Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is all set to strengthen its SUV portfolio with the launch of the Tucson SUV. The launch of the SUV, which sits between the Creta and Santa Fe, is expected to take place in November, and emerging reports indicate that the India-spec version will get Android Auto feature.
Android Auto feature synchronises all the functions of mobile devices running the Android operating system to be operated in the vehicle through the dashboard's head unit. The system feature allows GPS mapping/navigation, music playback, SMS, telephony, and web search in both touchscreen and button-controlled head unit displays.
Apart from the Android Auto, the third generation of the Tucson SUV will be packed with many comfort features. The SUV comes in the international market with electronic driving aids such as autonomous emergency braking system, lane-keeping assist system, rear traffic cross alert, blind spot detection, speed limit information function and an active hood system. Whether these will be part of the India-spec model remains to be seen.
In its latest avatar, the Tucson comes with the Fluidic 2.0 design philosophy of Hyundai. The face of the SUV is dominated by the signature hexagonal grille in chrome, flanked by LED headlamps. Tucson has more rounded body panels, in line with the Santa Fe. The SUV is built on a new platform that offers larger cabin space.
The SUV will be powered by a 2.0-litre CRDi diesel engine imported from Korea. This engine is expected to come with two tunes, of 35bhp and 180bhp, mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The petrol variant is expected to draw power from a 2.0-litre MPI four-cylinder mill.
