Spy shots of a three-row Hyundai SUV have surfaced
online. However, these spy shots are of a test mule based on the China-only
Hyundai ix35. The new Hyundai ix35 was introduced last April built
on the second-gen Tucson's hardware. It appears that Beijing-Hyundai is working
on a long-body version of it next. Spy shots show a stretched wheelbase, but
the elongated C-pillar is just a hack to get component testing started. Expect
a new top hat with Hyundai's new design language on the deluxe Tucson variant.
Hyundai has a different plan for the competitive
three-row SUV markets like India where the Santa Fe is deemed expensive by the
costing teams. HMC plans to launch the fourth generation Tucson in 5- and
7-seat versions, the same way Volkswagen and Honda offer the Tiguan (7-seat
version: Tiguan Allspace/Tiguan L) and CR-V respectively internationally.
The current Hyundai Tucson, which starts at 18.30
lakh*, is assembled in India. Moved by the spurt in demand for C-SUVs Mahindra
XUV500 and the Jeep Compass, HMIL has reportedly convinced the HQ to
manufacture the fourth generation model in the country, and that should lead,
firstly, to lower pricing. Featuring a design inspired by global models like
the Kona, the fourth-gen Tucson will arrive in India between 2020 and 2023,
serving as an option to Hyundai Creta owners who wish to upgrade.
The bigger Hyundai ix35 could go on sale in China
sometime in 2019.
