The Hyundai ix35 is a compact crossover SUV produced by Beijing Hyundai while the predecessing Hyundai Tucson was sold in China alongside as a cheaper alternative next to the Hyundai ix35 (international second generation Hyundai Tucson). The ix35 name was introduced by Hyundai in 2009 with the launch of the second generation Tucson crossover, but only outside South Korea and North America. From 2015, with the introduction of the third generation model, the model was again sold as the Tucson. In China, Beijing Hyundai kept the ix35 as an independent model, due to its high demand. As a result, the Tucson and ix35 crossovers were sold alongside in the same market.[1]

Hyundai ix35
Overview
ManufacturerHyundai
Also calledHyundai Tucson (2010–2017)
Production2010–2023
Body and chassis
ClassCompact crossover SUV
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive or Front-engine, four-wheel drive
Chronology
SuccessorHyundai Mufasa

First generation (LM; 2010)

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The first generation Chinese market Hyundai ix35 was the same as the European version (known by the project name LM) unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show[2][3] and commenced production in April 2010.

A facelift was launched in August 2013 with the updated design being the same version sold in South Korea, while different from the rest of the world.[4] Price of the post-facelift first generation ix35 starts at 149,800 yuan and ends at 222,800 yuan in China. Engines powering the ix35 in China is a 160hp 2.0-liter Nu engine and a 170hp 2.4-liter Theta engine.[5]

Second generation (NU; 2017)

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Second generation
 
Overview
Model codeNU
Production2017–2023
AssemblyChina: Beijing (Beijing Hyundai)
Body and chassis
RelatedKia Sportage (NP)
Powertrain
Engine2.0 L Nu I4 (petrol)
Transmission6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,640 mm (103.9 in)
Length4,485–4,500 mm (176.6–177.2 in)
Width1,850 mm (72.8 in)
Height1,680 mm (66.1 in)

The Hyundai ix35 II was revealed on the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show in China, it was available to the Chinese car market in Q3 2017.[6] The Hyundai ix35 II is based on the original Hyundai ix35, and retains the 160 hp 2.0L engine with an additional 130 hp 1.4L turbo engine as an option. In China, the third generation Hyundai Tucson in foreign markets (second generation of the Tucson to use the ix35 name outside of China) was sold alongside as the successor of the first generation Hyundai Tucson.[7][1]

In terms of sales, in 2018, 139,659 units were sold, and in 2019, 131,894 units were delivered. However, the sales of the first seven months of 2020 is only 31,710 units.[1]

2020 facelift

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A facelift for the 2021 model year was unveiled during the 2020 Guangzhou Auto Show. The post-facelift second generation ix35 for China features redesigned front and rear ends extending the vehicle length to 4,500 mm (177.2 in), adding an extra 15 mm (0.6 in) to the pre-facelift model.[1] Engines and transmission options remains the same as the pre-facelift model. The Hyundai emblem on the rear was replaced with spelled-out Hyundai lettering with big spacing resembling newer Volvo, Lexus, and Škoda models.[8]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Chinese Hyundai ix35 will radically change its image – DRIVE". Archived from the original on November 27, 2020.
  2. ^ Edmunds Used Car Guide, http://www.edmunds.com/used-cars/ (retrieved 28 July 2015).
  3. ^ Abuelsamid, Sam (2009-08-18). "Frankfurt Preview: Hyundai officially teases the new Tucson *UPDATED". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-09-26.
  4. ^ Wang, Joey (2013-08-15). "采用新家族外观 实拍北京现代新款ix35". autohome.com.cn. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
  5. ^ Wang, Joey (2017-04-19). "Hyundai Launches The ix35 Compact SUV On The Shanghai Auto Show". carnewschina.com. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
  6. ^ "Hyundai Launches The ix35 Compact SUV On The Shanghai Auto Show". 19 April 2017.
  7. ^ "2020 Hyundai Tucson facelift revealed for China".
  8. ^ "2020广州车展探馆:新款北京现代ix35".