Hyundai ix35 (i.e. the new Tucson) spotted in Sydney
The Hyundai ix35, otherwise expected to be the next U.S.-spec Tucson, was caught on a commercial shoot in Sydney, Australia. Compared to its concept progenitor, the ix-onic, the production crossover is pleasingly true to its inspiration. The ix-onic's asymmetric grill mesh has been swapped for three conventional horizontal lamellas. Elsewhere, the edge-tastic treatment of the concept has been toned down but not dispensed with altogether. The boomerang fog lights take a more open shape but still form an angled design element with the headlamps. And it's hard to tell in the original image posted by Ausmotive.com, but the possibly softer rear end seems to have a bit of a Murano-style look about it now.
Motive force (in other markets) will come from a 1.6-liter GDi turbo four-cylinder, moving the wheels through a 6-speed double-clutch transmission -- a nice bit of technology for a CUV from a the same people who brought us the unlamented Hyundai Excel. If it goes as well as it looks, Hyundai could have a winner with its new compact 'ute. Hat tip to Liam
[Source: Ausmotive.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
gefinley 12:27PM (8/09/2009)
My first thought on seeing that picture was that they'd put a Hyundai badge on a Ford Kuga. That front is bloody similar.
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XJ 1:01PM (8/09/2009)
It's obvious the ix35 took its front styling from the Hyundai Gensus concept which came out in 2006. The Ford Kuga wasn't even out then. There isn't a single line I see that's similar to Ford's Kuga.
Hyundai Genus: http://images.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/03/03/3hyun_leadimage.jpg
Ford Kuga: http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/ford_kuga_official_image005.jpg
gefinley 1:07PM (8/09/2009)
That concept looks similar to some of Ford's current design cues over in Europe as well. Both the headlights and foglights are what reminded me of at least Ford's styling, if not the Kuga.
ebleyes 1:28PM (8/09/2009)
It's true that Hyundai borrows ( euphemism for steals) from other car makers design cues, but I have to say they managed to design a beautiful car this time. There are few things that I don't like in the design provided in the link like the strange metallic plastic thing in the bottom of the doors or the strange honeycomb grill but if they provided this car with their attractive pricing and warranty the Japanese, European and american car makers better watch out.
psu48187 3:25PM (8/09/2009)
Actually Ford Kinetic Design was rolled out in 2005 at the Frankfurt Autoshow as the Iosis. The Kuga is an adaptation of that design as is the World Focus, Fiesta and Mondeo.
XJ 7:45PM (8/09/2009)
psu: Actually my points are still valid.
1) Regardless of what it was based on the Kuga did not come out before the Genus concept, which is clearly what the ix35 is getting its lines from.
2) The ix35 has no lines that are the same as the Kuga, and even less so with the Iosis, so pointing out that the Kuga came from the Iosis is a moot point. Someone would have to be drinking the Ford kool-aid to think it so.
jsjs 12:46AM (8/10/2009)
First off, the Kuga isn't that original - having a similar look to many European hatches.
Second, the ix35 has many of the design cues of the Hyundai Talus HCD-9 concept (which dates back to 2006) and QarmaQ concept (which dates back to 2007).
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/06/geneva-motor-show-hyundai-qarmaq-concept/
Third, the front of the two models don't really look much alike.
leunamme 12:35PM (8/09/2009)
I see a little Nissan Murano in the rear
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VP 12:44PM (8/09/2009)
Lower that silver strip in the middle of the grill a bit and you get the Chevy corporate look.
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sophie 4:33PM (8/09/2009)
who knew all chevy needed to do was just move that bar up a bit to make it look good. wait, just remembered the impala. nope, still doesn't work.
Autblogist! 12:51PM (8/09/2009)
I see more Volvo than anything else. That's a nice looking CUV.
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Aznauto 12:53PM (8/09/2009)
One of the best CUV's out there.
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Dan 1:59PM (8/09/2009)
The new one may be but the existing one sure isn't.
A 6 cylinder cute ute that's slowest in class against competing 4 bangers yet achieves the fuel economy of a full size Acadia is quite an accomplishment.
ASEVENSEE4 12:54PM (8/09/2009)
It appears that they are trying to hard to set their own styling language
It looks weird tho.. I can't say it's ugly just yet.
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RowFive 1:35PM (8/09/2009)
Regardless from whom it borrows styling cues, it looks good. Hyundai is on a roll, making solid vehicles now that look pretty damned nice.
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Rar 1:48PM (8/09/2009)
This car designed by Hyundai european team.,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YoQTxBsEoE
Unlike Hyundai California design tea,(fugly cars), I think Hyundai european's deisngs are good.
I like Hyundai arnejs.
http://www.carpages.co.uk/hyundai/hyundai_images/hyundai_arnejs_14_09_06.jpg
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Rar 1:51PM (8/09/2009)
Hyundai California design team = Fugly as hell
I think hyundai must withdraw their design facility from California(US).
Here is the Hyundai California designs.
http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200705/2010-hyundai-tiburon-14_460x0w.jpg
http://mydrives.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/hyundai-nuvis-concept-1.jpg
Fugly as Hell.
Aaron 2:56AM (8/10/2009)
Neither of those is ugly. Isn't the new Sonata California designed? It looks promising.
Taglane 2:28PM (8/09/2009)
Jeezus that thing is nasty. I had high hopes though.... They have enough great-looking products for me to not entirely hate them though.
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P.V. 3:24PM (8/09/2009)
I really like the new styling and hope everything else is vastly improved versus the new one....
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