In addition to the slightly updated styling inside and out, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson becomes the company’s first-ever model to get a diesel mild hybrid system.

The powertrain combines a 2.0-liter oil burner with a 0.44kWh 48-volt lithium-ion battery, LDC converter, inverter and starter generator, and has in-gear deceleration and braking energy recuperation.

Thanks to this combo, the automaker claims that the compact SUV offers up to 7 percent improved fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. “The most powerful” diesel engine in the 2019 Hyundai Tucson’s lineup comes with 186PS (183hp / 137kW), which are channeled to both axles via a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission.

“With our new mild hybrid powertrain system for our best-selling model, we are further expanding the company’s electrification strategy to make clean technologies accessible for even more customers”, said Hyundai Europe’s VP for Marketing and Product, Andreas-Christoph Hofmann. “It will be available in combination with more engines in the future, as part of our highly diverse mix of electrified solutions.”

Hyundai will launch the 2019 Tucson across the European continent this summer, with pricing to be announced. Developing won’t stop here, because the compact SUV will get yet another mild hybrid powertrain next spring, featuring a 1.6-liter diesel engine.

Over in North America, the revised SUV will be offered with two petrol engines: a 2.0-liter unit with 166PS (164hp / 122kW) and 205Nm (151lb-ft) of torque, and a 2.4-liter unit with 184PS (181hp / 135kW) and 237Nm (175lb-ft) of torque. The latter serves as a replacement for the outgoing turbocharged 1.6-liter petrol option.