Diesel Hyundai ix35 SE Czechs in
BY TIM NICHOLSON | 21st Mar 2013
Previously, the cheapest diesel in the ix35 line-up was the mid-spec Elite that retails for $37,590, but the addition of the SE (Special Edition) diesel brings it down to $34,990.
In January this year, the South Korean car-maker introduced the Czech-built SE in front-wheel drive petrol guise for $29,990, slotting in between the entry-level Active on which it is based and the Elite.
Coming standard with all-wheel drive, the ix35 SE is powered by Hyundai’s R-series CRDi turbo diesel that produces 135kW of power and 392Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Official combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
Features that differentiate the SE from the Korean-sourced variants include a unique front bumper with fog lamps, automatic projector headlights, power folding side mirrors, rear privacy glass and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The SE cabin gets some additional goodies such as a cooled glove box, heated seats front and rear and leather/leatherette upholstery including leather trim for the steering wheel and gearshift knob.
A multimedia package is also included, with a five-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth audio, six speakers and auxiliary audio and USB inputs.
The ix35 comes with a five-star ANCAP safety rating and standard safety features include a reversing camera display in the interior mirror, six airbags, hill start assist, and downhill brake control.
Hyundai’s Australian arm announced in January that it would source the ix35 SE from the Czech Republic because of favourable exchange rates and to help alleviate supply constraints out of South Korea.
It followed the announcement last year that Hyundai would introduce the Czech-sourced i30 Tourer, despite initially saying it was too expensive to bring in the European-built wagon to Australia.
Hyundai revealed a mildly facelifted version of the ix35 at the Geneva motor show earlier this month, and plans to bring it to Australia in the second half of the year.
The update will come with an all-new 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that will be more powerful and more economical than the current Theta II unit and will include local tuning for the steering and suspension.
With 2835 units sold so far this year, the ix35 is currently the top-selling small SUV under $40,000 in Australia, beating the Nissan Dualis that has sold 2582 to the end of February.
| Hyundai ix35 SE pricing* | |
| FWD 2.0L petrol (a) | $29,990 |
| AWD 2.0L diesel (a) | $34,990 |
