Hyundai Launches ix35 Compact SUV in Korea
Riding high on its continuing charge of new models, Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its ix35 wagon in South Korea where it hopes to achieve market leadership in the compact SUV market.
This successor to the Tucson combines coupe styling cues with a premium vehicle feel and many new features.
The exterior styling is based on that of the extroverted ix-onic concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Known by the project name LM, ix35 took 36 months and 280 billion won (approx. AUD$268 million) to develop.
The Tucson, which will be superseded by the ix35, was named for a city in Arizona and has been one of Hyundai's most popular models, notching up more than a million sales worldwide since its 2004 launch.
In all major respects it represents a step up from the Tucson with more power, comfort and additional safety features.
Buyers can choose between an all-new 2.0-litre Diesel R engine and a Theta-II petrol unit of the same capacity. Both engines are teamed with Hyundai's new six-speed automatic transmission to achieve excellent fuel economy. The 137 kW diesel uses just 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres, while the 124 kW petrol engine uses 8.6.*
Hyundai is aiming for sales of 16,000 units of the ix35 / Tucson ix this year in the Korean market and 40,000 units annually starting next year. From 2011, Hyundai predicts sales will reach 300,000 units globally, with 260,000 units sold in overseas markets.
'Hyundai continues to broaden its footprint and the ix35 will widen the range of equipment levels offered to the growing number of affluent customers in the compact SUV segment,' said Hyundai Motor Company Australia's Sales and Marketing Director Kevin McCann. 'We will be able to prove our mix considerably with it.'
The ix35 compact SUV will be displayed at the 2009 IAA in Frankfurt in September. Full details about Australian specifications will be announced at the local launch in the first half of next year.
