Hyundai ix35 launches at Frankfurt

Hyundai has revealed the European version of the ix35 – the replacement for the Hyundai Tucson – at Frankfurt.

Yes, we’ve seen lots of the Hyundai Tucson replacement – the Hyundai ix35 – after its recent launch in Korea, But you only get a feel for a car in perspective. And the perspective is very good. The ix35 is going to have a few brows wrinkling up at Ford and VW. This new Tucson replacement has moved away from the boxy Tucson of yesterday and gone for a dose of Euro-Chic. And it’s very credible.

The exterior styling is Ford Kuga by way of VW Tiguan – but somehow more convincing. With the optional 18″ wheels it looks purposeful and aggressive, but even in stock form it looks great.

Passenger comfort is well taken care of with a well thought-out cabin with lots of decent quality materials, and nice features like the panoramic roof, cooled glove-box and good connectivity. The ix35 gets push-button start and keyless entry. This is no cheapo Korean budget job. This is a a high quality European standard car.

Engine choices are a couple of petrols and a couple of diesels, with outputs from 115bhp to 184bhp. We’d steer towards the 184bhp 2.0 litre diesel with the optional six-speed auto.

Hyundai reckon they should have the first cars in the showroom by early New Year.

Form an orderly queue now.