New turbodiesel fills the perfect spot in Hyundai’s ix35 range

Hyundai has added a new turbodiesel derivative to their very popular ix35 range in South Africa, combining a frugal Euro 5 emission standards engine with a well-positioned specification level that will make this addition to their SUV line-up a very lucrative offer.

The addition of the ix35 1.7 Premium with its 85 kW, 260 Nm turbocharged diesel engine expands the range of this SUV model of Hyundai Automotive South Africa to 7 derivatives. The power mill’s 1 685 cc capacity is slightly smaller than the 1 995 cc engine of its ix35 2.0 Elite turbodiesel partner in the range, but it generates more than enough power and torque, with lower emissions.

“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 turbodiesel to the South African customers, there was no hesitation. We expect this derivative to appeal to an SUV buyer who is looking for the benefits of a frugal turbodiesel 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,” says Stanley Anderson, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive SA.

“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,” says Anderson.

In the engine bay of the ix35 1.7 Premium is a four-cylinder engine that delivers 85 kW peak power at 4 000 rpm, and a solid 260 Nm peak torque in a range between 1 250 and 2 750 rpm. The engine conforms to Euro 5 emission standards that define the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in member states of the European Union. In a combined test cycle it delivers fuel consumption of 5,3 litres per 100 km, and lower CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.

An improved six-speed gearbox with slightly different ratios than that of its two-litre turbodiesel partner delivers the power to the front wheels. Its top speed has been clocked at 173 km/h, and acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes 12,4 seconds.

Attractive Fluidic Sculpture exterior

However, the new ix35 1.7 Premium derivative is not all about its engine – it is wrapped in the same attractive body that reflects the Fluidic Sculpture design theme which is to be found throughout the rest of the ix35 range as well as other Hyundai model ranges.

The front grille, with black and chrome styling, reflects the trademark hexagonal shape of the Hyundai SUV and smaller car range. The front and rear bumper and exterior mirror housings matches the body colour of the ix35 to create a pleasing and attractive exterior with the flowing lines of the Fluidic Sculpture theme. The front bumper houses fog lights that are part of the standard 1.7 Premium package.

The exterior picture is rounded off with 17-inch alloy wheels with a gun-metal finish.

High-class interior

To complement its very attractive exterior, the ix35 boasts a roomy and ergonomically well-planned cabin with a commanding view of the road and one’s surroundings. It is simply a comfortable and very pleasing vehicle to spend time in – whether it is commuting in town or going on a long cross-country trip.

The high-tech cockpit comes standard with Hyundai’s signature blue lighting, tilt and telescopic steering wheel to find the most comfortable driving position, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, electrically powered windows and door locks and remote keyless entry. The doors lock automatically at 15 km/h for added security.

The ix35 has always been known for its outstanding rear legroom, and second row passengers can also recline their seat backs for even more comfort. The ix35 1.7 Premium’s seats are covered with a combination of cloth and leather which creates a cool and comfortable feeling in the hot South African summer climate.

The dashboard air vents are finished with a silver-ringed trim, and the windscreen has a shade band, which is a welcome comfort in our harsh sunlight.

A trip computer, displayed in the middle of the instrument housing, supplies a host of information – from average fuel consumption to range left with the fuel in the tank, average speed and two trip measurements.

Third-generation audio technology

The ix35 1.7 Premium is equipped with a 160-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers. This system includes 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. The sound system plays compact discs as well as digital music files employing Bluetooth streaming audio. It also allows driver and passenger to access their personal music devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs.

Storage galore

The ix35 1.7 Premium features 19 different storage places and drinks or cup holders, including:

• A console storage tray;
• A glove box with a port to keep soft drinks cool with the help of the air conditioner;
• An overhead sunglass storage;
• An armrest storage compartment with tray;
• Two front seat drink holders;
• Two rear center armrest drink holders;
• Four bottle holders – one in each door;
• Four map pockets – one in each door;
• Two seatback pockets; and
• A cargo area storage compartment

Fun to drive

The ix35’s athletic shape is complemented with agile handling and impressive body control. The ix35 uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems for precise wheel control and a smooth ride. All four wheels are controlled by coil springs and gas-filled high-performance dampers for improved ride comfort with more body/wheel control and optimized road surface contact.

The front suspension has a 24,5 mm hollow stabilizer bar to save weight, while the rear suspension has a 17 mm solid stabilizer bar. Larger stabilizer bars help to keep the vehicle flat during cornering and help provide quick turn-in response.

Due to the suspension geometry and wide track width that enables greater turn angles, the ix35’s turning circle is 10,58 m – an advantage ix35 drivers will appreciate in their daily driving and parking.

Advanced standard safety technologies

Airbags and advanced seatbelt mechanisms forms part of a state-of-the-art passive safety system unique to the SUV market – as well as a tribute to the latest technology and Hyundai’s unwavering commitment to safety. The ix35 achieved a 5-star rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) in a 2010 crash test.

An extensive list of safety features can be found among the specifications of the ix35. They include:

• Dual advanced front and side airbags;
• Curtain airbags;
• Height-adjustable head restraints;
• Disc brakes on all four wheels;
• An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist;
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD);
• A steel unibody with integrated crumple zones;
• A high-tensile front sub-frame;
• Internal guard beams on all four doors;
• Center pillars that serve as the anchors of a ring structure;
• A body shell made stiff and light 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 pretensioners and load limiters; and
• Child-seat anchors.

Pricing

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

The prices of the ix35 range, including the new ix35 1.7 Premium turbodiesel, are:

2.0 NU Premium 6-speed manual  (petrol)	R 324 900
2.0 NU Premium 6-speed auto (petrol)	R 339  900
2.0 NU Executive 6-speed manual (petrol)	R 359 900
2.0 NU Elite 6-speed auto (petrol)	R 385 400
U1.7 Premium 6-speed manual (turbodiesel)	R 359 900
R2.0 Elite 6-speed manual (turbodiesel)	R 409 900
R2.0 Elite 6-speed auto (turbodiesel)	R 469 900

About Hyundai Motor Company:

Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is committed to becoming a lifetime partner in automobiles and beyond. The company, which leads the Hyundai Motor Group, an innovative business structure capable of circulating resources from molten iron to finished cars, offers top-quality and award-winning cars such as the Elantra and ix35. Hyundai Motor has seven manufacturing bases and seven design and technical centers outside of South Korea and in 2013, sold 4,73 million vehicles globally. With almost 100 000 employees worldwide, Hyundai Motor continues to enhance its product line-up with localized models and strives to strengthen its leadership in clean technology, starting with the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered vehicle, ix35 Fuel Cell.

More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at: http://worldwide.hyundai.com  or http://www.hyundaiglobalnews.com

About Hyundai Automotive South Africa:

Hyundai Automotive South Africa, an entity of the Hyundai Motor Company, forms part of the Associated Motor Holdings group, which is a subsidiary of the Imperial Group. Since inception, Hyundai Automotive SA has established a network of over 100 dealerships in Southern Africa, including Namibia, Swaziland and Botswana. Hyundai Automotive SA, which offers a wide range of products and maintains high customer service standards, has established a strong brand following in South Africa. Further information about Hyundai Automotive SA and its products is available at www.hyundai.co.za