2010 Hyundai iX35 SUV teaser photos released

Hyundai has revealed teaser photos of the 2010 Hyundai ix35 SUV that will be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Hyundai iX35 teaser photo

The 2010 Hyundai iX35 SUV is a replacement for the Tucson and is similar to the Hyundai ix-onic concept that was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, early this year.

The 2010 Hyundai iX35 SUV will be Hyundai’s first SUV to be built entirely in Europe at the company’s Frankfurt-based design and technical centres.

Photo: Hyundai iX35 teaser

“SUVs have been a cornerstone of our success for many years and have helped to raise awareness of the Hyundai brand in Europe,” says Allan Rushforth, Vice-President of Hyundai Motor Europe.

He also said that the company has demonstrated its expertise in producing SUVs, with the Tucson SUV, “which not only meet consumer expectations but also help to shape the sector itself.”

“Building on these strong foundations, we expect to capitalize on the growing market demand for compact SUVs with the introduction of the new ix35 – an efficient, Europe-focused model with real showroom appeal, ” he said.

He further added that the 2010 Hyundai iX35 will join the ix55 and revised Santa Fe in a new-look range of SUVs, “supporting the significant growth in market share we have achieved this year.”

2010 Hyundai iX35 SUV leaked official photo

Meanwhile some other official photos of the Hyundai iX35 SUV, that have been leaked on the internet, confirm that the 2010 Hyundai iX35 SUV looks like the ix-onic concept.

Autocar has quoted a source saying that, “The European car will get a more dramatic front end and will have a ‘bling’ factor that isn’t present in the US and Korean version. Although it won’t be as extreme as the ix-onic concept, it will have a different, more extreme front end.”

The source was also quoted as saying that the Hyundai iX35 SUV will take on the Nissan Qashqai and will offer customers a choice between both front and four-wheel drive.

Reports say that the 2010 Hyundai iX35 SUV is based on a platform that would also be used for the next generation Kia Sportage.

The company will pitch the 2010 Hyundai iX35 as a car for on-road use rather than as an off-roaders. Hyundai expects the front-wheel drive to account for around 95 per cent of the car’s sales.

“We want people to look at a mid-spec Focus or Golf and think that they can get a better equipped, higher-quality and more spacious product for the same money,” Autoblog quoted its source as saying.

Customers will also be able to choose between three engine options, including a 140HP 1.6 liter petrol, a 175HP 1.6 liter turbo as well as a 2.0 liter turbo diesel with a 184HP output figure.

There is not much that can be deduced about the interiors of  the 2010 Hyundai iX35, from the one interior picture available. Though, one can make that the 2010 Hyundai iX35 SUV will have deep-set dials from the ix-onic concept.

The Hyundai ix-onic concept had plush interiors with an X-shaped visual theme with embossed leather to highlight key areas. The ice blue floor carpet has a high percentage of natural cashmere wool, according to the company.

The Hyundai ix-onic concept’s interior also has a rear-view mirror with a blind spot warning light.

The Hyundai ix-onic showcased a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection 168bhp petrol engine with ISG (Idle Stop & Go) technology. The engine is said to emit 149g/km of CO2 emissions.

The car will be available in mid-2010, in Europe, and is expected to be priced at around £16,000.

The 2010 Hyundai iX35 will be launched in India at a later point in time.