2014 Hyundai Elantra on 2040-cars

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2016 Hyundai Tucson shows off its European trim ahead of Geneva

Hyundai is unleashing the first details about its next-generation Tucson ahead of the crossover's official debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show on March 3. So far, the Korean automaker is only talking about European specifications for the latest model that goes on sale in the second half of 2015 there. Still, this glimpse should give a good idea of what to expect from the future version inevitably coming to the US. The new Tucson largely blends the look of the current Santa Fe and last year's Intrado concept into a more angular, rugged CUV than the current model. As in the earlier teaser video, Hyundai's designers gave the latest generation horizontal, chrome-accented slats in the hexagonal grille to match the look of the other recent members in the lineup. The hood also takes on the somewhat flatter design from the Santa Fe, but the lower air dam wears an eye-catching mix of intakes, foglights and LEDs. In profile, there's a distinctive crease down the side, and the wheel wells subtly reinterpret the squared-off look from the Intrado. Inside, Hyundai claims that it focuses on improving material quality, and it's offering an attractive new Wine Red leather interior with black contrast to European buyers. There are also available heated and ventilated seats, and a faster infotainment system. The company is upping the safety assists too with features like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Detection and more. These European models are made in the Czech Republic and offer quite an array of powertrain options. The gasoline choices are either a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 133 horsepower or turbo 1.6-liter mill with 174 hp. Diesel selections include a 1.7-liter with 113 hp, 2.0-liter with 134 hp or another tune with 182 hp. Transmission possibilities are either a six-speed manual or automatic, but the 1.6-liter turbo is available with a seven-speed dual clutch. North America will likely get its own drivetrain mix, though. Hyundai didn't release too many shots of the new Tucson. But we'll have live images from the Swiss show floor in a few weeks time.

Hyundai Elantra Sport likely to get 201 hp, optional manual

The South Korean market often gives us a preview of what's coming soon from Hyundai and Kia in the US, usually with only the model name differing. That's what we thought when we saw the new Avante Sport being shown there, and Hyundai Motor America spokesman Jim Trainor confirms that it's basically what we should expect from the upcoming Elantra Sport. Hyundai previously confirmed the quicker sedan will arrive in the US by the end of the year. The Avante Sport uses the Veloster Turbo's 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, making the same 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque as it does in the funky hatch-coupe. Expect a choice between a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a six-speed manual to go with it. The sporty compact upgrades to a multi-link rear suspension, replacing the standard Elantra/Avante torsion-beam setup. South Korean customers can choose an optional Extreme package that includes upgraded stabilizer bars, different springs and shocks, and a rear spoiler. We're hoping the suspension upgrades will be standard on the Elantra Sport. Hyundai made some subtle visual tweaks to signal the Sport model's extra performance. Lower side sills, larger openings in the front fascia, and a rear diffuser with dual exhaust tips poking out get the speedy message across. Inside, the front seats get larger bolsters and there's a unique flat-bottom steering wheel. Carbon-fiber-esque trim completes the sporty look. Currently, the only Elantra available in the US uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder running on the Atkinson cycle that makes 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. An Eco trim will join the lineup this spring with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. With the Sport, Hyundai will have a family of models to appeal to a large portion of buyers in the segment. Related Video:

Hyundai, Kia launching dedicated hybrids in 2017

The currently weak green car market isn't stopping Hyundai and Kia from staging an ongoing electrified onslaught, and it's primed to just keep growing. Already familiar with the field thanks to vehicles like the Sonata Hybrid, Tucson Fuel Cell, and Kia Soul EV, for the 2017 model year the Korean siblings are launching their first dedicated hybrids, according to Automotive News. Since last year, the hybrids have been spotted testing several times while wearing heavy camouflage. Hyundai's version will reportedly be styled as a Chevrolet Volt-fighting sedan. Conversely, Kia will go for a more directly Prius-challenging hatchback. Underneath, they'll share a powertrain consisting of a direct-injected, 1.6-liter four-cylinder and electric motor. Both will use the same platform based on the next-gen Elantra and Forte, according to Automotive News. In addition, Hyundai will get a pure EV version of its model to launch in California in 2017, while Kia reportedly won't. According to Automotive News, the companies' strategy is reportedly to be ready when gas prices eventually rise again. "When they come back up and people start looking for hybrids again, it'll be very nice to be able to give buyers an option besides just the Prius," said Adam Kraushaar, president of a New Jersey Hyundai dealer. Further complimenting the electrified plans, a plug-in version of the Kia Optima Hybrid is also reportedly on the way. With its launch, the two brands would have a total of nine hybrid, EV or fuel cell vehicles on offer by the 2018 model year.