In our exclusive interview with Mr. Puneet Anand GM (Marketing) & Group Head, HMIL, we revealed that the Hyundai Tucson SUV will be launched in India by the end of this year. Sticking by our report, a trusted import data has indicated that the 2.0 litre manual and automatic versions of the potent SUV have been brought into the country for testing duties.
We can expect the test mules to be spied in the coming months as the largest exporter of passenger cars in the nation will look to adapt the new SUV with various surface and weather conditions prevail in India. The third-generation iteration of the premium compact SUV was displayed at the Auto Expo 2016 in early February and it will be one of the two products Hyundai has planned to launch this year – with the other being the new generation Verna C-segment sedan.
The Tucson will be positioned between the Creta and the Santa Fe in the current product line-up. It will mark the re-entry of the mid-size SUV into the Indian market as the brand opted to discontinue it from production following lacklustre sales at the end of last decade. It is carved out with the company’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy in mind and thus closely resembles the flagship Santa Fe SUV.
Making its first public appearance at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the sharp-looking SUV will go up against the likes of the upcoming Toyota Fortuner, new Ford Endeavour, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mitsubishi Pajero and Honda CR-V. It is more likely to be priced between Rs. 18 lakh and Rs. 24 lakh and the launch is expected around September to October 2016.
The global SUV will derive power from a 2.0-litre CRDi diesel unit which is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 175 bhp and 402 Nm of peak torque. The engine comes linked with a six-speed manual for India and the top speed is rated at 201 kmph. The 1.6-litre petrol mill may also be made available. As for the automatic drivertrains, a six-speed automatic or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is more likely to be offered.
Up front, the Tucson SUV gets adorned with an imposing bonnet structure, the signature hexagonal grille flanked by LED head lamps and LED Daytime Running Lights. The side profile is sharper and on top the curvy roofline enhances the sporty appearance. The other notable exterior features are rear skid plate, sculpted wheel arches, strong character lines and twin exhaust system.
On the inside, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation function alongside ABS with EBD, park assist, automatic climate control, six-airbags, Hill Assist Control and much more will be offered.