The Hyundai Tucson compact sport-utility vehicle (”SUV”) is all-new for the 2010 model year. Its bolder new style is inspired by Hyundai’s new overall design theme called “fluidic sculpture”. The look emphasizes sportiness, prominent body creases to make the design distinct, and aerodynamics.The new Tucson is larger and more powerful than the 2009 model. It is 4.5 inches longer, 3 inches lower, and 1 inch wider than the 2009 model. Under the hood, the Tucson has 36 more horsepower than last years model. Impressively, despite offering more room and more power, the new Tucson is 64 pounds lighter, in front-wheel drive, four-cylinder form than the 2009 model. With two-wheel drive, the new Tucson is rated at 31 miles per gallon the freeway.

The 2010 Tucson is a definite competitor in the crossover compact SUV class. It offers more interior room than the Ford Escape. It also offers slightly more horsepower than the Escape and Nissan Rogue. On the flip side, it offers slightly less space and horsepower than the Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V. All of these models have between 170 and 180 horsepower in four-cylinder form. Only the Toyota RAV-4 offers a V-6 option among these vehicles. Hyundai has discontinued the V-6 option for the new Tucson.

The Azera GLS is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 that produces 234 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque. A 3.8-liter V6 engine powers the Azera Limited, producing 263 hp of output, and 257 lb-ft of torque.All the current generation Azeras feature a five-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive mechanism. What’s more, the acceleration with the 3.8-liter V6 is brisk, and the 2010 Azera reaches 60 mph in 7.2 seconds (stats as per track testing records).

This vehicle feels pretty roomy on the move, and even at higher speeds it is extremely quiet. Hyundai Azera also boasts of high interior volume and a bigger trunk than many other rival full-size luxury sedans. Like all Hyundai vehicles, the Azera comes with impressive warranty coverage.The 2010 Azera will not only carry that oomph, but also rock solid performance, packed in an attractive design, along with necessary features. The standard safety features will remain more or less the same as that of the 2009 Azera, and the new components installed in the vehicle further add to the reliability and safety capabilities of this impressive sedan.

There are only two diesels on offer at launch in France. The UK was actually promised one diesel and two petrols when Hyundai gave us ix35 details in September. So we’ll have to wait a few more days to see what’s what in the UK. But for those desperate for an idea you’re not going to be a million miles out.At launch there will only be two diesel engines on offer in France – the 136hp and the 184hp – with the range-topping 184 only available as the iX35-2.0 CRDi 184 4WD with Premium Pack at €33,990(£29,892). The Premium Pack is top of a the option packs in a range that includes Climate Pack (entry) and Comfort Pack.

The entry-level Climate pack gets AirCon, hill start/descent, ESP, electric windows and mirrors, cruise control, audio system CD / MP3 with USB, 16 “alloys,and a rear spoiler. Move up to the Comfort Pack and you can add 17″ alloys, roof bars, auto lights, folding mirrors, parking sensors, half leather, dual zone Climate, privacy glass and Bluetooth. Top of the tree Premium Pack adds full leather, panoramic roof and SatNav with touch screen. Far from shoddy specs.The entry-level iX35 2.0 CRDi 136 Climate Pack comes in at €26.990 (£23,736) but you need to remember that this is only the entry level for now. Later in 2010 Hyundai will be adding a 1.7 litre diesel and 1.6 litre direct injection petrol with the ISG and Stop & Start. And we’ll see entry-level prices dropping down perhaps as low as £16k.