All-new 2021 Hyundai Tucson bows in

Hyundai has unveiled its all-new 2021 Tucson, sporting a dramatic design and packed with enough safety and in-car technology to challenge some premium competition.

Set to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2021, the Tuscon will be offered locally exclusively as a long wheelbase model despite world markets also getting a short wheelbase version.

It will also be the first Tucson model to receive the N-Line treatment and second in Hyundai’s local line-up to be offered with the sporty enhancements after the i30 N-Line.

Exterior Design

The new Tucson’s ‘parametric dynamics’ styling is distinctly different in a crowded segment, sporting kinetic jewel surface detailing and innovative half-mirror type daytime running light that are integrated seamlessly within the parametric grille.

Along the sides, there are hints of Lexus NX in its angular wheel arches, while the blade-like D-pillar finishers give the profile a unique look.

At the back, the taillights echo the D-pillar finishers and are connected via a full-width light strip. Hyundai says in order to achieve the purity of its design theme, the Hyundai logo has moved up into the rear glass, while the wiper also moves up and hides under the rear spoiler.

Interior

The Tucson’s interior, dubbed ‘Interspace’ offers layered, sensuous forms that provide a feeling of openness and serenity. At night, the cabin is bathed in a 64 colour customisable mood lighting in 10 levels of brightness.

The broad ridge of the dashboard blends consistently with the doors, with the vertically oriented centre fascia cascading into the console “like a waterfall”.

Dominating the dashboard are dual 10.25-inch full touch screen, along with a fully digital driver’s instrument cluster.

There’s a smaller 8.0-inch touchscreen for more affordable variants but all offer Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity that allows the pairing of two devices simultaneously.

Digital Experience

Hyundai says the Tucson will offer the best-in-class digital experiences, including Hyundai’s Digital Key app that turns the customer’s smartphone into a smart key.

It uses Near Field Communication (NFC) to detect authorized users and enable them to operate their vehicle without a key. They can lock and unlock their vehicle, start the engine and its climate control system from up to 27m away.

Another highlight is the Car-to-home feature which allows customers to control smart home appliances from their car, such as turning on the air con at home.

Engines and Transmission

The 2021 Tucson introduces a new 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder, replacing the current 2.0-litre engine. Coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission, it produces 141kW and 246Nm, up from 122kW/205Nm.

It’s joined by a 1.6-litre turbocharged, hybrid petrol engine that produces a combined output of 171kW and 348Nm of torque and uses Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology that manages valve opening duration for optimal power, efficiency and emissions.

Australia will continue to offer the current three-engine range for now, with the HEV and PHEV unconfirmed for now.

Hyundai hasn’t revealed the drivetrain for the new Tucson but we can expect two- and all-wheel drive, depending on the engine and variant.

Safety Technologies

Tucson offers more safety features than ever. The Hyundai SmartSense safety feature suite includes:

• Highway Driving Assist (HDA)
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian detection
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
• Surround View Monitor
• Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (RPCA)
• Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

The all-new Tucson is available with advanced technology features including:

• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Advanced Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop and Go
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW)

Australian pricing and specifications will be announced closer to the Tucson’s local launch.