Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Hyundai, Diesel, South Korea


2010 Korean-market Hyundai Tucson ix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although U.S. consumers aren't slated to clap eyes on the new Hyundai Tucson until the Los Angeles Auto Show, the next-generation model has just been revealed in its home market, and it's a much more upscale looking effort. Dubbed 'Tucson ix' in Korea and ix35 in Europe, the compact crossover will likely just be called 'Tucson' when it reaches North American shores.

And while we don't yet have U.S. specifications, we can tell you that the Korean market car will be available with a buyer's choice of a 2.0-liter diesel or gasoline powerplants, both paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The so-called 'R' diesel puts out 184 horsepower and meets Euro-5 emissions requirements while achieving 15.4 km per liter fuel economy (36 mpg). Conversely, the Theta-II gas engine brings 166-hp to the table, as well as fuel economy of 11.7 km per liter (28 mpg), with both figures presumably arrived at using Korea's fuel economy calculation methodologies and not that of the EPA. Interestingly, only the diesel engine is available with all-wheel drive traction, but as we aren't expecting to see that engine Stateside, we would assume that the USDM Tucson will continue to be offered with both front- or all-wheel drive.

The new Tucson looks markedly more grown-up (and, it must be said, Lexus RX-like) than its somewhat roly-poly cute-ute predecessor and equipment levels for the KDM model appear to have matured as well. Over there, the new model is fitted with available luxury features like a panoramic sunroof and a rearview mirror mounted backup camera, as well as safety equipment like Downhill Brake Control and Hill-Start Assist Control.

KDM pricing starts at 21 million won (about $23,700 USD) for a front-drive gas model, though we suspect that when it arrives in the States as a 2011 model, the Tucson will probably carry pricing closer to that of the current model, which starts at $18,095. While we wait for further information on the U.S. model, Hyundai is promising further details on the ix35 will be revealed on Sept 3 ahead of the vehicle's European debut in Frankfurt. Official press release after the jump, high-res images below.


Gallery: KDM 2010 Hyundai Tucson


Continue reading 2010 KDM Hyundai Tucson is looking California and...errr... naming Arizona

2010 KDM Hyundai Tucson is looking California and...errr... naming Arizona originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I kind of like the look of it! smile.gif

 

I do like it better than the current Tucson.

 

I like it more than the current version.

 

it looks neat, it's good they're bringing the muscle back. from what i've learned people don't want pretty cars (higher insurance, more noticeable for thuggery and cops). the old tucson is horribly ugly yet it's a best seller. general rule is the uglier the car the more people buy it! this one is prettier, so it will sell less.

someone would really have to explain to me what that black panel on the bottom doorline is. it's pretty much useless.

 

How do you explain the Pontiac Aztek then? laugh.gif tongue.gif

 

There is a line. GM crossed it. Lol.

 

that is a very good question! laughing3.gif perhaps a more suitable general rule is "someone will always buy it"

 

I have a book of the 100 worst cars ever made in it. The Aztec is in it. Most of the worst cars are from the 60s and 70s. The Aztec just plain sucks. That new tuscon looks nice, i dig.

 

The only Aztek I would ever probably own....lol