Images the of new Hyundai ix35--or the Tucson, as it's known here in the U.S .-- have been leaked ahead of the vehicle's slated unveiling at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show later this month.
The Tucson is getting a major overhaul for its next iteration, and the new vehicle is much more stylish than the last. Hyundai says the Tucson is the first vehicle to wear the automaker's new "fluidic sculpture" design language, which will carry over to other new Hyundai models. Specifically, the hexagonal grille seen on the new Tucson will begin to appear on Hyundai's new products.
In Hyundai's home market, Korea, the Tucson (known there as the Tucson ix) can be equipped with an all-new 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine, or a 2.0-liter gasoline unit. The 184 horsepower generated by the diesel can be sent to the front or all the wheels, while the 166 horsepower gasoline engine can only be had in front-wheel drive models. Pricing for the Korean-market model starts at 21 million won, or about $16,815.
Details on the ix35 for Europe will be announced on September 3, while the North American specifications will come to light at the end of year during the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.