New Hyundai Tucson SUV set for Geneva debut

The new Hyundai Tucson will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, and has been previewed with this official design sketch.

The Tucson compact SUV will replace the current ix35 in Hyundai's line-up, and is described as “a big step forward for the Hyundai brand globally,” by the firm’s design boss, Peter Schreyer. He said the model "has a bold and athletic presence and a proud stance.”

The sketch reveals the new, five-door Tucson will carry many of the design hallmarks seen in the Hyundai range, in particular the firm’s large central grille, most recently seen on the new Genesis.

Hyundai retired the original Tucson name in 2010 with the launch of the ix35. Now, Hyundai plans to bring back the Tucson name for an SUV which officials say will be sold in global markets.

Rivals for the new Tucson will include the Nissan Qaashqai, Kia Sportage and Skoda Yeti.

Current production runs of the ix35 are due to finish this summer, Autocar UK understands, meaning the new Tucson is likely to be on sale before the end of the year.

Hyundai says it has sold more than one million SUV models in Europe since the introduction of the first Santa Fe in 2001.