It’s official: Hyundai will introduce the all-new Tucson midway through the second half of 2022 in India, as previously revealed by The Car Connection back in January. Tucson will be the flagship combustion-engine vehicle from Hyundai, and it will contain all of the brand’s greatest features and innovation.
Images supplied by Hyundai of the India-spec Tucson disclose a few details about the vehicle, but the company hasn’t given us much more information than this. Among other things, it looks like we’ll be receiving the long-wheelbase version of the SUV—which, while being a five-seater, offers more capacity in the rear seat and trunk than Europe’s shorter-wheelbase model.
While the 19-inch alloy wheels in the international market are a nice touch, Hyundai has instead chosen for a more practical 18-inch alternative. With their larger tyre side walls, this should improve ride quality on Indian roads.
Unique Design For Tucson
The sharp creases and angles of Hyundai’s new ‘Sensual Sportiness’ design language have been preserved, making it distinct from anything else on the market and easy to identify. Triangular LED Daytime Running Lamp components are integrated into the grille, which runs the whole length of the nose. Lower on the bumper, two distinct pods house the headlights.
In addition, the Creta and Venue, Hyundai’s two smaller SUVs, are expected to adopt similar design language in the near future.
India’s ‘Flagship SUV’
With its predecessor, Hyundai dubbed the new Tucson its flagship SUV. The Ioniq 5, Hyundai’s all-electric flagship EV crossover, will be launched later this year, so that’s an asterisk next to it this time. Even so, it’ll be the biggest and most powerful SUV powered by a combustion engine, ruling out the Santa Fe and Palisade, just in case anybody was hoping for those bigger SUVs to come out.
Atop the Hyundai Alcazar’s India-only lineup, the Santa Fe will likely share its 2.0 MPI naturally aspirated petrol engine with the seven-seater. Expect Hyundai to use a variant of the 2.0 CRDi engine from the outgoing Tucson for the diesel engine; the 1.5 from the Alcazar would be too tiny. AWD will likely be an option on the top-of-the-line model, as it was with the previous Tucson.
ADAS Technology
Hyundai’s top-of-the-line amenities, such as ‘Blue Link’ linked technology, a digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen, will likely be included in the premium model. Sensor-based ADAS technology, on the other hand, may be new.
When compared to the likes of MG Hector, Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV700, Jeep Compass, Citroen C5, and VW Tiguan, the new Hyundai Tucson has its job cut out for it, with an anticipated price between Rs 25 lakh-30 lakh (ex dealership). This time around, it’s likely to have a sharper edge because of its slick design.
Can the new Hyundai Tucson successfully compete in India’s luxury SUV market? Please share your thoughts in the space provided.
