Hyundai reveals next generation of Europe top-seller

TOKYO -- Hyundai's next-generation Tucson crossover will feature a new design language, a waterfall-inspired center stack and two wheelbase options, short and long.

Teaser images of the redesigned vehicle -- Hyundai's bestselling nameplate in the first half -- depict angular exterior styling with fender flares that cue off the Vision T concept shown at last year's Los Angeles auto show. Hyundai dubs it an "avant-garde 'Parametric Dynamics' design theme."

"We want our customers to feel moved," SangYup Lee, senior vice president and head of global design for Hyundai, said in a statement. "With the all-new Tucson, we are introducing its ultimate evolution and a definitive statement about Hyundai's unstoppable forward momentum."

Hyundai said the fourth-generation Tucson will be the first nameplate in the compact SUV segment to be offered with two wheelbase options. One or both options will be available depending on the market.

Only the short wheelbase five-seat variant will be sold in Europe.

(From 2013 to 2018, Hyundai sold two versions of its midsize crossover -- the two-row Santa Fe Sport and the three-row Santa Fe.)

The Tucson was Hyundai’s best-seller in Europe in 2019, with a volume of 139,822 units, according to market researcher JATO Dynamics.

Demand fell 41 percent to 50,092 through July 2020, making the Tucson the No. 2-selling model in Hyundai's European lineup after the Kona small SUV.

The Tucson was the No. 5-selling compact SUV in Europe during the first half after the Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008 and Toyota C-HR, according to JATO.

The exterior design aims to convey a "kinetic jewel-like surface," highlighted by an intricate grille accentuated by a daytime running light signature that juts out from the center like a pair of wings.

The updated Tucson is bigger and wider than the outgoing version. The long hood and short overhangs lend a coupe-like profile. Designers aimed for a taut, athletic look.

Inside, the Tucson receives a striking flying-buttress center stack with a large digital touch screen. Hyundai says the console descends from the dashboard ridge like a "mighty waterfall." The company also did away with a traditional gauge cluster and moved the instrument display lower.

Hyundai will fully unveil the next-generation Tucson in a Sept. 15 online global premiere.

The redesigned crossover is expected to land in the U.S. next year for the 2022 model year. A hybrid version could also be on tap, as Hyundai moves to further electrify its lineup.

European deliveries of the new SUV will start in late 2020. Hyundai will also offer hybrid versions as part of the automaker's push to further electrify its lineup. The current Tucson is available in Europe as a mild hybrid with a 1.6-liter diesel engine.