Meet Hyundai’s flagship offering in a cosmetically-tweaked, mechanically-enhanced and technically-updated avatar – the Tucson facelift. The company first took the wraps off this refreshed version back in March 2018. Now, however, it has made its first appearance in India at the ongoing Auto Expo 2020.

So, what has changed? To bring the Tucson in line with the global design language, Hyundai has garnished the Tucson with the cascading grille. Accompanying it are reprofiled headlamp enclosures which, apart from boasting projector units, have integrated LED DRLs as well. The front and rear bumpers feature styling tweaks, but the alloy wheels are new. Finally, the wraparound taillamps feature a reprofiled package and so do the front fog lamps. Indoors, the set of new elements include a restyled dashboard, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with BlueLink technology, an all-black interior theme, redesigned AC vents and a redone centre console.

As far as features are concerned, the refreshed Tucson ropes in tyre pressure monitoring system, 8-way electrically adjustable front passenger seat and Hyundai BlueLink technology. That, as it does in the Elantra and the Venue, packs bucket-loads of connected car features under categories such as safety, security, alerts and location-based services. The same tech will also come part of the new Creta and the Verna facelift.

With the Tucson facelift, customers could either go with a 2.0-litre petrol engine or a 2.0-litre diesel. The former, which comes mated to a 6-speed automatic as standard, produces 150bhp/192Nm. The latter is the gutsiest in the segment with 183bhp/400Nm on tap. Also, the diesel motor comes mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. As far as the option for a 4WD system is concerned, Hyundai will offer it with only the diesel engine. And yes, no matter which powertrain you opt for, the Tucson facelift will comply with BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) standards of emission norms.

Upon launch, which should happen within the first half of this year, the refreshed Hyundai Tucson will lock horns with the Jeep Compass, Honda CR-V and the upcoming Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen T-Roc.