Hyundai ix35 to replace Tucson

Hyundai is the latest to unveil its latest concept-to-production off-roader ahead of one of the motoring industry's biggest events. The newest Hyundai will replace the Tucson compact off-roader next year with an all-new model to be badged as the ix35.

As with Hyundai's other `i' models, the ix35 introduces the Korean brand's a new `ix' model prefix with the `x' indicating its four-wheel drive potential. Visually the ix35's styling closely follows the ix-onic concept car shown at this year's Geneva motor show.

The production version is faithful to the concept with its distinctly European look, which is not surprising considering it was designed and engineered at Hyundai's German technical centre in Russelsheim.

In keeping with its up-market demeanor, the off-roader is also tipped to get a panoramic sunroof, rearview camera as well as safety equipment like hill descent control and hill-start assist control.

The ix35 is tipped to get both petrol and diesel engines, mated to a new six-speed automatic. Both front and all-wheel drive models are also expected to be available.

The ix35 will be joined at Frankfurt by the face-lifted Santa Fe seven-seater, which arrives here later this year. The Santa Fe has received a modest nip-and-tuck but the biggest news is under the skin.

Apart from the existing petrol V6 engine, in many markets the Santa Fe will be available with Hyundai's new `R' diesel engine lineup, a 137kW/329Nm 2.0-litre and 150kW/436Nm 2.2-litre four cylinder. Apart from drivetrain upgrades, the car is also expected to have voice-activated Bluetooth, smart access with push-button ignition, active headrests, and a rear-view mirror with back-up camera.