If our sources are correct, we will be seeing the next-generation Hyundai Tucson making its world debut this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show with sales beginning in Europe and Korea before the end of the year and in North America, sometime during the first half of 2010. In the meantime, Hyundai is continuing to develop the Tucson which was captured here out in Death Valley by Automotive Traveler's Rich Truesdell.

The prototype models are still under heavy camouflage but Hyundai gave us a taste of the styling direction it plans to take with the new Tucson in Geneva with the 'ix-onix' concept study (see pics below).

Eyeing Toyota's RAV-4 and Honda's CR-V, the Korean firm's compact SUV will most likely carry the iX35 moniker at least in Europe and it will be offered with various petrol and diesel engine options including the final production version of the concept vehicle's 168HP 1.6-litre turbocharged four-banger petrol.

Spy Photos: Automotive Traveler