Hyundai has revealed the new ix35 weeks before its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015. The ix35 name seems as though it will be replaced by the Tucson nameplate with the new model.

Hyundai ix35/Tucson Details

“Design expresses our progressive spirit and passion, and it is transforming our brand. The all-new Tucson has a bold and athletic presence achieved through refined, flowing surfaces, bold proportions, sharp lines and most importantly, our newest generation hexagonal grille – our brand signature,” said Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer at Hyundai.

If we’re honest the front end looks a bit like a Honda CR-V in the grille and the rest of the car looks quite bland. It’s not ugly but not the sort of progressive design we’ve seen in recent years from the Koreans.

Engine lineup

The Tucson will be available with a wide range of engines although South African versions have not been chosen yet. These include two petrol engines: 99 kW (1.6-litre GDI) or 129 kW (1.6-litre T-GDI) – plus three diesel options: 85 kW (1.7-litre), 100 kW (2.0-litre standard power) or 135 kW (2.0-litre high power). The new turbocharged 130 kW 1.6-litre T-GDI engine can be paired with either a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual.

The interior has inevitably had an upgrade and looks impressively premium. The major upgrade comes in the form of a larger infotainment screen and power tailgate that automatically opens when the key approaches the rear. Strangely the boot size has decreased from a spacious 591-litres down to 513-litres. The navigation system comes with a seven-year subscription to TOMTOM Live services that relays live traffic information.

Improved Safety

Safety aspects have been extensively improved and the Tucson now comes with a Lane Keeping Assist System that proactively corrects the steering to avoid unintended lane departure, and the Rear Traffic Cross Alert system uses radar to scan a 180-degree area behind the vehicle, alerting the driver to any approaching cross-traffic.

In addition, Blind Spot Detection helps monitor traffic around the car, while the Speed Limit Information Function monitors local overhead and roadside speed limit signs and provides reminders. The Active Bonnet System raises the vehicle’s bonnet to cushion the impact shock in any frontal collision with a pedestrian or cyclist.

The South African launch date is set for the fourth quarter of 2015 and we will hear more about the spec and engines we’ll get in the coming months.