Hyundai ix35 upgrade offers enhanced drive

The ix35 is an upgrade of one of Hyundai’s best-selling models locally and in the global market.

The new petrol engine and gearbox add refinement and enhance the driving experience of this popular sports utility vehicle. So does the new equipment.

In South Africa, the new ix35 model range will offer six derivatives. The 2.0 NU Premium with the 2.0 litre petrol engine can be linked either to a six-speed ma-nual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The intermediate ix35 2.0 NU Executive will have the 2.0 litre petrol engine and six-speed ma-nual transmission. Then there are the Elite derivatives – one powered by the 2.0 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. Other derivatives are driven through the front wheels only.

The replacement of the 2.0 litre Theta II petrol engine with a new, super-efficient Nu 2.0 litre Multi-Port Injection engine is a significant upgrade. The new engine offers an even delivery of power and torque, peaking at 116kW at 6 200rpm and 192Nm at 4 000rpm.

The entry-level ix35 Premium, the Executive package and the three Elite derivatives come with options for every budget.

Exterior changes include new alloy wheels and restyled headlights, featuring a bi-function projection type halogen headlamp and LED type positioning lamp. The Premium derivative runs on new 17-inch alloy wheels; the Executive and Elite come with 18-inch alloys. The whole range has a new body-coloured front grille.

In addition, the new Executive and Elite derivatives now include Hyundai’s Flex Steer three dri-ving modes system. They are also fitted with a new 4.2-inch TFT Supervision Cluster, which displays a wide range of information in high-resolution clarity to the driver.

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.