The output of the new Hyundai IX35, belonging to the class of compact SUV'ov, is an important step towards the conquest of the world market leading Korean automaker.
It is hard to even imagine what positions carmaker Hyundai was a few years ago. But last year was a turning point for Hyundai - both in Australia and around the world.
To understand what is happening, it is necessary to call only one number: the Korean automaker in January 2010 Mountain sold 269,841 cars, up 50% over the corresponding period in 2009.
This is confirmed by numerous studies of the automotive market, and these data are, without doubt, a major concern the world's leading automakers - such as carmakers Toyota, General Motors and Ford.
Perhaps the best way to understand what is the company's success is to realize that Hyundai has everything to reach the top, and nothing to be among the losers. Hyundai - a beginner who is trying to overthrow the king, Hyundai - a company that is full of enthusiasm and long-term plans for the future. This can be seen every time you communicate with employees of Hyundai.
Frankly, in my heart it was very exciting when I climbed aboard the plane to fly from Brisbane to Melbourne and attend the presentation there is a new compact SUV'a Hyundai ix35.
Speaking simplistically, Hyundai ix35 - a replacement for the Hyundai Tucson. But what!
The first thing you notice looking at the Hyundai ix35, - his European features. Many companies would be happy if, in the guise of one of their cars saw a true European style. But even the strained Hyundai in this plan is not necessary, because the car was designed in Europe - namely, in the Project Center-Europe for sale in the town of Russelsheim (Germany).
One of the greatest achievements of Kia and Hyundai (subsidiaries) - is an idea to attract the best designers and engineers from companies other automakers. Peter Schreyer - a great example and the main reason why the all-new Kia look remarkably harmonious.
Hyundai Australia has attracted as a project manager ix35's Jochen Werner, a former designer of GM, which has participated in many projects of GM, as well as work on the interior of the car Opel Insignia.
A team of artists worked tirelessly over 2.5 years to create the final product, which originally bore the name of the concept Hyundai Ixonic. And he is before us - Hyundai ix35.
Although the exterior is always evaluated from a subjective point of view, I am sure that today there is hardly a person that would be the appearance of Hyundai ix35 left untouched.
The main distinguishing feature of which will soon be identified by the car brand Hyundai, is the original hexagonal lattice radiator cover, which was first announced on the concept of «ix-onic». Ix35 include both female and male car: it is not overly aggressive, but the ladies did not call him.
Moreover, slanting headlamp in a duet with low-positioned air intake give this car quite a dynamic look. The distinctive mix of food looks like on the Audi Q5 - the same harmonic and original.
Hyundai Motor has invited a group of journalists from the "Studio 1" (Melbourne) for a presentation ix35, as well as the i20, which is preparing to replace the Sonata. Overall, the program presentation in the exhibition hall Rupertsvud (Sunbury) was calculated for three hours - one hour for presentation of each of the three versions of the Hyundai ix35.
"The package of proposals" from the Hyundai ix35 begins with a version of Active 2WD, which is equipped with a 2-liter petrol engine (122 kW at 6200 rev. / Min., 197 hm of torque at 4600 rev. / Min.), 5-speed manual gearbox . Price is $ 26,990 car. This is the only option offered by the mechanics. However, this version is also available with a six-ACP, the cost is $ 28,990.
Medium version - ix35 Elite - has all-wheel drive transmission, equipped with a 2.4-liter petrol engine (130 kW at 6000 rev. / Min., 227 hm ft of torque at 4000 rev. / Min.), Has a six-speed automatic transmission and sold in Australia retails for $ 31,990.
However, the whiter seemed to me an interesting version of the 2-liter turbo diesel engine (135 kW at 4000 rev. / Min., 392 hm torque in the range 1800-2500 rev. / Min.), Which I'll write more later. This engine, along with six-speed automatic gearbox is mounted to the version of the ix35 Elite AWD - for only an additional $ 3,000, judging from the price, so to speak, the base 2.4-liter sibling, which is, as I reported, $ 31,990.
If you want to know what version of the vertex is the Hyundai ix35 Highlander AWD, available exclusively with a 2-liter diesel engine with turbocharging and six-speed automatic transmission, price - $ 37,990. Thus, there is an excellent choice for all tastes. However, the difference between the Hyundai ix35 Active 2WD and Hyundai ix35 Highlander AWD is as much as $ 11,000, but there's so to speak - on the tastes do not.
We had tested the engine in the Hyundai ix35 Highlander AWD. It is very similar to the motor in Hyundai Santa Fe R and the Kia Sorento R, is unique - it is 0.2 liters less than the volume. But you can imagine that the 135 kW gave unprepossessing 2-liter diesel engine? As, however, and 392 hm torque?
