Hyundai's six of the best

IT HAS been a busy time for the South African motor industry with three new products launched last week and another two this week. But more about them next week.

This week we feature the newly uprated Hyundai ix35. The new ix35, the latest version of one of Hyundai's best-selling models locally and in the global market, has made its debut in South Africa with a range of technological and styling enhancements, an improved new two-litre petrol engine and a new six-speed manual gearbox.

The original ix35 model, launched two years ago, has generated a high level of consumer demand, the company says.

A new petrol engine, gearboxes and equipment now add further refinement, enhancing the driving experience in the SUV segment. The new ix35 model range in South Africa consists of six derivatives – the 2.0 NU Premium with the two-litre petrol engine linked to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; the intermediate ix35 2.0 NU Executive with the two-litre petrol engine and six-speed manual transmission, and, the Elite derivatives, of which one is powered by the two-litre petrol engine and the other two by the two-litre turbodiesel. The range-topping R2.0 Elite is equipped with the two-litre turbo diesel, a six-speed automatic transmission and All-Wheel Drive.

One of the most significant upgrades for the model is the replacement of the 2,0-litre Theta II petrol engine with a new, super-efficient Nu 2-litre multi-port injection engine. The new engine offers peaks of 116kW at 6200rpm and 192Nm at 4000rpm.

All four wheels are controlled by coil springs and gas-filled high-performance dampers for improved ride comfort with more body and wheel control and optimised road surface contact, Hyundai says.

Part of the new Hyundai ix35 package is a five-year/ 150000km warranty; five-year/ -90000km service plan, and five-year/ 150000km roadside assistance.

Prices are:

2.0 NU Premium 6MT2R – R319900

2.0 NU Premium 6AT2R – R334900

2.0 NU Executive 6MT2 – RR349900

2.0 NU Elite 6AT2R – R369900

R2.0 Elite 6MT2R – R389 900

R2.0 Elite 6AT4R – R449900

- Bobby Cheetham