Hyundai Motor India has unveiled the second-generation Tucson for India. The SUV will play the interim role of being the company's flagship offering before the all-electric Ioniq 5 comes to market later this year.

The new Tucson will be assembled at the Chennai plant and will be launched on August 4 and bookings will commence from July 18 season. The estimated price will be upwards of Rs 35 lakh.

Unveiling the car in New Delhi, Unsoo Kim, MD and CEO, HMI, said, "India has come a long way over the last two decades and customer choices are now being defined by brand perception and informed decisions."

"The premium SUV segment has been witnessing significant traction and it's the opportune moment to capture this potential," Kim added.

The new Tucson will debut Hyundai's SmartSense ADAS technology in India and will offer Level 2 active-safety systems such as lane-keep assist, cross-traffic alert and blind-spot identification.

The design philosophy of the new Tucson is aimed to make the SUV stand out and look dynamic. "Therefore, we adopted the Sensuous Sportiness design language. This parametric styling theme is being extended to all Hyundai future models," said Chohee Park, head of department, Hyundai Advanced Design India.

The Tucson sports a bold stance with integrated DRLs in the wide face and a rear marked by full-width LED tail lamps. The interior features a dual-tone cabin with dual 10.25-inch screens being the key attractions. It also gets a panoramic sunroof as well as a Bose surround sound system.

"Indian customers are increasingly preferring large SUVs and the new Tucson offers the longest wheelbase in its segment. There are thoughtful comfort and convenience features as well like powered and ventilated front seats, and powered tailgate," said Amit Dhoundiyal, AVP and Group Head - Product Strategy, HMI.

Tarun Garg, director, Sales, Marketing, Sales and Service, said, "The Tucson is targeted at customers in their late 30s, who have great purchasing power and are tech savvy as well. The aspirations and affordability of the Indian consumer is increasing, and so is the need for the latest models."

"Mid-sedan and midsize SUV owners are the potential buyers of the high-SUV segment, and that gives HMI the opportunity to elevate our 1.2 million Creta and Verna owners to upgrade to the Tucson to keep them retained in the Hyundai family," Garg added.

The new Tucson, which will be sold exclusively through Hyundai's 246 'Signature' outlets in 125 cities, will come with two RDE or real-driving efficiency norms-compliant engines. It will sport a 2.0-litre diesel mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 2.0-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine that will come with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The SUV will get ESC and six airbags as standard safety features.

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