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Adrian PatonAll-New Hyundai ix35 Arrives In Australia
February 14th 2010 18:00
Inspired by the concept of an urban nomad, new Hyundai ix35 is a sleek crossover with athletic proportions, featuring advanced weight-saving technology, eco-efficient power trains, class- leading safety equipment, and outstanding value for money.
Designed at Hyundai's Design Centre Europe at Russelsheim in Germany, new ix35 symbolises the evolution of the brand's exterior and interior design, through the introduction of 'Fluidic Sculpture', an architectural language which will be embodied in future models from Hyundai Motor Company.
New ix35 is available in three trim levels, Active, Elite and top of the range Highlander. With a wide choice of engines and transmissions plus a range of premium features including rear camera, panorama glass roof and full iPod® integration, new ix35 brings 'designer' style and luxury to the compact SUV segment.
Starting with a clean slate, Hyundai's development team moved away from the two-box off-roader look in favour of a sleeker, more refined profile while simultaneously achieving a roomier cabin, extra storage capacity and excellent fuel economy.
'Fluidic Sculpture' symbolises the flow of water. Clearly contoured surfaces are delineated by defined, naturally graduating lines. A subtle yet powerful double 'Z' form emerges from the body. The concave sills have a wedge-shaped profile extending rearward, wrapping around into the rear bumper.
Developed as an urban cruiser, ix35 is compact and agile for life in the city, yet tough and versatile for out-of-town travel.
The hexagonal grille previewed on the 'ix-onic' concept car moves into mass production on the ix35, a defining look which will serve to unify the family of future Hyundai products. The grille is body colour on the entry level Active model and finished with chrome highlights and complimented by chrome door handles on Elite and Highlander models. Swept back headlights, a lower air intake and heavily inclined A-pillar add to the sporting appearance, whilst prominent wheel arches impart a confident stance.
The rear quarter glass, swooping rear lamps, oversized bumper and sloping tailgate enhance the sporting look. The integrated rear spoiler further reduces fuel consumption.
All model variants are easily identified by their wheel designs – 17 inch alloy on Elite and 18 inch on Highlander – adding to the range's individuality.
Inside ix35's cabin, a definitive 'X' zone characterises the centre fascia with black and metallic finishes throughout the interior. On ix35 Elite and Highlander models, convenience and practicality are enhanced with the implementation of the push button start function and proximity smart key allowing the car to be opened at the touch of a button located on the front doors and tailgate.
On all model variants, the four spoke steering wheel incorporates controls for management of audio and cruise control systems. All instruments and gauges are backlit in Hyundai's signature blue colour.
There are three engine variants across the model line-up. ix35 Active - 2.0-litre petrol 2WD (five-speed manual and six-speed auto), ix35 Elite - 2.4-litre petrol AWD (six-speed auto), ix35 Elite - 2.0-litre R-series turbo-Diesel AWD (six-speed auto) and ix35 Highlander - 2.0-litre R-series turbo-Diesel AWD (six-speed auto).
A full-time electronic AWD system automatically controls power distribution in ix35 AWD model variants. The AWD ECU detects varying road surface conditions and driving inputs, distributing optimum driving force between the front and rear wheels.
The six-speed auto uses a step gate pattern to eliminate miss shifting, while leather shift knob improves look and feel on Elite and Highlander trims.
Like the i30, i30cw, Santa Fe R-series and iLoad, the suspension of ix35, has been developed and optimised for Australia's unique road conditions.
The ix35's front suspension has a 25mm hollow stabiliser bar to save weight. The rear suspension has an 18mm solid stabiliser bar.
Active aerodynamics are realised through intelligent windshield design, integrated rear spoiler, engine undercover and wheel deflectors.
The ix35 goes on sale in Australia today priced from $26,990.
[Source: Hyundai]
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