This is something! To understand the numbers, it will be useful small comparison. Thus, the 4-liter six-cylinder engine that runs on the Ford Falcon, out to the surface produces the same torque 391 hm. But its volume is 2 times more than the Hyundai ix35 Highlander AWD!!! Yes, the efficiency of engines with the Koreans today can compete except that the latest German model. And one more important detail. Although official data indicate that the Hyundai ix35 consumes 7.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, I'm sure that, if required, he may issue a more economical rate:
Hyundai ix35 to the all-wheel drive versions (Elite, Highlander) uses a system developed by Japanese company JTEKT. This system uses the vehicle in motion a complex computer sensors (by the way, is much smarter than you and me), so that they controlled the distribution of traction between the front and rear wheels in the case of, say, a slip of the leading front wheels, immediately connect the system fully bring, transferring part of the traction on the rear wheels. By the way, this all-wheel drive allows you to actively enough to save fuel, connecting with the electronic rear-wheel drive only if it is truly necessary.
However, if you do not like the idea of ??front-wheel drive, you can always lock the AWD, while the torque evenly (50/50) is distributed between front and rear axle, which will be comfortable during the entire ride on the road, the highway, covered with icing etc. Directly driving the Hyundai ix35 Highlander AWD on dirt roads, in practice, showed how much time and can be connected seamlessly wheel drive. Yet with the torque necessary to be careful not to overdo it with the gas pedal.
Nearly 400 hm torque diesel engine means that the car can climb a hill, with a complete set of cabin passengers, without the slightest strain. Not to mention the active overtaking while driving on the highway.
Next ix35, which I was lucky enough to try - version of the Elite. It was powered by a four-cylinder Theta II 2,4 liter, DOHC. In Hyundai's say that this engine will like customers in the same way as if they liked the V6, as the Theta gives no less, and even more opportunities to accelerate, but it consumes 16% less fuel than the old four-cylinder engine. 227 hm torque - is certainly serious, but the thrust (compared to the diesel version), it is a little vyalovat.
As for the Hyundai ix35 Active 2WD, four-cylinder engine equipped with a Theta II 2,0 liter and having only front-wheel drive, the big difference between this and the previous motor I had not noticed, is that the sound of a running machine at the hearing seemed to me more hysterical.
Comfort, interior decoration, the dynamics in all three variants of Hyundai ix35 were better than expected, so we can safely say that this car is the successor to a serious, though improved with the latest technology, the model Hyundai Tucson, which it replaces. For day to day city driving a better car could not be found.
Hyundai ix35 cares about your safety: 6 airbags + active front head restraints, stability control system of control, ESC + TCS + ABD + EBD, control system descending from the mountains - it is an incomplete list of occupant protection in an emergency. Thoughtful interior, second row, of course, not for basketball players, but the interior is enough space to comfortably move four from point A to point B. The front seats are comfortable, leather interior is simply admirable. Of course, in the cabin there is hard plastic used on the dashboard, but it is absolutely evident.
Unfortunately, the versions presented no satellite navigation. But let's hope that the Australian market soon will join Hyundai ix35 version and with such accessories. But we have offered support for the cars i iPod iPhone. By the way, during the tests, I connected my iPhone and several hours enjoying the beauty of music through your car stereo and simultaneously charge your phone (a feature that comes in the base Hyundai ix35, in some European cars offered as an option for $ 1000). It should be noted the excellent sound of music. Incidentally, in the version of Hyundai ix35 Highlander AWD in the database is a CD-changer for 6 CDs and a subwoofer.
Definitely, Hyundai ix35 - a model that will shake up the segment of compact SUV'ov. The car - a sample of excellent design and modern engineering. And if the recent success of Hyundai in the near future will be secured, then one of the major violin in the orchestra will play, of course, the Korean auto giant's pet - Hyundai ix35.
Hyundai IX35 Active 2WD, 2 liter, petrol
MCP-5 / ACP-6
Six airbags + active front head restraints
Control system for motion stability, ESC + TCS + ABD + EBD
Traction control system for the descent from the steep and slippery slopes (DBC)
The monitoring system recovery vgoru (HAC)
17-inch steel wheels + full reserve
Rear spoiler
Powered driver's seat
Connectors AUX & USB for iPod / iPhone
Turning to the side mirrors
Cruise control and audio system on the steering wheel
Hyundai IX35 Elite AWD, 2,4 L, gasoline / 2 liter, diesel R
ACP-6
Roof rails
Front fog lights
Auto Wake-up headlights
Leather / textile interior
The selector switch gear wheel
The grid in the luggage compartment
17-inch alloy wheels + full reserve
The button "Start" Smart key +
Hyundai IX35 Highlander AWD 2 L, R diesel
ACP-6
18-inch alloy wheels + full reserve
A panoramic glass roof
Electric mirrors
Leather upholstery
Heated front seats
The rear view camera
Dual-zone climate control
CD-changer for 6 CDs and a subwoofer