Hyundai's manufacturing asset in the Czech Republic has supplied the first fruits of its closer collaboration with the Australian arm.
The ix35 SE, built in the European plant, is now being offered to Hyundai customers in Australia – reaching Australia ahead of the i30 Tourer, which will also be sourced from the Czech Republic. Lightly restyled around the front end – with a new bumper, integrated fog lights and projector beam headlights – the SE variant can also be distinguished from the entry-level ix35 Active by 17-inch alloys from the ix35 Elite.
Based on the ix35 Active, the special edition from Europe boasts the same 2.0-litre petrol engine and six-speed automatic drivetrain combination – delivering 122kW and using 8.5L/100km of fuel in combined-cycle testing – but comes equipped with added extras including dusk-sensing headlights, power-folding side mirrors, solar control glass with privacy windows at the rear. Seats, steering wheel and gear knob are trimmed in either leather or leatherette and the front seats feature heating. Also on the equipment list for the special edition is a cooled glovebox and a reversing camera that displays in the rear-view mirror when reverse gear is selected.
Exterior colours available are: Creamy White, two metallic colours Sleek Silver and Steel Grey and pearl finish Phantom Black. Inside the sole colour available is black. At $29,990 the ix35 SE is $1000 dearer than the Active model with automatic transmission. The only option for the special edition is premium paint at $595.
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