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This is our first look at the Hyundai Tucson, which is the Korean firm's new C-segment SUV challenger - the older nameplate has been revived to replace the ix35 nomenclature. The all-new Tucson will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.
Exterior
The Tucson gets the Hyundai family's hexagonal front grille, here framed by LED headlamps. The front bumper is said to evoke a wing shape and it houses LED daytime running lights, while the A-pillar is moved back to 'visually disconnect' it from the bonnet. The wheelarch profiles are ever directional, while horizontal lines, which give the effect of broadening the car's stance, dominate the rear.
Interior
The firm has come on a long way in terms of its cabins and the Tucson looks like a strong contender. The centre console is suitably classy and you can optionally have Wine Red leather. Hyundai claims it is also spacious within, with boot space rated at 513 litres with all the seats up. Equipment will include heated and ventilated front seats, a powered tailgate, Smart Parking Assist and a new generation of satnav - claimed to be three times faster than its predecessor found in other Hyundai models. This navigation comes with a free seven-year subscription to TomTom Live service too (subject to market).
Mechanicals
All European-model Tucsons will be made in the Czech Republic and they'll naturally come with the brand's five-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard. Petrol engines are either a 135hp 1.6-litre normally aspirated GDI engine or a 176hp turbocharged version of the same unit. Three diesel options (115hp 1.7, 136hp 2.0 and a higher-power 184hp 2.0-litre) will be offered, while the 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol can be had with either a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual. All engines meet EU6 regulations. It's possible that the petrol engines will not be offered for sale in Ireland.
Anything else?
Hyundai says the Tucson will come with a 'comprehensive active and passive safety package', including such items as emergency automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot detection, speed limit information, rear traffic cross alert and an Active Bonnet System to raise the bonnet in the event of a frontal collision with a pedestrian or cyclist. After its Geneva debut, the Tucson will go on sale in Europe during the second half of 2015.