Hyundai has launched an upgraded version of its ix35 with a range of technological and styling enhancements as well as an improved new 2.0-litre petrol engine and a new six-speed manual gearbox.

New exterior features

The upgraded model retains Hyundai’s “fluidic sculpture” form language, introduced on production Hyundai cars in Europe by the original ix35, which was launched at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

No major exterior styling changes have been made with the exception of new projector headlights with LED accents, LED taillights, new body-coloured front grille, roof side rails with panoramic sunroof, and new 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.

Interior enhancements

Inside, the cabin has received some material upgrades and additional detail enhancements to the trim. These include two-stage latch-type reclining 60/40 split rear seats, standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel, standard steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and cruise control buttons for the Executive and Elite derivatives.

Additional features include bigger cup holders with blue light illumination, as well as smart key with push-button start for the Elite derivatives, a new audio system (radio+CD+MP3) with Bluetooth, a standard Bluetooth hands-free phone system with controls on the steering wheel, and a TFT 4.3-inch colour LCD touchscreen audio system with a rearview camera display in the Executive and Elite derivatives.

Improved engine specifications

The engine line-up has also gained some tweaks. Starting with the Nu 2.0-liter GDI which offers more power and increased fuel economy than the Theta-II 2.0-liter engine it replaces. The new engine produces 116 kW of power at 6200 rpm and 192 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.

The new Hyundai ix35 model range in South Africa additionally consists of 6 derivatives – the 2.0 NU Premium with the two-litre petrol engine linked to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; the intermediate ix35 2.0 NU Executive with the two-litre petrol engine and six-speed manual transmission; and topped by the Elite derivatives, of which one is powered by the two-litre petrol engine and the other two by the two-litre turbodiesel.

The range-topping R2.0 Elite is equipped with the two-litre turbodiesel, a six-speed automatic transmission and All-Wheel Drive, whereas all other derivatives are driven through the front wheels only.

The new ix35 further receives Hyundai’s three-mode FLEX STEER driving system where Normal, Comfort and Sport modes can be selected.

Advanced standard safety technologies

An extensive list of safety features can be added to the specifications of the ix35 including height and reach adjustable head restraints, four-wheel disc brakes, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), a steel unibody with integrated crumple zones, and a high-tensile front sub-frame, internal guard beams on all four doors.

The list also includes centre pillars that serve as the anchors of a ring structure, a body shell made stiffer and lighter due to extensive use of ultra-high tensile strength steel, which comprises 68.9 % of the shell, Tailor Welded Blanks (TWB) on key structural members, three-point safety belts at all five seating positions, front seatbelt pretensions and load limiters, child-seat anchors, and dual advanced frontal airbags.

New Hyundai ix35 price in South Africa

Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Premium 6MT2 – R319 900

Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Premium 6AT2 – R334 900

Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Executive 6MT2 – R349 900

Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Elite 6AT2 – R369 900

Hyundai ix35 R2.0 Elite 6MT2 – R389 900

Hyundai ix35 R2.0 Elite 6AT4 – R449900

Part of the new Hyundai ix35 package is a 5 year/ 150 000 km warranty, a 5 year/90 000 km Service Plan, and 5 year/150 000 km Roadside Assistance.

New Hyundai ix35 gallery