The Hyundai IX35 has been produced by the Korean car company since 2004
, but it was sold under the name of Hyundai Tuscan. The IX35 name plate was only introduced for the 2009 model, Hyundai decided to drop the previous name for the European market.
The new Hyundai IX35 follows the design mantra of the smaller Hyundai cars; it has sweeping lines giving it that coupe look and keeps in line with the Fluidic sculpture design philosophy. The new model is a major step up from its predecessor, better quality materials have been used to give the IX35 a premium feel.
For the UK market the IX35 is currently available with 1 petrol engine and 3 diesels. The single petrol unit is a 1.6 litre; the diesel line up is made up of a 1.7 litre and two variants of a 2.0 litre. The small petrol engine is well suited to city and town driving it is punchy and accelerates well off the lights. For motor way miles the diesel options are better, especially the 2.0 litre models.
Like most modern day SUV models the IX35 is a Soft Roader it has been designed for tarmac roads rather than gravel and mud fields. With that in mind the IX35 offers suitable comfort, the ride is supple and the suspension absorbs a lot of the bumps.
During the EcoVelocity show last month Hyundai debuted the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) version of the IX35. The Hyundai ix35 FCEV has a driving range of 360 miles; it has a 0-62mph time of 12.8 seconds and a top speed of 100mph. The fuel cell stack can operate in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius whilst only emitting water vapour.
Hyundai UK's managing director, Tony Whitehorn, said, "We are extremely excited to be showcasing the ix35 FCEV in the UK for the first time at EcoVelocity. Hyundai is a world leader in the development of hydrogen-powered technology and is constantly researching and developing modes of transportation that use alternative fuels at the Eco-technology research institute in Mabuk, Korea.