2016 Hyundai Tucson Shows Two Different Hybrid Concepts In Geneva

The new 2016 Hyundai Tucson will arrive later this year, but not all of its variants will be offered in the U.S.

At the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, Hyundai showed off two hybrid models we likely won't see: a 48-volt mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, both of them fitted with diesel engines.

DON'T MISS: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid And Plug-In Hybrid Video

Hyundai has an aggressive program of rolling out green powertrain technologies, with next-generation hybrid and its first plug-in hybrid models of both the latest Hyundai Sonata.

That car's sibling under the skin, the Kia Optima, will also offer the same pair of hybrids.

Thus far, Hyundai's said nothing about hybrid crossover utility vehicles or SUVs. Indeed, hybrids are far scarcer among compact SUVs.

Today, in fact, the Lexus NX 200h is the sole entry in that segment.

But the Hyundai Tucson 48V Hybrid shown in Geneva may point the way toward a lower-cost system that could be rolled out in other Hyundai and Kia products.

It's an evolution of the maker's previous starter-generator hybrid system, but adds a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, along with an inverter and a low-voltage DC-DC converter.

DETAILS: Kia Trail'ster e-AWD Soul Hybrid Concept Unveiled At Chicago Auto Show

The generator, which replaces a conventional starter motor, charges the battery and can add supplemental torque to the engine's output as well as restarting the engine from a stop.

It is used with a 134-horsepower 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine paired to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Total output of the engine and motor together is 110 kW (roughly 150 hp).

The entire package is said to weigh just 44 pounds (20 kg) and cost just a quarter of the total of a full-hybrid system.