Hyundai has released the first details about its new Tucson SUV ahead of the car’s official debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
The crossover – a replacement for the current ix35 – will be powered by two petrol and two diesel engines. A 1.6-litre petrol engine available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms will produce 133bhp and 174bhp respectively. Meanwhile, the diesel line-up includes a 1.7-litre unit with 113bhp and two versions of the firm's 2.0-litre powerplant, available in a choice of 134bhp and 181bhp forms. The 2.0-litre option will also be available with four-wheel drive.
It will include three transmission options: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The Tucson will feature Hyundai’s prominent front grille design. Speaking to journalists in Berlin, Hyundai design boss Peter Schreyer said: "We tried to make an SUV, but make it bolder and stronger. When we do something like this of course we have in mind that it needs to be successful globally. It needs to be a good product, and then it can be successful in all markets."
The interior will feature ventilated and heated seats, park assist, powered tailgate, and a navigation system that Hyundai describes as three times faster than the previous generation.
Hyundai says the Tucson, built on an all-new platform which will also be shared with the new Kia Sportage, offers a generous amount of interior space, with 513 litres of luggage capacity available with all the seats up. However the Tuscan remains a five-seater despite its larger interior dimensions.
The Tucson SUV is set to rival the new Nissan Qashqai and will likely go on sale in the international markets in September.