Hyundai's Tucson compact SUV has not exactly aged gracefully, which makes us even more interested in what its replacement will have to offer. The photo you're seeing above is the first official glimpse of the next Tucson, which in Korea will be called the Tucson ix.
The Tucson ix SUV pictured above is most likely that of a 4WD model powered by a diesel engine, possibly with 3.5L of displacement. Regardless of whether such an engine makes it to a Tucson in the U.S. lineup, we're curious to see how a new Tucson powered by a four-cylinder engine will behave -- after all, the vast majority of compact SUVs are sold with fours.
It appears the rear styling of the new Tucson will borrow more from the full-size Veracruz than midsize Santa Fe. Judging by the small teaser photo, the Tucson looks to eschew the current generation's more rugged appeal for a crossover-like and curvaceous style.
As you can see by the front view teaser, the new Tucson will have much more visual attitude than before. Clearly, the Tucson has been influenced -- especially its front grille -- by the ix-onic concept we saw in Geneva, shown below. Unless the Tucson changes much from ix-onic concept to production, it will have significantly improved from the last generation. That concept, by the way, was powered by a 1.6L direct-injected and turbocharged engine good for 168 hp.
We'll have more information and full photos when the Korean-spec Tucson is revealed August 25, in Seoul. Today is the first day Hyundai Korea is accepting preorders for the SUV. More details about the U.S. model, we're told, will be provided closer to launch. In the U.S., the Tucson will go on sale early 2010.
Thanks to: Motor Trend