A new trimmed turbodiesel Hyundai ix35 has been added to the ix35 range, expanding the range to seven derivatives and adding a Euro 5 emission compliant engine as well as “well-positioned specification levels.”

“The ix35 has been one of the strongest pillars in Hyundai Automotive SA’s vehicle range, and when we were given the opportunity to bring the 1.7 Premium turbo-diesel to the South African customers, there was no hesitation,” said Stanley Anderson, Marketing Director at Hyundai Automotive SA.

“We expect this derivative to appeal to an SUV buyer who is looking for the benefits of a frugal turbo-diesel engine, but at a more affordable price and with a specification level that still offers the luxury driving experience that made the ix35 a top-seller for us.

Hyundai ix35 range expanded

“The ix35 1.7 Premium comes from Hyundai’s ultra-modern factory in Nosovice in the east of the Czech Republic, where four of the other derivatives in our ix35 range gets built too. With a mid-cycle facelift that was introduced in South Africa earlier in 2014, it remains one of the most popular, most versatile SUVs in our market with an excellent list of features on the specification list,” added Anderson.

The turbodiesel Hyundai ix35 1.7 Premium is equipped with a 1685cc four-cylinder engine that delivers 85kW at 4000rpm and 260Nm between 1250rpm and 2750rpm. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.5-litres/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.

An improved six-speed manual gearbox with slightly different ratios to the 2.0-litre turbodiesel delivers the power to the front wheels. Acceleration from zero to a 100 km/h is claimed to take just 12.4 seconds, while top speed is rated at 173km/h.

Other notable features of the ix35 can be found inside, where it boasts seats covered with a combination of cloth and leather. The SUV is also fitted with a 160-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and iPod/USB auxiliary inputs housed in the centre console underneath the air conditioner controls. The audio system information is displayed on a 4.3-inch colour touchscreen, which is also the display screen for the standard rearview park-assist camera.

New Turbodiesel Hyundai ix35 price in South Africa

Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Premium – R324900

Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Premium (auto) – R 339 900

Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Executive – R359 900

Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Elite (auto) – R385 400

Hyundai ix35 1.7 CRDi Premium – R359 900

Hyundai ix35 R2.0 CRDi Elite – R409 900

Hyundai ix35 R2.0 CRDi Elite 4×4 (auto) – R469 900

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