Due to debut today, Hyundai’s upcoming compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) prepares to take “sharply styled” to a whole new level.
With its bold, triangular light signatures, the Tucson makes a strong first impression.
Hyundai
Hyundai has just given auto lovers a first peek at the 2022 Tucson along with a few new details about the upcoming SUV.
Of course, many expected that the new Tucson would draw heavy inspiration from the Vision T concept, which came out at the 2019 LA Auto Show, but they are surprised to see the concept’s futuristic illumination make the seemingly impossible leap to production.
The front end of the SUV is dominated by a geometric, “jewel-like” grille that uses the automaker’s Parametric Hidden Light technology. This may be the same technology used on the new Hyundai Sonata – integrating lighting elements into the vehicle’s chrome brightwork, only revealing the SUV’s triangular light signature when illuminated. Also unclear from the stylised photos is whether these are the actual headlamps or just auxiliary daytime running lights.
Around back, more hidden light details are integrated into the aggressively sharp taillights, including a full-width light bar. Peer deeply into the shadowed images and one will also notice that the Tucson floats its oval-shaped H badge on the rear glass, rather than the more conventional sheet metal placement.
A bright, contrasting strip connects the A and D pillars, accentuating the roofline above the hint of muscular fenders bulging around 19-inch wheels. So far, the new Tucson looks amazing.
The interior design continues the SUV’s dramatic reinvention. Built around what Hyundai calls its “Interspace” design theme, the Tucson’s cabin emphasises spaciousness with its wraparound dashboard that is said to evoke a “futuristic boutique hotel.”
Just ahead of the steering wheel is a floating digital instrument cluster. Central in the cabin is a large 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system, which appears much larger due to its integration into the vertical, glossy black “waterfall” center stack. Following the waterfall’s flow, one will also notice push-button controls for the transmission. Highlighting the cabin’s curves is a 64-color ambient lighting system with 10 levels of brightness.
Bigger and wider than previous generation models, a long-wheelbase variant will be sold in the United States, as well as in China and Korea. Meanwhile, a shorter model will be available in Europe and the Middle East.
Last Tuesday, Hyundai shared the photos and showed how it took the new Tucson to various European proving grounds. They included dynamic tests at the famous Nurbürgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, winter and trailer testing in Sweden and the Alps, and hot weather tasks in the baking Spanish sun. The Czech Republic also acted as a major proving ground for the Tucson, as Hyundai engineers took the SUV through various types of terrain to make sure the all-wheel-drive system is up to the task.
The team pushed the front end into the air to leave the body pointed at an angle. Then, they shut the doors to make sure they closed properly. Anything else would reveal body rigidity issues. The Tucson travelled across many different kinds of rough terrain, too, as engineers listened for noises. They would take their notes back to the office and work to reduce any unpleasantries on-board. The SUV even forded nearly 12 inches of water and towed a trailer through various hill inclines, all while purposefully stressing the clutch.
