2015 Hyundai Tucson revealed

Hyundai unveils new Tucson to replace ix35, ahead of local arrival after June this year.

The all-new Hyundai Tucson SUV will make its public debut at the Geneva motor show next month.

Replacing the popular ix35 small SUV, the new crossover marks the return of the Tucson nameplate to Australia. The first-generation Tucson was sold in Australia between 2004 and 2010, before being replaced by the current ix35.

The Tucson is larger than the ix35 with overall length growing by 65mm to 4475mm, while the width grows by 30mm to 1850mm. The wheelbase is also 30mm longer at 2670mm.

This growth will bump the Tucson firmly into the mid-size SUV segment, helping it compete directly with the likes of the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail.

The new Tucson's design was hinted at with the Santa Cruz ute concept at the Detroit motor show in February, with frontal styling and C-pillar beltline kick being clear visual links.

Links between the ute concept and the Tucson production car don't stop there - the Santa Cruz River runs through the city of Tucson in Arizona...

Inside the Tucson's cabin, Hyundai plans to feature Apple's CarPlay and Android Auto multimedia systems, allowing improved integration with popular smartphones, along with satnav and voice commands.

In the rear, seats-up cargo space has been boosted by 48 litres over the ix35 to now total 513.

The Tucson will also feature parking assist and hands-free tailgate.

Hyundai has confirmed that a reversing camera will come standard on all Australian models. Other safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and speed limit monitoring will feature internationally, although exact trim levels are yet to be confirmed.

A 130kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission will replace the ix35's existing 136kW/240Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine.

The ix35's existing 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engines will be retained in the new Tucson lineup.

The 2015 Hyundai Tucson will arrive in local showrooms early in the third quarter of 2015.