Introduced in 2009 and slated to be replaced by an all-new generation next year, the ix35 / Tucson is one of Hyundai's best-selling models ever. In this regard, the South Korean auto manufacturer is almost ready with the finishing touches of the third-generation ix35 / Tucson, expected to go on sale less than a year from this very moment.
Don't expect a run-of-the-mill facelift. The US-spec Tucson has been slightly revamped for the 2015 model year, while the Euro-spec ix35 received a minor refresh last September. Already 5 years old now, the South Korean compact SUV is due for a replacement model expected to be bigger, better, posher, more refined and fuel efficient than ever.
Our team of spy photographers captured on film a pre-production test vehicle of the third-gen ix35 / Tucson and we're happy to report this is a case of "meet the new boss, same as the old boss." You'd be hard pressed to identify the most notable new bits and bobs, but spare a minute, look at the photo gallery below, concentrate a little and you will be surprised with what Hyundai has in store for you.
First of all, those very cool and modern-looking HID headlights with LED daytime running lights make a big difference over the outgoing model's units. Then there's the Santa Fe-inspired front grille design and trapezoidal fog lights that make the front fascia look that bit more aggressive than before. In comparison to the current ix35 / Tucson, this third-gen test-spec vehicle's profile is beautified by sportier, more raked A-pillars, with the addition of chunkier fender flares.
Round the rear there's business as usual except for a better integrated rear bumper and LED taillights, but the biggest improvement can be found inside. The cabin's center stack is less button laden than that of the outgoing model's, while the instrument cluster and air vent design borrow cues from the most modern of Hyundai models. Depending on the market, the upcoming new ix35 / Tucson will be available with a suite of four-pot gas or diesel-fed engines mated to either a six-speed stick shift or an automatic.
Our team of spy photographers captured on film a pre-production test vehicle of the third-gen ix35 / Tucson and we're happy to report this is a case of "meet the new boss, same as the old boss." You'd be hard pressed to identify the most notable new bits and bobs, but spare a minute, look at the photo gallery below, concentrate a little and you will be surprised with what Hyundai has in store for you.
First of all, those very cool and modern-looking HID headlights with LED daytime running lights make a big difference over the outgoing model's units. Then there's the Santa Fe-inspired front grille design and trapezoidal fog lights that make the front fascia look that bit more aggressive than before. In comparison to the current ix35 / Tucson, this third-gen test-spec vehicle's profile is beautified by sportier, more raked A-pillars, with the addition of chunkier fender flares.
Round the rear there's business as usual except for a better integrated rear bumper and LED taillights, but the biggest improvement can be found inside. The cabin's center stack is less button laden than that of the outgoing model's, while the instrument cluster and air vent design borrow cues from the most modern of Hyundai models. Depending on the market, the upcoming new ix35 / Tucson will be available with a suite of four-pot gas or diesel-fed engines mated to either a six-speed stick shift or an automatic.