Hyundai's new sports utility vehicle, the Tucson, was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, marking the company's expansion of its range of 4x4 vehicles.

The Tucson marks the entry level to Hyundai's 4x4 range and complements the existing Santa Fe and Terracan. The Tucson will compete against the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Land Rover Freelander and Nissan X-TRAIL.

As well as conquest sales from other four-wheel drive cars, Hyundai expects to attract customers who perhaps have not previously considered a 4x4. The added attraction is that the Tucson, which sits on a highly-modified version of the current coupe platform, is a five door-only vehicle, competing against three-door opposition.

There will be three engine options, including petrol and diesel, and two and four-wheel drive choices. Hyundai expects the diesel version of Tucson to be particularly popular in a segment where more drivers are switching to diesel. Customers will be able to choose between a five-speed manual transmission, or four speed semi-automatic.