Hyundai Tucson SUV India launch confirmed during October-November

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) showcased the latest version of the Tucson SUV at the Auto Expo 2016 and confirmed its launch in the second quarter of the year. Emerging reports indicate that Hyundai is planning to launch the Tucson during October-November time frame this year.

The Tucson launch period was confirmed by YK Koo, managing director and CEO of HMIL on the sidelines of the Elantra launch on Tuesday. Koo also confirmed that Tucson will have some local content and will be made in India. Launch of Tucson in October-November period will also help Hyundai's marketing and sales team to focus on the Elantra now.

In its third generation, the Tucson comes with more matured 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. The Tucson has more rounded body panels in line with the elder sibling, the Santa Fe. The SUV is built on a new platform that offers larger cabin space, according to the company.

The SUV for India is expected to be sold only in diesel powertrain. Hyundai is expected to employ a 2.0-litre diesel engine that develops two states of tune -- 135bhp and 180bhp. It will be mated to the choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmission. The Tucson will be positioned between Creta and Santa Fe in Hyundai's SUV portfolio.

Hyundai had sold the first generation of the Tucson during 2005-2010. It was discontinued due to poor sales owing to steep pricing. It was reported that Hyundai is being careful about the pricing of the SUV this time, with the expected price ranging between Rs. 15 and Rs. 20 lakh.