We’ve scooped a brace of spy shots showing the next generation of Hyundai 4x4s – a facelifted Santa Fe and the iX35, the all-new successor to the Tucson. Both will use Hyundai’s high performance ‘R’ turbodiesel engines and the choice of a manual or new automatic six-speed ‘box.
The new Hyundai iX35 is wearing a big black duvet! What does it look like under the covers?
It’s largely derived from the iX-onic concept shown at Geneva in March 2009, including the snake-eye side glass profile (which has been obscured at the rear on this mule) and at least some of the muscle on the wings. The production car’s windscreen is more conservative and doesn’t reach right up to the roofline like that of the iX-onic, and the roof itself has been given ridges like a proper off-roader. Or a van.
What’s high performance about Hyundai’s ‘R’ diesel engines?
The facelifted Santa Fe will get both 2.0-litre and 2.2-litre four-cylinder powerplants, while the iX35 will be available only with the 2.0 litre at launch. Both units are all-aluminium and produce around 90bhp per litre and 145lb ft per litre, nearly 20% up on both counts against the diesel engines from BMW’s X3 and X5.
The iX35 is expected to produce less than 160g/km of CO2, which is great news for company car drivers who might fancy the plush interior and usual Hyundai gadget-fest. Smaller engines will be added to the iX35 range later, including a turbocharged petrol 1.6, which should produce around 170bhp and just 140g/km of CO2.
>> Click ‘Next’ to read more on the Hyundai iX35 and Santa Fe
A six-speed automatic transmission. Have they borrowed that from Toyota?
How dare you! Hyundai has developed the self-shifter inhouse and is rolling it out across the range. Both lighter and smaller than previous Hyundai five-speed auto ‘boxes, the new transmission is said to improve acceleration and economy.
What else can we expect on the new iX35?
An insider told us to anticipate something between a smaller Lexus RX300 and a posher Nissan Qashqai – with Hyundai’s highest quality interior to date. There will be a choice of two- or four-wheel drive. The iX35 will be put together at the Slovakian plant Hyundai shares with Kia, and will be ready to launch in the spring of 2010, with smaller engines joining the range towards autumn.
How will I spot the new Santa Fe?
With difficulty. The new model will have a slightly more aggressive face than the current Santa Fe, largely thanks to new black foglight surrounds which are angled-in, complemented by revised, curvier lines between the wheelarch and the nose. The colour-coded grille in these photos is new, but we’re told to expect a different design when the car finally lands in UK showrooms.
Even subtler styling changes are applied to the side mouldings and rear bumper. The Santa Fe’s cabin will also be refreshed, with additional equipment such as keyless go.
The new look Santa Fe will go on sale in November or December 2009.