Hyundai Motor India has launched the all-new Tucson SUV at a starting price of Rs 18.99 lakh for the base trim, going up to Rs 24.99 lakh for the top variant.

This is the third Hyundai SUV to go on sale and it plugs the gap between the high-selling Creta and the more upmarket Santa Fe. The new third-generation Tucson marks the comeback of the model in India, after the first-generation model was discontinued after a short stint here.

The new Tucson is available with a choice of two engines – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit and a mainstream 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. The petrol unit develops 155hp and 192Nm and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. The diesel unit, on the other hand, pumps out a more significant 185hp and a meatier 400Nm. The diesel unit too is offered with the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. There is no all-wheel-drive option.

Hyundai is offering the Tucson in three trim levels – 2WD M/T, 2WD A/T GL and 2WD A/T GLS  – with the top trim exclusively available as a diesel only.

The Tucson is fitted with a fair bit of kit and comes with standard equipment such as automatic projector headlamps, reclining rear seat, heated wing mirrors with electric adjust and retract, puddle lamps, cruise control, rear parking sensors and camera, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen AVN system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice recognition. Safety features include dual airbags and ABS.

The entry-level model though misses out on features such as auto climate control, rear air-con vents and leather upholstery which are available on higher trims. Additionally, the top trim gets some standout features such as LED headlamps, 10-way power adjust driver seat, electric parking brake and hands-free tailgate operation. The top trim also gets additional safety kit such as side and curtain airbags and stability control.

Speaking at the launch today in New Delhi, Y K Koo, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “The aspiration of owing a SUV is a global phenomenon. The all-new Tucson represents a significant step and will herald a new chapter in HMIL’s growth story.”

Hyundai is offering a three-year, unlimited kilometre warranty on its new SUV with loyal customers additionally getting a fourth-year coverage as well.

While Hyundai has priced the Tucson aggressively, the SUV has few direct rivals in the market. The petrol Tucson is a direct rival to the Honda CR-V (Rs 22.23 - 26.37 lakh) which is available with a choice of petrol engines. The diesel Tucson has no direct rivals, but with the recent price cuts, the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Ford Endeavour now fall in the same price bracket.