Hyundai Launches ix35 Compact SUV in Korea

MACQUARIE PARK, UNITED KINGDOM – August 28, 2009: Hyundai Motor Company’s all-new Tucson replacement has been officially unveiled. To be known as ‘ix35’ in Australia and Europe, and ‘Tucson ix’ in South Korea, the compact sports utility vehicle has sweeping coupe-like lines, a premium vehicle feel and comes with many new features. With the start of sales in the Korean market, Hyundai aims to set the trend for the segment and regain sales leadership in the compact SUV market.

Its revolutionary features begin with the exterior styling which is based on the bold ix-onic concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The power output, fuel-efficiency, comfort and safety features have been all upgraded over the Tucson, which ix35 will ultimately replace. Known by the project name LM, it took 36 months and 280 billion won (approx. AUD$268 million) to develop.

ix35 is launched with either a 2.0 litre all-new Diesel R engine or 2.0 litre Theta-II petrol engine and is fitted with Hyundai’s all-new six-speed automatic transmission. The Diesel engine achieves 6.5 litres per 100 km fuel economy with maximum power output of 137 kW. The petrol engine has a fuel economy of 8.6 litres per 100 km fuel economy with a maximum power output of 124 kW*.

Named after a city in the U.S. state of Arizona, Tucson has been one of the most popular Hyundai models with more than 1 million units sold worldwide since its launch in 2004.

Hyundai is aiming for sales of 16,000 units of the ix35 / Tucson ix this year in the Korean market and 40,000 units annually starting next year. From 2011, Hyundai predicts sales will reach 300,000 units globally, with 260,000 units sold in overseas markets.

“Hyundai continues to broaden its footprint and the ix35 will widen the range of equipment levels offered to the growing number of affluent customers in the compact SUV segment,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia’s Sales and Marketing Director Kevin McCann. “We will be able to prove our mix considerably with it.”

The ix35 compact SUV will be displayed at the 2009 IAA in Frankfurt in September. Full details about Australian specifications will be announced at the local launch in the first half of next year.