Next-gen Hyundai Tucson spied in Kolkata

Hyundai Tucson (ix35) being tested – will we see an India launch?

Test mules of the next-generation Hyundai Tucson have been spotted in Kolkata. The test cars look exactly the same as the Hyundai ix35 sold in international markets, which suggests that Hyundai may sell the SUV as a CBU (completely built unit) in India. The new Tucson is expected to be priced in the Rs. 16 to 20 lakh range and would likely be positioned below its Santa Fe premium SUV which competes against the popular Toyota Fortuner.

At those prices though, the Hyundai Tucson is likely to be a small player. The only way one could get high sales figures in India is by going the route of the Skoda Yeti and price the vehicle around Rs 15 lakh – but for that, you need to manufacture the vehicle here in India which Hyundai does not seem all that willing to do.

The Hyundai Tucson was launched in India a couple of years ago, but owing to poor sales, the company stopped selling the vehicle. The new Hyundai Tucson follows the company’s fluidic sculpture design language and has more curves than sharp angles. The exterior, especially the rear, seems to have design cues inspired by the BMW X Series. Perhaps, it could be a result of the new Tucson being designed by former BMW designer Thomas Buerkle. Also read: SUVs in India

In the international market, the Hyundai Tucson is available in 4 engine variants with both 2WD (two-wheel-drive) and 4WD (four-wheel-drive) modes. In the 2WD versions, Tucson is offered with two engine options: the 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine producing 133 bhp of maximum power and 165 Nm of maximum torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and the 2.0-litre CRDi diesel engines that put out 134 bhp of peak power and 320 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Also read: Mahindra W201 world SUV

In the 4WD version, Tucson is offered with three engine options, all of which are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission: the 1.7-litre CRDi diesel engine that produces 114 bhp of maximum power and 260 Nm of maximum torque, the 2.0-litre CRDi engine that produces 134 bhp and 320 Nm and the 2.0 litre CRDi engine that puts out 181 bhp and 392 Nm. We have no clue which engine option will be available on the Tucson for India. Also read: Ford Endeavour AT review

Hyundai is readying the next-generation Sonata, the Verna RB and now the Tucson. If launched, the Hyundai Tucson will take on Skoda Yeti and Tata Aria crossover in India. Guess, the Korean car maker is very serious about the Indian market as all the above three upcoming cars are direct products sold in International markets.

Hyundai Tucson specifications*

*as per the Hyundai U.S. spec