HYUNDAI'S Tucson SUV is to make its UK debut at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live from May 29-June 4 - the first opportunity UK customers will have to see the car before it goes on sale here in the autumn.

The Tucson (pronounced Too-son) marks the entry level to Hyundai's 4x4 range and complements the existing Santa Fe and Terracan. The Tucson will compete against cars such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sorento.

Tucson comes with Hyundai's five year unlimited mileage fully transferable warranty - and joins the only 4x4 range with a manufacturer-backed warranty for a full five years.

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 is a five door only vehicle, competing against three door opposition.

The Tucson has a monocoque construction, and sits on a highly modified version of the current Coupe platform. There will be three engine options offered (2.0 litre petrol, 2.0 litre common rail turbo diesel, and a powerful 2.7 V6), and two trim levels; GSI and CDX.