Hyundai will introduce the new ix35 crossover in Europe, and then will launch it in the States as the 2010 Hyundai Tucson.
If you want to get a closer look at the next-generation compact SUV from Hyundai, you’re going to need to book a quick flight to Germany. The 2010 Hyundai Tucson – known to Europeans as the ix35 – is getting its official debut at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show.
Company official are calling the crossover a “new approach to the SUV,” and the Tucson/ix35 is clearly not your classic, 2-box utility vehicle. Instead, it features a very coupe-like shape that is reminiscent of other new, hard-to-categorize offerings, such as BMW’s X6 and 5-er GT.
The Hyundai offering, of course, competes in a much more mainstream segment, but the maker’s new “Fluidic Sculpture” design language is designed to give it a much more premium and hard-to-ignore appearance. That will be critical for the Korean carmaker, which has been gaining ground in the U.S., but which still faces challenges in brand-conscious Europe.
“Bridging the gap between public perception and reality is difficult for Hyundai,” admitted the company’s Chairman Eulson Chung.
The 2010 Hyundai Tucson is larger and wider than the old crossover – which helps improve interior space – though it’s also been lowered about an inch. The updated crossover will be offered with larger 18-inch alloy wheels.
The unusual doors on the 2010 Hyundai ix-Metro are among numerous unusual design features.
And it will feature a much higher content level in Europe, at least – American specs have yet to be announced. On the safety side, the ix35/Tucson will feature active headrests, a rearview camera and new Automatic Emergency Stop Signals, as well as hill start assist, downhill brake assist and enhanced four-wheel-drive.
The interior of the 2010 Hyundai Tucson is decidedly more luxurious than the old model, and customers will be offered an absolutely massive dual-panel Panorama roof.
European customers will be offered a range of gasoline and diesel powertrain packages, though the Korean company isn’t expected to offer diesel in the U.S., at least no time soon.
Hyundai also came to Europe with a concept for an even more radical crossover design, the 2010 ix-Metro concept. The mini-ute sits high, but features a decidedly aggressive look, with a subtle, triangular design theme.
The unusual rear hinged doors operate something like a conventional minivan’s sliding rear doors — but without the tracks. Designer Sandy Hartomo cited several influences for the 2010 Hyundai ix-Metro’s unusual styling. “The inspiration came from the humble pine cone,” he said, as well as “spaceships.”
There are currently no plans to put the Metro, with its pint-sized, 1-liter Blue Drive powertrain into production.