As expected Hyundai confirms Frankfurt debut for ix35

Hyundai surprised noone when they announced overnight they will be giving their all-new Tucson replacement the ix35 nameplate and that it will make its public debut in Frankfurt next month.

It will be something of a home town debut for the ix35 which was designed at Hyundai’s Frankfurt design and technical centre.

Of course, you can get a sneak peak at the ix35 thanks to AUSmotive’s exclusive image captured earlier this month. A further set of unmasked ix35 images have been leaked since then, and can be seen after the jump.

UPDATE 20 August: Hyundai Australia release added below.

HYUNDAI NAMES ITS FRANKFURT STAR – THE ix35

• All-new crossover to debut at IAA on the 15th September
• Exceptional style, performance and economy
• Revised Santa Fe also on show

Hyundai will strengthen its position as one of the leading brands in the European crossover sector when it presents an all-new addition to the brand’s line-up at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The ix35 joins the C-segment to replace the successful Tucson. Alongside it will be the significantly-revised Santa Fe, which benefits from a wide range of engineering and cosmetic changes to fine-tune the driving experience and make it even more competitive versus rival 4x4s.

The ix35 represents a major step forward for Hyundai. Like the other ‘i’ models in the range, it has been conceived and engineered in Europe at the company’s Frankfurt-based design and technical centres. The newcomer embodies Hyundai’s new design language and carries over much of the confident, sweeping styling of the ix-onic concept car which starred at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

The Santa Fe too has styling revisions, but the big news is under the skin, with new powertrain, steering and suspension. Mated to the recently-launched diesel engine, codenamed ‘R’, these modifications have created a balanced and refined model, well suited to on-road and off-road driving.

Further information about ix35 and the new-look Santa Fe will be announced nearer the time of the Show.

From Hyundai Australia…

Hyundai to Reveal New SUV Range at Frankfurt Motor Show

Hyundai Motor Company will strengthen its reputation as one of the world’s leading brands when it presents an all-new addition to its SUV line-up at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The ix35 SUV (ultimately to replace the very successful Tucson) will make its world debut at the Show on the 15th September.

Alongside will be a significantly revamped Santa Fe, benefiting from a wide range of engineering and cosmetic changes to fine-tune the driving experience and make it even more competitive. The revamped Santa Fe, with a new powertrain, steering and suspension, will be released in Australia late this year, while the ix35 is expected to hit our shores in the first half of 2010.

The ix35 represents a major step forward for Hyundai. It is the first SUV to be conceived and engineered in Europe, at the company’s Frankfurt-based design and technical centres. The newcomer embodies Hyundai’s new design language – ‘fluidic sculpture’ – and carries over much of the confident, sweeping styling of the ix-onic concept car that literally ‘stole the Show’ at Geneva earlier this year.

“SUVs represent a cornerstone in our continuing sales success,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia’s Sales and Marketing Director Kevin McCann. “Since we began selling Tucson in 2004, for example, sales have totalled 28,800 units; we have a 13 per cent market share year to date. Both models have demonstrated our parent company’s expertise in producing SUVs that not only exceed customer expectations, but help shape the sector. We can’t wait to have the new models out in dealer showrooms.”

“ix35 has the potential to develop a slightly different sales base for us,” he continued. “Its sleek European lines will appeal to buyers looking for style and sophistication; people whose choice of car is a statement not only of who they are, but what their lifestyle represents – freedom, fashion and elegance.”

Further information will become available closer to the Show.