Hyundai's new compact SUV

Official photographs of Hyundai's new compact AWD have broken cover in South Korea, ahead of its European reveal at the Frankfurt international motor show.

As the new images reveal, Hyundai's ix35 fronts a contemporary design that builds on the styling of the ix-onic concept, which was first shown at '09 Geneva motor show in March.

It boasts a more modern look by way of angular headlights, an assertive front fascia and a sleeker profile overall. The styling of the vehicle is skewed more towards the 'stylish' end of the compact SUV market, but will feature a number of offroad functions.

The vehicle is badged as the Tuscon ix in South Korea, where it went on sale this week, but will be called the ix35 in Europe when it launches there in early 2010.  

It will also be badged the ix35 locally and Hyundai Australia hopes to have the new compact SUV on sale in the first half of 2010. Pricing is as yet unknown, but expect a starting figure under $30,000.

Both front- and all-wheel drive models will be offered. Power is delivered by 2.0-litre petrol (122kW) and turbodiesel (135kW) engines connected to six-speed automatic gearboxes.

The ix35 will include 'revolutionary' features that will shake up the compact SUV market not just in Australia, but right around the globe and especially in Europe -- its target market. As well as vehicle dynamic control, downhill brake control and hill-start assist, the ix35 will be offered with a panoramic sunroof and a rear-view camera.

Rivals to the ix35 will include the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and their ilk.

Hyundai Australia's Sales and Marketing Director Kevin McCann said the ix35 would "...develop a slightly different sales base for us," and that "We can't wait to have the new models out in dealer showrooms."

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