New Hyundai Tucson goes high-tech

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson looks like it came straight from the set of a sci-fi movie.

Partly revealed today in three teaser shots, the all-new Hyundai Tucson is coming to Australia in the first half of 2021 wrapped in a striking exterior design with parametric dynamics (translation: ‘we hid the daytime running lights in the dazzling grille’).

The flashy new design of the new mid-size SUV will be backed up with plug-in hybrid powertrains and Hyundai has extended the high-tech theme with a futuristic interior fit-out.

The global premiere of the fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson will take place on Tuesday, September 15 at 10:30am AEST via a live stream event at Hyundai.com.

Previewed by the Vision T concept at last year’s Los Angeles motor show, the new Tucson will take the fight to the top-selling medium SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, with the sort of eye-candy never before seen in the segment.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson will offer loads of new technologies, conventional and hybrid powertrains and more interior space thanks to its longer and wider dimensions.

A single image of the new cabin reveals an ultra-modern design, with a super-clean, minimalist approach. Under the large central touch-screen, controls are seamlessly integrated into the surface to create an upmarket look.

A digital instrument cluster is also going to be part of the package – at least on top-spec Highlander models – and even the cup-holders and gear shifter have been assimilated into the smooth surfaces of the cabin.

Expect to see plenty of gadgetry on board, including wireless phone charging and autonomous steering, braking and acceleration, plus all the latest connectivity systems, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and possibly smartphone apps to allow remote control of certain vehicle functions.

While the vehicle’s overall shape will be fairly conventional, details such as the segmented jewel-like LED headlights blend into the multi-faceted grille and LED tail-lights with a full-length light-bar will attract attention.

At the same time, the SUV adopts Hyundai’s new ‘sensuous sportiness’ design language, which makes the new Tucson looks more like a concept car than a $30,000 medium SUV.

“Tucson’s advanced, experimental design is true to its pioneering spirit and raises the game in the industry’s most competitive segment,” said SangYup Lee, Hyundai’s vehicle design boss.

Lee spent time living and working in Melbourne, Australia, with GM Holden and had input on the Chevrolet Camaro design. It’s clear he wanted the new Tucson to stand out from the pack and hinted that more Hyundai models will get daring designs in future.

“With the all-new Tucson, we are introducing its ultimate evolution and a definitive statement about Hyundai’s unstoppable forward momentum,” he said.

Currently priced between $30,000 and $50,000, the Hyundai Tucson is the third best selling mid-size SUV in Australia behind the CX-5 and top-selling RAV4.

Like both those models, the new Tucson will be offered with conventional petrol engines, which may include the same 2.0-litre petrol (122kW/205Nm) and 1.6-litre turbo-petrol (130kW/265Nm) mills now available, as well as a carryover 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (136kW/400Nm).

The 1.6 turbo-petrol engine is almost certain to get the same 15kW boost as the recently revealed 2021 Hyundai Kona small SUV, taking power to 145kW, and there’s a chance Hyundai will offer its new 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine with circa-140kW.

Importantly for the Tucson, it will soon offer hybrid powertrains to rival the Toyota RAV4 (and the new Ford Escape later this year), with a plug-less hybrid option possible alongside a plug-in hybrid -- something Toyota doesn't offer.

At this stage, Hyundai Australia is keeping mum when it comes to model grades, engine options and equipment levels but, as the local importer has previously stated, it’s electrified product strategy continues to evolve.

“It’s too early to be talking about electrified versions of the all-new Tucson for Australia,” said Guido Schenken, Hyundai Australia’s senior PR manager.

“As with all vehicles launched overseas, we are studying them carefully for our market and if the business case is right, we will introduce them at the appropriate time,” stated Schenken.

Stay tuned for more details on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson in the coming weeks.