2010 Hyundai Tucson Unveiled in LA

Hyundai unveiled the 2010 Tucson at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, the first CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) belonging to the South Korean carmaker that is designed and engineered in Frankfurt. The car relies on Hyundai's so-called "Fluidic Sculpture", which is mostly about better aerodynamics, sportier looks and less boxy designs.

The new Tucson is 3.3 inches longer and one inch wider as compared to the current model but even so, it is still 61 pounds (27.6 kg) lighter, a very important aspect when talking about engine performance and emission ratings.

And speaking of engine performance, power comes from the Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine that generates 176 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque. The Tucson is more fuel efficient than Honda CRV, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape four-cylinder engines, Hyundai said in a press release, returning a fuel consumption rating of 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. With AWD, Tucson records 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

A new addition to the Tucson range will be the Blue model, due to be released for the 2011 model year. The Blue model will comprise a Theta II 2.0-liter engine that is 22 pounds (10 kg) lighter as compared to its predecessor.

Getting back to the Tucson, the engine will be coupled to either a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control or a standard six-speed manual gearbox.

Inside, the Tucson will boast a wide array of advanced technologies, such as Hyundai's signature blue lighting, power windows, power door locks, fold-away mirrors and remote keyless entry with alarm and panic button, Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition and steering wheel audio and cruise controls, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power driver seat with lumbar support, automatic headlights, side repeater exterior mirrors, front wiper de-icer and dual front automatic temperature control.

The 2010 Tucson will comprise a total of six airbags, including dual advanced frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags with new rollover sensors.

There will be several colors available across the range, including Cotton White, Diamond Silver, Graphite Gray, Ash Black, Garnet Red, Iris Blue, Aurora Blue, Chai Bronze and Kiwi Green. There will three colors for the interior, Black, Taupe and Saddle.

Production of the 2010 Hyundai Tucson for the US market already started in October, with the first units to be delivered this month.