Hyundai ix35 / Tucson ix launched

Hyundai has launched the ix35 / Tucson ix in Korea

Well yes, it has been launched, but only in Korea.

We reported a few days ago on the new Hyundai Tucson – the Hyundai ix35 in Europe – but we won’t get the release in Europe until Frankfurt, although there will be more dribbles of info before then. Still, interesting to look at the ix35 launch in its home market, where it will be known as the Hyundai Tucson ix.

This is yet another car from Hyundai that will create a few waves of consternation amongst established names like Ford and VW. It is a stylish, small SUV very much in the mould of the Ford Kuga, but you can bet your Grannies garden it will be a great deal cheaper.

Hyundai has developed the ix35 in Europe, and the European /UK version will be built here. Hyundai has spent three years and a not inconsiderable £120 million developing the ix35, so it should be very much up to European standards with good built quality, high-quality materials and decent handling and performance.

Hyundai has now sent us this photo of the new European version of the ix35 (click for bigger image).

Power is expected to come from Hyundai’s latest petrol 2.0 litre Theta engine with 164bhp and a six-speed ‘box. But in this guise the ix35 will be Front wheel drive only. But there will be a full-fat 4×4 with a 2.0 litre ‘R’ diesel producing 182bhp. This unit will also be available in front wheel drive.

Hyundai has said that they will be releasing details on the UK/European versions of the ix35 on 3rd September ahead of Frankfurt.

We’ve posted the Hyundai ix35 / Tucson ix Press Release for you to view all the details.

Update: Probably as a result of details of the ix35/Tucson Korean launch hitting the Interweb this morning, Hyundai has sent us an image of the European ix35, which we’ve posted above. Click the image for a full size version of the photo.