also introduce a turbocharged Tucson, equipped with 1.6L gasoline engine and 175 horsepower.
At the beginning, Hyundai will offer the 2011 Tucson with either a 2.0L Theta II gasoline engine (166 horsepower) and 2.0L R-diesel engine, with maximum output of 184 horsepower. The 2.0L diesel engine achieves fuel economy of 15.4 km/L, while gasoline engine achieves 11.7 km/L of fuel. Engines are coupled with Hyundai‘s all-new 6-speed automatic transmission. Both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options are available on the diesel.
With sales of more than 1 million units worldwide since its launch back in 2004, the Tucson has been one of the most successful Hyundai models ever and with the new Tucson, Hyundai aims to repeat the success of its predecessor.
According to Hyundai, the company plans to sell 16.000 units of new Tucson in Korea this year and 40.000 next year. When the new Tucson goes on sale overseas, Hyundai predicts it can sell additional 260.000 units, for a total of 300.000 units each year.
Hyundai will continue to build the Tucson at existing locations. European Tucsons will be built in Europe, while Korean and US-market will come from Korean manufacturing plants.
According to Hyundai, retail prices for the 2WD tucson fitted with 2.0L diesel engine and automatic transmission will begin at 21 million won and will be topping at 27 million won for the top of the line model. Gasoline powered Korean-spec Hyundai Tucson will start at about 19 million won and will top out at 24 million won.
At the end of our brief presentation, we should also mention that Hyundai has also announced it will bring the 2011 Tucson to the L.A. Auto Show for the US premiere. Sales is expected to begin early in 2010.
