Hyundai Motor Company’s all-new Tucson ix was officially unveiled today.  The compact sports utility vehicle has sweeping coupe-like lines, a premium vehicle feel and comes with features unavailable on its predecessor.  With the start of Tucson ix sales in the Korean market today, Hyundai aims to set the trend for the segment and regain sales leadership in the small SUV market.

Its revolutionary features begin with the exterior styling which is based on the bold ix-onic concept shown at Geneva Motor Show in March.  The power output, fuel-efficiency, comfort and safety features have been all upgraded.  Known by the project name LM, it took 36 months and 280 billion won (approx. US$225 million) to develop.

It comes with a 2-litre engine: either the all-new diesel R or gasoline Theta-II and is fitted with Hyundai’s all-new six-speed automatic transmission.  The diesel engine meets the Euro-5 emissions standards and achieves 15.4 kilometers per liter fuel economy with maximum power output of 184 horsepower. The gasoline engine has a fuel economy of 11.7 kilometers per liter with a 166 horsepower. The diesel engine is offered in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive configurations, while gasoline engine is available only in front-wheel-drive.

Named after a city in the U.S. state of Arizona, Tucson has been one of the most popular Hyundai models with more than 1 million units sold worldwide since its launch in 2004.

Some of the notable features of Tucson are as follows:

• Vehicle Dynamic Control: improves the safety of a vehicles stability by detecting and minimizing skids

• Downhill Brake Control and Hill-Start Assist Control:  DBC allows the vehicle to maintain a safe speed on steep declines without having to use the brake while the hill-start assist helps a driver move up a steep or slippery hill without rolling backwards.

• Emergency Stop Signal:  In the event of a panic stop, this feature automatically triggers the emergency hazard lights whose flashing alerts the driver behind thus reducing the risk of rear-end crashes.

• Panoramic Sunroof

• Safety Rear-View Mirror: Shifting into reverse gear automatically turns on the rear-view camera which provides a wide-angle view of the rear on a 3.5-inch color LCD built into the rear-view mirror thus reducing the risk of accidents.

The Korean domestic market Tucson ix is built in the Ulsan plant while the European edition (to be badged as the ix35) will be built in Europe with production and sales commencing in Europe early next year.  Full details about European powertrains, trim levels and option packages will be announced September 3rd on the eve of the 2009 IAA in Frankfurt.  North American specifications will be announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this year. 

Hyundai is aiming for sales of 16,000 units of the new Tucson ix this year in the Korean market and 40,000 units annually starting next year. From the year 2011, Hyundai predicts its sales to reach 300,000 units globally, with 260,000 units sold in the overseas market.

Courtesy:  Hyundai Motor Company

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Posted by Naresh Koshti on 25 August, 2009 12:28:55 PM IST #