Hyundai has substantially upgraded its market leading ix35 small SUV with a host of exterior, interior and mechanical updates including new direct-injection petrol engines and revised suspension.
The changes further enhance the ix35’s strong value-for-money appeal, clever interior packaging and its driveability both on-road and off – a combination that has helped the model dominate the thriving small SUV market segment.
The new ix35 Series II brings exterior upgrades including new projection headlights with LED positioning lights, aerodynamic roof rails and striking new alloy wheel designs.
Inside, there are big changes, too, including new seat upholstery on entry level Active variants, more upmarket door trims on Elite and top-spec Highlander variants, two-way adjustable split rear bench seat and more.
However, the biggest changes are under the bonnet and underneath the ix35 itself.
The ix35 Series II is powered by an all-new direct-injection petrol engine line-up with the introduction of the Nu 2.0L GDI and Theta II 2.4L GDI engines which deliver better performance and driveability.
The entry-level ix35 Series II now gets a six-speed, rather than five-speed manual gearbox, alongside the impressive six-speed automatic that is standard across the rest of the range.
Further mechanical enhancements include the incorporation of a quicker-ratio power steering system, now with 32-bit computer processing, and the adoption of improved, locally developed suspension tuning.
IN DETAIL
Locally developed, optimised suspension tune
In line with Hyundai Australia’s approach to fine-tuning suspension to suit local conditions, major suspension components including coil springs and stabiliser bars front and rear have been optimised during extensive local testing. The ix35 Series II also has changed from a solid-type sub-frame mount to a more flexible bush-type system, giving better isolation of impact harshness and vibration.
Faster, sharper steering
As part of an update to the latest Hyundai technology, the ix35 Series II’s power steering system now uses 32-bit computer processing, rather than the 16-bit system found in the original ix35. This faster processor delivers more rapid response to the driver’s steering input while also providing more feedback from the road surface. As part of the update, the steering ratio has been reduced from 2.99 to a faster 2.83 turns lock-to-lock.
New Nu and Theta fuel-injected engines
The ix35 Series II is powered by an all-new petrol engine line-up that introduces the direct-injection Nu 2.0L GDI and Theta II 2.4L GDI engines to the model, both of which deliver better performance and driveability.
The 2.0L GDI engine that powers the entry level ix35i Active and also is available in the middle-specification Elite delivers the same 122kW of power as its multipoint-injected predecessor but, thanks to direct-injection, now delivers 205Nm of torque (up 8Nm).
The direct-injected 2.4L Theta 2.4L GDI engine also has brought improved performance to the ix35 Series II Elite and Highlander variants. Power is increased to 136kW (up 6kW) while torque becomes 240Nm (a sizeable jump of 13Nm), all of which translates to stronger performance – especially at mid-range, overtaking speeds.
The 2.0L CRDi direct-injection diesel engine available in the Elite and Highlander variants retains its impressive maximum 135kW and strong 392Nm but now offers improved 7.2L/100km fuel economy.
The entry-level, two-wheel-drive-only ix35 Series II Active now steps up to a six-speed manual gearbox, rather than the five-speed ’box that was standard in the original ix35. Hyundai’s impressive six-speed automatic transmission is optional in Active and standard across the rest of the range.
Exterior changes
New aerodynamic, metal-effect roof rails are now standard on Elite and Highlander ix35s. Headlights are now projector-beam units, which give a stronger, better-focused beam than standard parabolic reflector-style headlights. New LED positioning lights are on the lower portion of the headlights on Active models and on the upper portion on Elite and Highlander variants.
The two dynamic new-design alloy wheels are 10-spoke 17-inch items on Elite variants, and dramatic five double-spoke 18-inch wheels on Highlander.
New mica-enhanced exterior colours are: Phantom Black, Remington Red, Cobalt Coast and dynamic Atomic Orange. Also available is the metallic Sleek Silver, Grey Titanium and solid Pure White.
Inner strengths
Among a host of industry-leading interior features and storage solutions, ix35 Series II brings new-design woven seat upholstery on entry-level Active and, on Elite and Highlander variants new soft-touch front and rear upper door trims give a more luxurious look and feel.
Front cupholders have been reshaped and now feature mood lighting. The newly redesigned 60/40-split rear seat now comes with two-stage reclining function, to give rear passengers more control over their level of comfort.
The ix35 Series II also gets standard Bluetooth telephone and audio streaming, six-speaker audio including tweeters, steering wheel audio controls, USB auto input with iPod compatibility, auxiliary audio input jack and rear roof-mounted aerial.
Safety first
The ix35 Series II achieves the highest 5-star ANCAP safety rating and, on Elite and Highlander variants, a rear-view camera.
Standard safety features across the three-tier ix35 Series II range include: six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
Benchmark warranty, capped-price servicing
Like all local market Hyundai vehicles, the ix35 Series II comes with Australia’s best customer care programme. iCare offers a comprehensive suite of owner benefits including; a Capped Price Service schedule for 3 years, Australia’s first 5-year Unlimited Km Warranty, a 3 year NAVTEQ™ MapCare Plan, complimentary Roadside Assist for 12 months on new vehicles, 1,500km complimentary first service, Australian Customer Care Centre available 24/7, myHyundai – exclusive owner website, magazine, customer events, and more. Visit www.hyundai.com.au/owners for full details.
Pricing
2.0L GDI (2WD) | 2.0L GDI (2WD) | 2.4L GDI (AWD) | 2.0L CRDi (AWD) | |
| Active | $26,990 | $29,190 | – | – |
| Elite | – | $33,090 | $35,490 | $38,090 |
| Highlander | – | – | $38,090 | $40,490 |
– All prices are Manufacturer’s List Price, price excludes dealer delivery and on road costs
– Metallic/Mica paint option price $595
