We may have, in the past, occasionally described Hyundai's smash-hit Tucson SUV as being a touch predictable in the design department. On the basis of these pictures of the second-generation model, I don't think we're going to be able to do that anymore...
Parametric hidden lights
The all-new Hyundai Tucson is coming early next year and, as we can see from these darkened images, it's packing a dramatic new visage. Those multi-element lights you can see, integrated with a big, full-width grille, are called 'Parametric Hidden Lights' by Hyundai. The firm says that they "utilise lines, faces, angles and shapes to create kinetic jewel-like surface details through digital data to offer unprecedented, bold design aesthetics." They're carefully hidden within the grille, and you only really see them once switched on. Around the back, you'll find equally dramatic tail-lights, with a full-width LED signature strip.
Bigger cabin, more tech
We've never noticed a lack of space in the current Tucson, but Hyundai is going to make this new one bigger again. The new Tucson will be wider and longer than before, with a longer wheelbase for more space in the cabin. Almost needless to remark, Hyundai says that the car's new styling is meant to give it a 'coupe-like profile' and that its "chiselled surfaces create a striking contrast between a sleek silhouette and masculine wedge, suggesting forward motion even when standing still."
Inside, the slightly bland layout of the current car has been binned, and apparently replaced with a totally new layout, featuring a huge, floating, central touchscreen and a slim, low-slung digital display in front of the driver. That central touchscreen looks as if it's standing out slightly from the main dashboard structure, leaving space for a cubby behind. The steering wheel also seems to have evolved to a slightly cooler-looking two-spoke affair, with what might be touch-sensitive panels on the spokes.
Hyundai calls the cabin design 'Interspace', in which "Layered, sensuous forms reinforce the feeling of openness. The broad ridge of the dashboard blends seamlessly with the doors, wrapping around front occupants like a deep gorge. The vertically oriented, sensuous forms of the fully integrated centre fascia was inspired by waterfalls. Twin silver garnish lines streaming from the centre fascia to the rear doors harmonise neatly layered premium surface materials in complementary neutral tones."
Full reveal on the 15th
"The mission of 'Sensuous Sportiness' is to elevate the emotional qualities of automotive design. We want our customers to feel moved. With the all-new Tucson, we are introducing its ultimate evolution and a definitive statement about Hyundai's unstoppable forward momentum," said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. "Tucson's advanced, experimental design is true to its pioneering spirit and raises the game in the industry's most competitive segment."
Hyundai will show off the new Tucson in full on the 15th of September. Is it wrong that we're now kinda excited about it?