Hyundai Launches Tucson ix in S. Korea; European, N. American Versions to Come
By Scott Doggett August 25, 2009
Hyundai Motor Co.'s all-new Tucson ix, a compact SUV that's more fuel efficient than its popular predecessor, went on sale in South Korea today following 36 months and $225 million in development.
The vehicle, which will be named the ix35 outside South Korea, comes with a choice of 2-liter engines: either the all-new 184-horsepower diesel R or the 166-horsepower gasoline Theta-II. Both are fitted with Hyundai's all-new six-speed automatic transmission for improved fuel economy.
Hyundai said the diesel engine meets the Euro-5 emissions standards and in the Tucson ix achieves 35 miles per gallon, while the version fitted with the gasoline engine achieves 26.5 mpg. The diesel version is offered in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, while the gasoline variant is available only in front-wheel-drive.
Named after a city in Arizona, the Tucson has been one Hyundai's most popular models, with more than 1 million units sold worldwide since its launch in 2004.
The Korean-market Tucson ix is built in the Ulsan plant, while the European edition ix35 will be built in Europe with production and sales commencing in Europe early next year, the automaker said in a statement.
Full details about European powertrains, trim levels and option packages will be announced September 3rd on the eve of the 2009 Frankfurt auto show. North American specifications will be announced at the Los Angeles auto show later this year.
Hyundai said it is aiming for sales of 16,000 units of the new Tucson ix this year in the Korean market and 40,000 units annually starting next year. From 2011, Hyundai said it predicts the vehicle's sales to reach 300,000 units globally, with 260,000 units sold in the overseas market.
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