The 2013 Hyundai ix35 SE will become the first European-built Hyundai vehicle sold in Australia as the South Korean manufacturer seeks to diversify its line-up and find new production sources to cover strong local demand.
The Hyundai ix35 Special Edition will be sourced from Hyundai’s Nosovice plant in the Czech Republic where it will be produced alongside the Hyundai i30 Tourer wagon, which is set to reach local showrooms in the coming months.
Based on the entry-level Hyundai ix35 Active variant, the ix35 SE scores a unique front bumper and foglight design, dusk-sensing projector headlights, power folding mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels and rear window tinting.
Inside, the ix35 SE adds leather/leatherette upholstery across the seats, steering wheel and gearshift knob; a reversing camera displayed in the rear-view mirror; front and rear heated seats; and a chilled glovebox.
The Hyundai ix35 SE will be available exclusively in front-wheel-drive form, teaming the standard 122kW/197Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The ix35 special edition models will also be available in four Euro-exclusive colours: Creamy White, Sleek Silver, Steel Grey and Phantom Black.
At $29,990, the Hyundai ix35 SE costs $1000 more than the conventional Korean-built ix35 Active.
The Hyundai ix35 was the second-highest-selling small SUV in Australia in 2012. Its 11,469 units gave it a 20 per cent share of the market, and saw it trail only the Nissan Dualis (13,141) in the segment.
