Hyundai will take the wraps off its new Tucson at Geneva, showing a model that is not only a replacement for the ix35 but also takes the first steps in the development of the brand’s design direction under Peter Schreyer.
Schreyer, who is now design president for both Hyundai and Kia, has concentrated first on the ‘face’ of the Tucson, with a bolder, stronger development of the signature hexagonal grille.
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Speaking at a preview of the new model, Schreyer said: “We will be developing the look of the grille further in the future as new models come through. We have lots of ideas but as designers we also have to be responsible and be careful not to take anything away from the brand.”
The exterior was designed in Europe the interior by the YS design studio in California.
Schreyer said: “Each studio had its own ideas but I think the look we have is neither European or American. It is a car that will sell around the world.”
So it’s a world car? “That depends on how you define a world car,” he said. “Is there such a thing as a global car? There are many cars that are successful in many markets – it’s like asking how you make a global smartphone. What is important is that it is a good product.”
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By GlobalDataSchreyer’s task is making sure the Hyundai and Kia brands have a different look while being instantly identifiable.
He said: “I ask the designers to look at this very simply, Kia has smooth simple lines, like a billiard ball while Hyundai is more like a stone that has been smoothed, it helps people develop a style. Kia has always been more youthful, like a little brother that sometimes kicks his older brother – Hyundai can still be lively and youthful but more premium. Of course there are bound to be some similarities but we want to make both brands strong.”
The new Tucson will be made in South Korea and the Czech Republic. Hyundai Motor Europe has delivered over 1m SUVs to regional customers since 2001.
The new model is built on a completely new platform which it will eventually share with the redesigned Kia Sportage and features generous interior dimensions.
It goes on sale during the second half of this year and will be available with two petrol engines: 135 PS (1.6-litre GDI) or 176 PS (1.6-litre T-GDI) – plus three diesel options: 115 PS (1.7-litre), 136 PS (two-litre standard power) or 184 PS (two-litre high power).
The 176 PS unit can be paired with either a seven speed, dual clutch transmission (7DCT) or six speed manual.
