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GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Hyundai freshens ix35
Upgraded engines and extra features headline Hyundai's facelifted ix35 at GenevaHyundai has revealed a mildly facelifted ix35 compact SUV ahead of its world debut at this week’s Geneva motor show, but exactly what the Korean brand has in store for Australia is yet to be confirmed.
Europe’s gently massaged ix35, which emerges precisely three years after the ix35 was launched here in February 2010, is subtly differentiated via new upper and lower grille inserts, and slightly revised daytime running lights to bring the ix35 in line with the newer i40 medium sedan and larger Santa Fe.
Mechanically, Hyundai’s latest 2.0-litre direct-injection ‘Nu’ GDI petrol engine replaces the less powerful and efficient 2.0-litre Theta II engine, while the 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel engine receives ‘clean’ technology, such as low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (LP-EGR).
There is also new equipment for the gently massaged ix35 – at least for some European models – including Hyundai’s three-mode FLEX STEER system, bi-xenon headlights, a higher-resolution TFT Supervision cluster and a host of higher-quality interior materials.
Hyundai says it is yet to confirm a launch date or specifications for the revised ix35 in Australia, where the small crossover is one of Australia’s most popular compact SUVs.
Australia’s ix35 is produced in Korea, but last month the car-maker released a high-spec SE model built in Europe and featuring a host of extra equipment priced at $29,990 plus on-road costs – $1000 more than the entry-level ix35 Active petrol auto upon which it’s based.
Designed and developed at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the ix35 has become Hyundai’s fastest-selling model in Europe ever and attracted more than 87,000 buyers there last year.
Europe’s ix35 is produced at Nošovice in the Czech Republic and was the first model to present Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language, including the company’s trademark hexagonal front grille.
Hyundai Motor Europe Senior Vice President and COO, Allan Rushforth, indicated the ix35’s popularity in Europe made the company reluctant to mess with the winning formula.
“The New ix35 is an important model for Hyundai in Europe,” he said. “With the original car being so popular across the region, it was important for us to ensure that the upgrades would maintain this popularity.
“The styling, dynamic and technical upgrades to the new ix35 ensure that the car retains the character which has made it such a success whilst offering customers an even more emotive purchase choice.
“The ix35 was an important model for Hyundai. With eye-catching fluidic sculpture form and European quality, it helped change perceptions of the Hyundai range in the region.
“The new ix35, with its enhanced powertrain line-up, interior refinements and sharper styling will appeal to a broad range of buyers in Europe.”
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Written byMarton Pettendy
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