Next-gen Hyundai Tucson to be manufactured in India in 5- & 7-seat variants - Report

The Economic Times reports that Hyundai is readying six new UVs for the Indian market. While the carmaker's new UV blitz will commence with the launch of the Maruti Vitara Brezza-rivalling Hyundai QXi in April 2019, it will take on the Jeep Compass with the next-gen Hyundai Tucson at the high end of the market.

The next-gen Hyundai Tucson will reportedly launch between 2020 and 2023. It will be available in both 5- and 7-seat variants. The latter will rival the Toyota Fortuner and the next generation Honda CR-V. Akin to the Jeep Compass, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) aims to localize the Tucson twins to achieve competitive pricing.

While the third generation Tucson follows the company's Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, the next-gen Tucson is assumed to get design nuggets from the Kona. The South Korean carmaker has confirmed that the Kona showcases the company's design theme for its future SUVs. The highlights of its design include 'composite lamps,' 'wing-type' fenders, contrasting black 'armour' that encompasses a unique rear light pod on each side.

The interior will be completely redesigned. The integrated touchscreen infotainment system will make way for a floating-type unit. The new crossover will offer a compendium of advanced driving-assistive technologies, but as is the case currently, most of these are unsuitable for India.

Speaking to Economic Times, Y K Koo, MD of Hyundai Motor India, said -

SUV is a very important market; we are going to be strengthening our portfolio both below Creta and above Creta. The Qxi and Micro SUV can address the affordable end of the market. We also want to retain our existing Creta customers who will be looking for an upgrade going ahead, and we will not allow these customers to go to the competition.

[Source - economictimes.indiatimes.com]