The New ix35, an upgraded version of Hyundai’s second best-selling car in Europe, which made its debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, will shortly enter into production.  The popular model boasts technological and mechanical enhancements, making it an even more appealing vehicle to European buyers. 

Launched in March 2010, Original ix35 became the fastest-selling model in Hyundai’s European history, exceeding all expectations.  To date, almost 250.000 units of the C-segment SUV vehicle have been sold in Europe.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: “The introduction of Original ix35 was a hugely important moment for Hyundai in Europe, unveiling for the first time Hyundai’s European design language, fluidic sculpture.  The improvements to New ix35 will deliver real-world benefits and enhance the ownership experience for buyers in Europe through improved efficiency, driving dynamics and refinement.”

One of the most significant upgrades for New ix35 is the introduction of a new, super-efficient ‘Nu’ 2,0-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine.  The new powerplant, developed in-house at Hyundai’s European R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, offers more power and torque than the engine it replaces, 166 ps and 205 Nm (20,9 kg.m) respectively, yet is Euro5-compliant.

All existing versions of the ‘R’ 2,0-litre diesel engine are now fitted with low pressure exhaust gas recirculation (LP-EGR) system, delivering cleaner performance.  Customer choice has been further expanded by the addition of a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission for the ‘R’ 2,0-litre 136 ps 4WD model  (note that this version is not fitted with LP-EGR).

Changes made by the engineers at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre (HME TC) allow New ix35 to deliver a more dynamic driving experience, in line with European tastes.  The steering system is now quicker, providing faster response to driver inputs, while the steering assistance employs revised control logic to deliver greater feedback.  Softer front suspension mounts further reduce noise and vibration, improving driving refinement and occupant comfort. New ix35 is now also fitted with Hyundai’s FLEX STEER system.  Three driving modes – normal, comfort and sport – allow the driver to vary the level of steering support and feedback to best suit the environment.

Front parking sensors and a trailer-towing safety function for the ESC (electronic stability control) are now available, as well as Bi-Xenon headlamps, uprated LED positioning lamps and LED daytime running lights for a more secure driving experience.

Inside New ix35, higher-quality materials are evident, while the dashboard air vents are ringed in chrome and the front cup holders are illuminated.  A navigation system with larger 7-inch LCD screen is offered, while a new audio system comes with rear-view camera, displayed via a 4,3-inch TFT LCD screen. 

New ix35 is offered with newly-designed alloy wheels in 16-, 17- and 18-inch sizes, with the latter two finished in metal grey.

The New ix35 is a true European model; it was designed and developed at HME TC in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and for European markets, is manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC), the company’s modern production facility in Nošovice, Czech Republic.