Hyundai revs up compact SUV competition

Models stand next to Hyundai Motor’s all new Tucson compact SUV during a launch event at The K Hotel, Tuesday. The third-generation Tucson comes with two engine types — a downsized 1.7-liter diesel and a 2.0-liter diesel. The price tag ranges from 23.4 million won to 29.2 million won depending on its trim. / Yonhap

All new Tucson unveiled

By Park Jin-hai

Hyundai Motor unveiled its third generation all new Tucson in Seoul, Tuesday, targeting to expand the fast-growing compact SUV market.

The nation’s largest automaker says it is confident that with its new emphasis of “basics” the vehicle will put a stop to the younger generations’ rush to buy imported car brands, as well as expanding its global footprint in the fastest-growing segment.

“The Tucson is the first SUV that applied our new philosophy of making innovations in the basics after the new Genesis and Sonata. It is the injection of all our potential,” said Kwak Jin, executive vice president of domestic sales division during the launch event at The K Hotel in southern Seoul.

The latest Tucson has maximized its space utility and safety features, with expanded use of advanced high-strength steel.

“The innovation meeting drivers’ needs of greater driving performance, fuel economy and environmental friendliness, the all new Tucson will make a difference not only in the domestic market but also overseas,” Kwak added.

The third-generation Tucson, developed under the slogan “born to be dynamic” over the past 44 months, is wider and longer, but its body is lower than its predecessor, giving the impression of a runner on the starting line ready to burst out of the blocks.

Its trunk space has been extended by 48 liters, while lighter and stronger steel makes up 51 percent of the construction from the previous 18 percent.

Hyundai says its fuel efficiency has improved significantly to the top of the segment.

Two diesel engine types are available ― the 2.0-liter and downsized 1.7- liter. The former with six-speed automatic transmission has a fuel efficiency of 14.4 kilometer per liter, while the latter with a seven-speed double-clutch transmission has the fuel efficiency to reach 15.6 kilometer per liter.

Its predecessor’s fuel efficiency in comparison was 13.8 kilometers per liter.

Other features include blind spot detection, a lane departure warning system and smart tailgate that automatically opens when it senses a driver’s smart key.

A Hyundai Motor official said that the latest version of the Tucson will compete with the Tiguan from Volkswagen and other local brands such as Ssangyong's Tivoli in the small SUV market.

The company said that it has already received 5,800 pre-orders for the vehicle, signaling fierce competition in the small SUV market, where Ssangyong Motor's Tivoli is making marked progress.

Hyundai aims to sell 42,000 of the Tucson in 2015 in the domestic market. From next year, the carmaker hopes to sell 45,000 of the vehicles at home and 525,000 abroad.

The company’s first compact SUV developed in 2004 looks to see its global accumulated sales surpass 4 million this month and become the first domestic model to achieve it in the record shortest time.

The price tag for the latest Tucson ranges from 23.4 million won ($20,692) to 29.2 million won, depending on the model.