1 Feb 2010
Following on from its success with the i30 small car, Hyundai applied the 'i' badge to its bold new compact SUV that replaced the Tucson.
A more street-oriented, upmarket vehicle with less ground clearance and a street savvy design, the new ix35 introduced a new diesel to the range as well as revised 2.0-litre and new 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engines that replaced the Tucson's old 2.7-litre V6.
In all cases, the ix35 benefited from reduced fuel consumption and increased power, with new six-speed automatic and manual transmissions.
Like with the outgoing Tucson, ix35 customers had the choice of a price-leading front-drive ix35 or could step up to the all-wheel-drive model.
Hyundai threw a full suite of safety gear at the ix35, which came as standard with electronic stability control and six airbags, including two roof mounted curtain airbags.