Hyundai’s six of the best

New ix35 models big on styling, technology

IT HAS been a busy time for the South African motor industry with three new products launched last week and another two this week. But more about them next week.

This week we feature the newly uprated Hyundai ix35. The new ix35, the latest version of one of Hyundai’s best-selling models locally and in the global market, has made its debut in South Africa with a range of technological and styling enhancements, an improved new two-litre petrol engine and a new six-speed manual gearbox.

The original ix35 model, launched two years ago, has generated a high level of consumer demand, the company says.

A new petrol engine, gearboxes and equipment now add further refinement, enhancing the driving experience in the SUV segment. The new ix35 model range in South Africa consists of six 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 pet- rol engine and six-speed manual transmission, and, 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 turbo diesel, a six-speed automatic transmission and All-Wheel Drive.

One of the most significant upgrades for the model is the replacement of the 2,0-litre Theta II petrol engine with a new, super-efficient Nu 2-litre multi-port injection engine. The new engine offers peaks of 116kW at 6 200rpm and 192Nm at 4 000rpm. All four wheels are controlled by coil springs and gas-filled high-performance dampers for improved ride comfort with more body and wheel control and optimised road surface contact, Hyundai says.

Part of the new Hyundai ix35 package is a five-year/ 150 000km warranty; five-year/ -90 000km service plan, and five-year/ 150 000km roadside assistance. Prices are: 2.0 NU Premium 6MT2R – R319 900

2.0 NU Premium 6AT2R – R334 900

2.0 NU Executive 6MT2 – RR349 900 2.0 NU Elite 6AT2R – R369 900 R2.0 Elite 6MT2R – R389 900 R2.0 Elite 6AT4R – R449 900

DRIVING FORCE: To make the ix35 even more versatile, Hyundai engineers added an advanced electronic AWD system which is standard in the range-toppingElite 2.0 CRDi

WINDS OF CHANGE: There are a number of exterior changes to the new ix35 from new alloy wheels to restyled headlights and it comes with 150 000km warranty and five-year/90 000km service plan

SOUNDS NEW: The Hyundai ix35 is equipped with a new audio system (radio+CD+MP3) with Bluetooth and a standard Bluetooth hands-free phone system with controls on the steering wheel