Thanks to igyaan.in for spyshots of the upcoming Hyundai Tucson aka ix35 featuring Bhutan license plates. 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. 14 to 18 lakh range and would likely be positioned below its Santa Fe premium SUV which competes against the popular Toyota Fortuner. Hyundai seems to be quite interested in capturing the SUV market in India.
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. Over the years they have tried to launch SUV’s in the country but somehow they have failed to enthral the Indian buyer. Let’s see if the new Santa Fe and 2011 Tucson can change that.
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.
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.
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.
Hyundai is readying the next-generation Sonata (i45), the Elantra (i35) and now the Tucson (ix35). 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.
Also see – Spied – 2011 Hyundai Tucson
See more spied pictures of Next generation Hyundai Tucson (ix35) –
Image credit – igyaan.in and Facebook/cnbshow
