Hyundai Vision T concept is the future of Tucson with the size of Santa Fe

MANILA: Yesterday, Hyundai took the stage at the Los Angeles Auto Show to introduce the all-new Vision T, a plug-in hybrid concept SUV that looks like a futuristic version of the Tucson.

Let’s get it out of the way and talk about that headlights-cum-front grille of the Vision T. The Unique trapezoid grille takes up almost the full front façade of the car. The grille is made up of triangular and trapezoid-shaped panels that are all active shutters, opening for better airflow when the car is in motion. It also has concealed lights at both sides via a half-mirror system, which gives the illusion of the lights being part of the grille when the car is off. When the car is in motion, each of the panels on the grille design continues to move in sequence, creating “a truly dynamic forward demeanor.” 

The exterior styling, as Hyundai puts it, is "sensuous sportiness" coupled with "Parametric Fantasy" and "Transcendent Connectivity." This is probably their fancy way of saying that the Vision T is very angular with curves and creases on the right places, mid-rear spoiler with narrow light strips that connects the taillights, bulging fenders, and frameless glass roofline.

In terms of dimension, the Vision T is longer than the current generation of the Tucson: 181.5 inches long (5.3 inches longer), 79.3 inches wide, and has a wheelbase of 110.4 inches (5.3 inches longer) which makes its size closer to that of the Santa Fe. And since the Vision T has a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the charging port is hidden on the front passenger side. When the car is plugged in, the “Blue Drive” sign right below the port is illuminated and the battery state of charge is visually indicated externally.

Created under Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness global design language, the overall look for the new Vision T is a representation of the next-generation design innovation for Hyundai. As SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center aptly puts it, “We pursue innovative solutions in design and add emotional value to our product experience through Sensuous Sportiness design language.” 

Though it is very unlikely that we’ll get to see it in the streets since it is still a concept car, at least not at the moment, it does provide us a broader perspective as to where Hyundai is planning to take it’s Tucson compact SUV segment in terms of design, power, and performance.

Also read: 2020 Hyundai Grandeur / Azera facelift revealed