The 2014 Hyundai ix35 Series II has launched in Australia with a series of engine, suspension, specification and styling changes.
The updated Hyundai ix35′s 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engines gain direct injection, while the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel is enhanced with a high-efficiency alternator and variable oil pump.
Torque rises 8Nm in the 2.0-litre for peak outputs of 122kW/205Nm, and the 2.4-litre increases 6kW/13Nm to 136kW/240Nm. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel’s output remains unchanged at 135kW/392Nm.
Fuel economy has improved marginally for the 2.0-litre; previously rated at 8.5 litres per 100km on the combined cycle with either transmission, the six-speed manual is down to 8.2L/100km and the six-speed auto drops to 8.4L/100km.
Consumption of the auto-only 2.4-litre petrol has actually increased from 9.2L/100km to 9.8L/100km, while the diesel falls 0.3L/100km to 7.2L/100km.
The Hyundai ix35 Series II is available in four grades: the Korean-made Active, Elite and Highlander, and the European-made SE. The entry-level Active starts from $26,990 and is available exclusively with the 2.0-litre engine. It’s fitted with 17-inch steel wheels, a five-inch touchscreen, cruise control, air conditioning and rear parking sensors (but still no reversing camera).
For an extra $3900, the Elite adds 17-inch alloys,fog lamps, partial-leather upholstery, leather steering wheel and gearknob, seven-inch screen with satellite navigation,reversing camera, push-button start, climate control, and power driver’s seat with lumbar support.
Upgrading to the 2.4-litre petrol engine and from front- to all-wheel-drive adds $2400 to the price of the Elite.
The top-spec Highlander commands a $2600 premium over the Elite and gains 18-inch alloys, full leather upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof and power-folding side mirrors.
The Hyundai ix35 SE is based on the Active model but gains 17-inch alloys, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, reversing camera, chilled glovebox, fog lamps and power folding side mirrors. It costs $30,990 for the front-wheel-drive 2.0-litre petrol and $35,990 for all-wheel-drive diesel.
All models scored the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating and are covered by Hyundai’s three-year capped-price servicing program and a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty.
