Hyundai’s next-generation challenger for the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 is going to pack a high-tech interior.
The new Tucson SUV is getting close to its reveal, with an eye-catching exterior and – based on these images – a radical new interior design.
An anonymous user on a Worldscoop forum has posted what appears to be an official sketch for the next-generation 2021 Hyundai Tucson’s cabin, before the Korean brand has published the image on its own channels.
The image shows a cockpit which is quite the departure from the ageing design of the current model, with a huge central infotainment display accompanied by a tablet-style digital instrument cluster and a new steering wheel design already seen in the new Sonata and Elantra/i30 Sedan.
Spy images recently posted by Korean Car Blog confirm the sketch’s validity, meaning the Tucson could kickstart a new interior design direction for Hyundai’s next-generation SUV models.
It appears both screens measure around 12 inches – the central display looks similar in size to the digital instrument binnacle which measures 12.3-inches in Hyundai/Kia models – though a smaller screen will likely be standard in lower-grade models of the Tucson.
Beyond the displays, the Tucson’s cabin will don cleaner, straighter lines, less physical switchgear, and a greater focus on the feeling of space and luxury.
The all-new Hyundai Tucson is due to launch sometime in 2021, set to take on the current competitor set led by the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan.
In addition to the sketched out interior and a new-age exterior look inspired by the Vision T concept, the Tucson will be brought up to speed with the latest in driver assistance technologies, likely adopting Level 2 autonomous driving capability with the brand’s ‘Lane Follow Assist’ function that can accelerate, brake and steer the vehicle while driving on the highway.
Expect the availability of electrified powertrains for the first time too, depending on the market, including series hybrid and plug-in hybrid version primarily aimed at Europe, as well as more conventional petrol and turbo-diesel engines.
Recent reports also indicate a more powerful N-Line model will join the line-up, either in place of or addition to the long-rumoured N performance hero, featuring the company’s new 2.5-litre turbo from the Sonata N-Line. Outputs for the Sonata N-Line are rated at a healthy 215kW and 420Nm, with drive channeled through an eight-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic.
Further details will come to hand over the coming months, and given the Tucson’s close family ties with the Kia Sportage, expect the above information and future developments to apply for the Kia as well.
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