LOS ANGELES: Hyundai unveiled on Monday its new Tucson SUV to US media in West Hollywood, California.
The all-new Tucson design is derived from a series of Hyundai Design Center concepts expressing its evolving "Sensuous Sportiness" global design identity. Tucson gasoline and hybrid models will begin availability for the US market in spring 2021, with plug-in models available in summer 2021.
The new 2022 Tucson internal combustion models will be produced at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) and Ulsan, South Korea.
As part of Hyundai’s growing N brand, Hyundai is developing an N Line version of the Tucson to appeal to enthusiast buyers, with a more aggressive exterior appearance and interior details. N Line will be coming later in 2021 with full details provided closer to that timing.
“Our new Tucson represents the future of Hyundai’s full-spectrum eco-powertrain approach, offering internal combustion, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models in a high-volume compact SUV. With all-wheel-drive capability now added to new hybrid SUV platforms, customers no longer need to choose between all-road, all-weather capability and outstanding efficiency,” said Thomas Schemera, executive vice president, head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group.
The SUV exterior uses what Hyundai designers call "Parametric Dynamics" with kinetic, jewel-like surface detailing that emphasises Tucson’s distinct identity in a crowded SUV segment.
Tucson’s integration of technology and design is evident in innovative half-mirror type daytime running lamps (DRLs) that are assimilated within the parametric grille and only visible when illuminated.
Tucson’s side profile conveys an impression of powerful forward motion. The long hood and level roofline coupled with a long wheelbase and short overhangs reflect a ready-for-anything dynamic character.
Crisp geometric angles and edges create a striking contrast between a sleek silhouette and masculine wedge lines. The chrome line beginning from the side mirrors follows the arc of the roofline with increasing width and subtly conveys speed as it reaches the C pillar.
The kinetic design theme carries over to the rear, where the full-width tail lamp incorporates half-concealed triangular shapes that are clearly visible when illuminated, echoing the DRL theme in front.The Hyundai logo is elevated and integrated into the glass, and the rear wiper is concealed beneath the rear spoiler.
Tucson’s interior, or "INTERSPACE", offers sensuous, multi-layered forms that provide a feeling of openness and serenity. This is a place where space, technology and information seamlessly blend.
The broad ridge of the dashboard blends consistently with the doors, wrapping around front occupants like a geologic gorge, while a vertically oriented, fully integrated center fascia descends to the console like a waterfall.
Twin silver garnish lines streaming from the center fascia to the rear doors harmonize neatly layered surface materials in complementary, neutral tones. Ambient mood lighting is adjustable to 64 colours in 10 levels of brightness.
The interior offers three new technologies, including a 10.25-inch full-touch screen exempt of hard buttons, a hoodless digital gauge cluster, and multi-air ventilation, a temperature-adjusting system providing diffused airflow on the front passengers. This indirect, diffusing ventilation system reduces potentially unpleasant airflow and is unique in the automotive industry.
These features create a high-tech, fresh and exciting ambience, with cushioned materials on high-touch areas, various material applications based on the frequency of interface, and a premium overall presence. Tucson’s second-row seats feature fold-and-dive functionality for easily optimized reconfiguration capability between passengers and cargo.
For extra convenience, a release lever for this function is also located in the rear cargo area.
The new Tucson for the US only offers the long-wheelbase version of the global platform, which is longer, wider, taller, and has a longer wheelbase than the previous generation. Moreover, passenger volume increases by 170 litres, to 3,063 litres, and cargo volume has increased by 218 litres, to 1,095 litres.
The new Tucson offers both a Smartstream 2.5-litre, direct-injected and multi-port-injected gasoline engine as well as 1.6-litre, direct-injected, turbocharged hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The Smartstream 2.5-litre engine, with high-efficiency combustion, cooled EGR and an optimised ITMS cooling system, boasts 187hp at 6,100 rpm and 241Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, with a targeted combined fuel economy of 28 mpg with front-wheel drive.
This 2.5-litre engine couples to an 8-speed automatic transmission for high efficiency and acceleration.
Tucson’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid models focus on a balanced combination of fun-to-drive performance coupled with excellent economy.
The Hybrid powertrain 1.6-litre turbocharged gasoline engine produces an estimated 177hp and 265Nm of torque, with an estimated 226 total system combined horsepower. The hybrid powertrain also produces an estimated 350Nm of torque from the combined hybrid powertrain, with a 44.2 kW electric motor and a 1.49 kWh battery pack.
The Hybrid powertrain delivers this abundant power through an HEV-tuned six-speed automatic transmission for smooth, quiet and efficient performance. Combined, this hybrid powertrain is 30 percent more fuel efficient than the standard gasoline engine, with 20 percent more torque for effortless daily driving. This superb efficiency also provides for over 800km of range before refueling for greater driving convenience.
Plug-in Hybrid models feature a high-output 1.6-litre turbocharged, direct-injected hybrid powertrain coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Plug-in Hybrid battery is larger than the hybrid battery, with 13.8 kWh of power, yielding an estimated all-electric range of 44km and estimated fuel economy of over 70 MPGe.
PHEV level-2 charging capability takes less than two hours to recharge the system, using a 7.2kW on-board charger. The Plug-in Hybrid powerplant delivers power through a PHEV-tuned six-speed automatic transmission for smoothness and efficiency.
Both these new powertrains use cutting-edge engine technology in the form of Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD). This innovative new valve duration technology continually optimises valve opening duration for optimal power, efficiency and emissions with minimised compromise in key measures of engine performance.
For the first time in a Hyundai SUV, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will also offer standard HTRAC AWD capability to meet the needs of eco-focused buyers with specialised modes for greater adaptability to terrain and weather conditions, including Snow mode.
The driving performance goal for the Tucson was to create a more pure sense of connection between the vehicle and the driver. Driving dynamics match the sporty exterior design, and the handling package is improved, so the new Tucson is even more agile than the previous generation.
The suspension has been refined in conjunction with e-handling systems to minimise traditional compromises between sporty handling and superb ride comfort.
Tucson hybrid models feature Hyundai’s e-handling technology, which precisely applies electric motor torque control according to dynamic inputs and road conditions to improve cornering performance for a new level of fun-to-drive dynamics.
As the Tucson hybrid turns-in to a corner, the electric motor system applies precise incremental braking force to the front wheels, increasing their tyre contact patch on the road surface for enhanced traction and steering response while initiating turn-in.
Then, as the vehicle moves to exit the corner, the electric motor applies precise torque to the rear axle, increasing the rear tyre contact patches for enhanced traction and control accelerating out of the corner.
