Designed and engineered by Hyundai's European Studio in Frankfurt, the 2010 Tucson CUV (Compact Utility Crossover) combines a sporty and sculpted exterior design with practical features and an efficient 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine.
Conceived in a global collaboration among Hyundai's U.S., Korean and European advanced product groups, with design execution led by the Frankfurt studio, the new Hyundai Tucson is an urban cruiser tough and compact for life in the city, yet sleek and agile for out-of-town travel.
The Tucson compact crossover combines dynamic, sculpted, performance-oriented styling with everyday utility .
With an overall length of 173.2 inches, a width of 71.7 inches and a height of 66.3 inches (with roof rails), Hyundai Tucson has a great stance and road presence.
The Tucson is powered by the Theta II 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and Variable Induction System (VIS). It delivers 176 hp, 168 lb-ft of torqueup to 31 mpg on the highway. For the 2011 model year, Hyundai will introduce a high-mileage Blue model.
The Tucson arrives at showrooms this month, with prices ranging between $19k and $24k.
Exterior Design
The main attributes of Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy are the athleticism and sophistication that Hyundai Tucson demonstrates through its flowing lines, full surfaces and muscular presence, as well the new Hyundai family hexagonal chrome front grille.
The design team fused a light and sporty upper body with belt lines flowing off both the front and rear wheel arches, to a tough, planted lower body so that it is assertive in the way it sits on the road.
The profile of Hyundai Tucson features a sports car-like theme with a double-zigzag treatment for the wheel arches that wrap around the available Euroflange 18-inch alloy wheels.
The concave sills have a wedge-shaped profile that extends rearward and wraps around into the rear bumper, a first of its kind design in a vehicle of this type. The profile is further enhanced by modern silver roof rails.
Interior
Inside, the five-seat Hyundai Tucson offers a commanding view of the road and evokes an adventurous ambience that is also laid-back and relaxing.For example, Hyundai's first panoramic sunroof brings the outside "inside" for all passengers.
An X-shaped visual theme is repeated across numerous areas of the cabin while metal paint accents provide flashes of visual brilliance.
Shapely seats feature center panels trimmed in breathable fabric with cushion side bolsters, plus additional lateral support for occupants' shoulders.
On the insert of the cloth seats, there is a hexagonal pattern stitched into the fabric matching the new front grille design.
The high-tech cockpit comes standard with Hyundai's signature blue lighting, power windows, power door locks, fold-away mirrors and remote keyless entry with alarm and panic button.
Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition and steering wheel audio and cruise controls are also available.
Another premium feature in the Hyundai Tucson Limited is a CleanAir Ionizer that automatically cleans the air when the heater or air conditioner is running.
Other available features include leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power driver seat with lumbar support, automatic headlights, side repeater exterior mirrors, front wiper de-icer and dual front automatic temperature control.
The trip computer provides distance to empty, average fuel consumption, average vehicle speed, elapsed time and instant fuel economy.
The "Eco Indicator" on automatic transmission models nestled between the speedometer and tachometer displays a green LED light in accordance with fuel-efficient driving behavior.
Fuel savings in the range of 15 to 17 percent are attainable with the automatic Eco Indicator.
Manual transmission models have a shift indicator to inform drivers of the optimal time to upshift and downshift. Fuel savings in the range 7 to 9 percent are attainable with the manual Eco Gear Shift Indicator.
Further gains in fuel efficiency have been realized by the Motor-Driven Power Steering system which delivers excellent responsiveness and accurate handling.
source : www.carbodydesign.com
