Hyundai Motor on Tuesday released the all-new Tucson, targeting youngsters looking for compact sport utility vehicles.

With the latest technology, refined exterior design and reinforced safety system on one hand and the global SUV boom on the other, Korea’s leading carmaker is determined to sell about 570,000 units worldwide this year. More than 3.95 million units were sold worldwide since the Tucson’s launch in 2004 and it has become one of the best-selling models for the world’s fifth-largest automaker.

“We are confident that the all-new Tucson’s salability and basic functions have improved a lot and that we can definitely compete with internationally popular cars such as Volkswagen’s Tiguan,” said Kim Sang-dae, director of Hyundai’s domestic marketing group, at a press conference on the day. 

The hot stamped advanced high-strength steel used for 51 percent of the body has beefed up the car’s stability and security. The R2.0 engine for the larger model and UII 1.7 engine for the smaller Tucson Fever still flaunt 186 horsepower with 41 kilogram-meter torque, and 141 horsepower with 34.7 kilogram-meter torque, respectively. The seven-speed double-clutch transmission is also designed to achieve both dynamic gearing and efficiency, the carmaker said.

“We have tested at the infamous Nurburgring to assure the fun of driving on top of the safety,” said Park Byung-cheol, director of Hyundai’s RV 2 PM.

Abiding by the recent Euro 6 emission regulation, the fuel efficiency has improved. The R2.0 engine marked 14.4 km/liter and UII 1.7 engine scored 15.6 kilometers per liter.

For drivers’ safety, the autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detector and lane departure warning system have been facilitated. For the driver’s and passengers’ convenience, the 8-inch smart navigation is linked to a BlueRink 2.0 telematics system and an advanced smart parking assist system.

Hyundai explained that the new features are targeted toward young drivers seeking a practical dynamic to their cars. “It will be a good entry-level SUV for 30-somethings,” Kim said.

In order to make the most of the SUV craze ― SUV sales have been marking 12 percent growth every year for the past three to four years and the trend is expected to continue ― Hyundai plans to accelerate its marketing, including group test drive events and promotions at large shopping malls.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)