Here Is The Redesigned Hyundai Tucson for 2016

Hyundai today offered photos and some details of its sleek redesign for 2016 of the Tucson compact SUV. The SUV will make its world debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show and then be displayed at the New York Show in April, where we will find out how it is being configured for the U.S.-market.

The new Tucson has a new look, an updated interior design and materials and technology upgrades. Those should help the aging compact (47,306 sold last year) be more competitive in this red-hot segment with its newer-design rivals -- most prominently the Ford Escape (306,212 sold in 2014), Honda CR-V (335,019), Toyota Rav4 (267,698) and Nissan Rogue (199,199).

Overall, the look is more modern, less eccentric, has a passing resemblance to the Escape and adopts a grille with a decided family resemblance to the newest Hyundai Genesis.

"Design expresses our progressive spirit and passion, and it is transforming our brand. The all-new Tucson has ... refined, flowing surfaces, bold proportions, sharp lines and most importantly, our newest-generation hexagonal grille -- our brand signature," said a statement from Peter Schreyer, the man behind Kia's distinctive look and now the chief design officer over all of Hyundai and Kia.

We're not sure about those asymmetrical wheel wheels accentuated by heavy black cladding and sheet metal creases. Creativity with the shape of wheel wells has generally not worn well over the years. The goal according to Hyundai: "The directional shape of the wheel arches contribute to the agile and dynamic appearance, even at standstill."

Hyundai touts the new Tucson as riding on an "all-new platform" -- whatever the actual carryover, the update should address criticism of the outgoing model for some harshness and choppiness in the ride.

The outgoing model was on the smaller side of the class, inside and out, and the new Tucson grows a little: about 3 inches in length and an inch in width on an inch-longer wheelbase. But Hyundai says more efficient interior packaging has opened up cabin space. And notably, Hyundai points out that it has lengthened the base of the front seats -- too short for comfort for many in the current model.

While the U.S. version are still to be revealed, the Euro model's tech upgrades include LED headlights and running lights. And it should get the latest generation of Hyundai's in-dash infotainment.

Hyundai also says it will offer a full complement of safety tech, including collision avoidance and mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot detection.

Upscale amenity options will include heated and ventilated front seats, a power tailgate that opens as you approach with the key fob and a so-called Smart Parking Assist System that has parallel and bay parking functions.

A variety of gasoline and diesel powertrains were announced for Europe; U.S. offerings are still to be disclosed.

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