All-new 2015 Hyundai Tuscon unveiled – arrives in Oz 3rd quarter

2015 Hyundai Tuscon front quarter

Hyundai has officially unveiled the all-new 2015 Hyundai Tuscon, which is set to take over from the current ix35. Set for a local launch in the early third quarter of 2015, the new model is expected to be Hyundai Australia’s second-biggest seller after the i30 hatch.

Unlike the current ix35, the new Tuscon adopts the strong proportions and profile of an SUV, with the front dominated by Hyundai’s hexagonal grille, which connects with the LED headlamps. Along the sides, the directional shape of the wheel arches gives the car a dynamic as well as muscular stance.

2015 Hyundai Tuscon rear quarter

At the back, the streamlined tail lamps complements the horizontal lines to visually stretch the car for a wide stance.

Hyundai says the Tuscon’s cabin now incorporates new soft-touch, high-quality materials across all surfaces, and is more ergonomic than before. For the European market, there is also the option of Wine Red leather seats to lift cabin ambience.

New convenience features offered with the All-New Tucson in Europe include heated and ventilated front seats, with longer seating cushions for enhanced support and comfort. A smart powered tailgate (which opens at the approach of the key-holder) and Smart Parking Assist System (SPAS) with parallel and bay parking function.

2015 Hyundai Tuscon interior

Hyundai Australia also plans to introduce Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the Tucson range, the first Hyundai to see the technology – this will mean that every new Tucson will be navigation-capable and will use Siri or Google Voice for its interface.

Built on an all-new platform, the new Tuscon is bigger than the ix35 it replaces and offers a generous 513 litres of luggage space with all the seats up.

While specifications of local vehicles will be confirmed closer to launch, some European models get Autonomous Emergency Braking system which triggers automatic braking whenever it detects an unsafe closing speed with a person or vehicle in front.

2015 Hyundai Tuscon side

Other safety equipment includes Lane Keeping Assist System that proactively corrects the steering to avoid unintended lane departure, Rear Traffic Cross Alert system that uses radar to scan a 180-degree area behind the vehicle, Speed Limit Information Function which monitors local overhead and roadside speed limit signs and provides reminders, Blind Spot Detection and an Active Hood System that raises the vehicle’s bonnet to cushion the impact with a pedestrian or cyclist.

A range of petrol and diesel engines are on offer. These include two petrol engines: 99 kW (1.6-litre GDI) or 130 kW (1.6-litre T-GDI) – plus three diesel options: 85 kW (1.7-litre), 100 kW (2.0-litre standard power) or 135 kW (2.0-litre high power). There’s also a new turbocharged 1.6-litre T-GDI engine with 130 kW that can be paired with the new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) or a six-speed manual. All engines meet the Euro6 emission standards.

2015 Hyundai Tuscon side-1

Australia will see the introduction of the 1.6-litre T-GDI engine with 7DCT transmission to replace the current ix35’s 2.4-litre powerplant, while both 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines will be retained.

Australian models will be sourced from both the European plant in the Czech Republic, and the Ulsan plant in South Korea.

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