Indian Autos blog

If there is one manufacturer that has been insanely bullish in the recent months, Hyundai is the name. The company just has been dropping bomb after bomb of good products in India. It all started with the new i10 which showed us a glimpse of the new design language. Then came the Verna showing us the full monty. Santa Fe and EON also joined the battle along with the Avante, i20 facelift and the i45 sedan spotted around the country.

The car that India will expect next is the new Tucson/ix35. At the Santa Fe launch in Udaipur last year, a top Hyundai official said they had no plans for a second SUV and the ix35 not being a seven seater was viewed as a drawback.

The new Tucson was unveiled in the August of 2010 sporting a 2.0L Theta II gasoline engine (166 horsepower) and the 2.0L R-diesel engine (184 horsepower) mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. The petrol was available with two wheel drive and the diesel was available in both two and four wheel drive configurations.

Mahindra’s XUV500 mostly definitely exposed the potential of the SUV market in India. Having told the media that it wants to play across segments, Hyundai is secretly cringing on the fact that it does not have an SUV in a 10 – 15 lakh price bracket. With Ford and Renault preparing for SUV onslaught in the Indian market, Hyundai cannot fold its hands and watch.

At a recent event conducted by Hyundai, IAB had this opportunity to connect with the company’s top brass.

When questioned about the ix35′s (new Hyundai Tucson) chances in India, they swiftly replied that no more than one SUV was planned for the moment. The ix35 is available in the RHD format so a CBU option is there for the taking.

More importantly, the ix35 is available only with 5 seats and if imported, the value for money proposition won’t be interesting anymore.

Hyundai stated the Santa Fe’s prices were merely introductory. We predict the company will observe the vehicle’s acceptance here and take a decision accordingly on whether to continue importing or assemble vehicles, although the latter is not on the company’s immediate plans.

Some say the new Hyundai Tucson/ix35 will come to the Auto Expo

A popular business channel on Indian television suggests Hyundai will display the new Tucson/ix35 at next year’s Auto Expo. Hyundai offered the first generation Tucson in India with 2.0-liter engine, but with little success. Around the world, the Tucson is thought of as a hugely successful SUV selling in millions.

Hyundai is coming with cars like the Genesis Coupe to the Expo, which are meant to be show cars. The Tucson could also be such an exhibit, but its absence in the SUV market for such a long period raises doubts on its introduction.

Hyundai would have learnt quite a few lessons selling the Tucson. Would they hand the Tucson another chance here in India? Or should I put it this way – Will the Indian customer give Tucson, the latest generation which has everything going for it, another chance to make a mark?

click through to view the Hyundai Tucson/ix35 Image Gallery

The Hyundai ix35/Tucson with more lines on its body than a Bengal Tiger, is casting spells at the Hyundai stall in this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. It bears no resemblance to the outgoing model, indicating its strong departure, despite the model occupying the top slot in terms of sales in Europe’s SUV category.

We’ve shown you enough spy shots and renderings of the next generation Tucson, so its time to enjoy exclusive images brought to you right from the show.

And don’t forget to check out the press release after the break which is loaded with all the information regarding the vehicle.

Our close follower from Korea, Park, emailed us an official shot of the upcoming Hyundai Tucson/ix35. The newest crossover from the Hyundai stable was photographed last week in Australia while Ad filming.

The new Tucson could be the first car from Hyundai to feature a double clutch six speed transmission. The ix35 represents a charismatic departure from the older car and it will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Show next month.

As we reported before, the all-new Hyundai Tucson was caught during its TV commercial shoot. Today we have some fresh and close-up pictures revealing more of the car.

The next generation Hyundai Tucson will be powered by a line of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines and also be equipped with Hyundai’s brand-new six-speed automatic transmission.

Fully covered test mules of the next generation Tucson have been spotted testing numerous times in the past, and it was known back then that a 2009 Frankfurt Show appearance was on the cards.

Recently in Australia, an eagle eyed viewer was quick to pull out his phone and have a go at a Hyundai SUV that was similar to none other in the existing line-up. What he caught was a fully undisguised shot of the next generation Hyundai Tucson on its commercial filming in Sydney.

To me, the Hyundai ix35/Tucson is faithful to its concept. The boomerang LED indicator lamps have not made it to the production car, but overall, it is way better than many of the other cars of today, which have cheated the concept in every possible corner.

Hyundai’s new hexagonal grille treatment might not amuse those Germans who spent years actualizing it on the next generation A8 and future Q3.

Hyundai marked its presence earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show with the release of the ix-onic concept, which this car is based upon. In several countries, it will roll out of production lines with the “ix35″ badge. At this point we’re not sure if the Tucson badge would be used after all.

The ix35 could be the first car from Hyundai to feature their new double clutch six speed transmission. The ix35 represents a charismatic departure with technology and breakthroughs adorning the outside and under-hood.

We think only after its debut at the Frankfurt show can Indians expect any kind of an announcement. For now, you’ve got to do only with a blurry image.

A next generation Hyundai Tucson mule was caught testing amidst extreme cold conditions of snow and ice in Northern Europe. This car will be launched late this year as a 2010 model, making its debut as the Tucson in US & Asia and ix35 in Europe. The new Tucson will move to a more crossover-styled body for platform flexibility (for use in other cars).