Hyundai's new iX35 soft-roader will target the Ford Kuga with keen pricing that could undercut the Ford by up to £3000, Autocar has learned.
Hyundai will replace its Tucson model with an all-new car that will be bigger, wear sharper-looking bodywork and have a higher-quality cabin as part of a move upmarket.
See the Hyundai iX35 image gallery here
Based on an i50-derived platform, the iX35 also promises better dynamics and refinement, which it will need to rival the Kuga.
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Hyundai plans to simplify its range of soft-roaders, probably importing only two-wheel-drive versions and cutting the number of trim levels to two.
The iX35 will be pitched as an urban car, rather than an outdoor 4x4, and Hyundai may also push its European link. It will be built at Hyundai/Kia’s Slovakia plant.
Engines are tipped to be a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel. The diesel is said to be a new powerplant unrelated to the 2.0 CRDi from the i30.
It’s likely the iX35 will be launched at the Frankfurt show in September, with UK sales kicking off in spring 2010. Prices will rise slightly, but possibly range from £14,500 to £18,500.
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