Hyundai unveils bold new look for Tucson family favourite
Best-selling family car breaks into new territory with a risky design that’s a departure from the conservative shapes of its main rivals.
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Hyundai has rolled the dice with its next-generation Tucson, adopting a revolutionary new look for the popular SUV.
Following the likes of Lexus’ UX crossover and Toyota’s C-HR, the new Tucson adopts a bold geometric look representing a big departure from its conservatively-styled predecessor.
With a front end similar to the Mercedes-Benz EQC electric car and a side profile echoing Lamborghini’s Urus super-SUV, the Tucson is anything but boring.
Origami-like creased side panels join a prominent grille treatment integrated with new LED headlamps.
Designer SangYup Lee said the Tucson’s design was deliberately edgy.
“We want Hyundai to be a more audacious, daring brand,” he said.
“This segment is overcrowded … I’d rather make a strong statement.”
Lee likens rival machines to Swiss Army knives — cars that try to offer a broad array of features without performing any one function particularly well.
The designer says playing it safe was not an option.
“If you do that, in the beginning its OK [but] I don’t believe its going to be a success at the end of the life cycle.”
Hyundai says the Tucson’s cabin is longer and wider than before, giving passengers more room.
Key tech includes dual 10.25-inch touchscreen displays and mood lighting in a choice of 64 colours with 10 levels of brightness.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity joins a new Bose stereo and improved connectivity, including the ability to use your phone as the car’s key.
A comprehensive array of driver aids includes active cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and blind-spot monitoring.
Power will come from what Hyundai describes as new-generation engines based on the current Australian range.
A new N-Line model will add a dash of sporting appeal, and a full-fat Tucson N is a possibility, joining a high-performance version of the Kona SUV in showrooms.
Hyundai says hybrid power is a possibility for Australia, though it has not confirmed exactly whether that will take the form of mild hybrid or more advanced plug-in hybrid tech.
The new Tucson arrives in Australia in the first half of 2021.
Originally published as Hyundai unveils bold new look for Tucson family favourite
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