Hyundai Tucson SUV to be launched in September in India: Report

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) unveiled the third generation of the Tucson SUV at Auto Expo 2016 and confirmed its launch in the country this year. Emerging reports indicate that the launch of the SUV that will be positioned between the Creta and the Santa Fe in Hyundai's India line-up is imminent.

A report in Autocar India claims the Korean car maker will launch the Tucson in September. Unlike the SUV's previous stint in India during 2005 to 2010 as the first generation that got lukewarm response due to steep pricing, Hyundai is confident this time.

"In marketing terms, there are two things – being ahead of the curve and being ahead of the times. The former gives you an advantage over the others, while the latter is challenging for the product. I think that the first Tucson was ahead of its time, but when the Tucson launches now, it'll be ahead of the curve, which will be the biggest advantage and therefore we are confident of it," Autocar India quoted Rakesh Srivastava, senior vice-president (sales and marketing), Hyundai Motor India as saying.

The latest generation of the SUV has caught testing under camouflage many times in Indian roads post Auto Expo. The new Tucson features Fluidic 2.0 design philosophy and has an evolved design from the Santa Fe SUV. The front is dominated by signature hexagonal front grille flanked by LED headlamps. Unlike the Creta SUV that possesses boxy design, the Tucson has more rounded body panels. The SUV is built on a new platform that offers larger cabin space according to the company.

New generation of the Tucson is also offered 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.

For India, Hyundai is expected employ a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 180bhp and 400Nm of torque mated to six-speed manual transmission for Tucson. An AWD version for the SUV is also expected to be introduced later. Considering the demand for petrol engine-equipped SUVs after ban on registration of diesel SUVs in Delhi NCR, Hyundai may also introduce Tucson with petrol engine. The SUV is expected to price between Rs 15 lakh to 20 lakh, ex-showroom.