Hyundai IX35 2012 News

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its latest round of safety recalls, with models from Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Mazda, Toyota and Ford affected.

HYUNDAI is recalling every ix35 -- Australia's biggest-selling small SUV -- made over the past three years. The South Korean car maker is recalling 32,525 examples of its ix35 built from January 2011 to December 2013 because the airbag in the steering wheel may not be secured properly and the horn may not work.It is the second recall for the same model so far this year and part of a global recall of more than 137,500 Hyundai vehicles announced last week. In January, Hyundai recalled 6193 of its ix35 SUVs due to a potentially faulty seatbelt pre-tensioner.A statement from Hyundai about the latest safety issue said: "An incorrectly tightened bolt could result in the misalignment of the airbag module, possibly affecting its deployment, and could also affect the operation of the horn."Hyundai says there have been no reported incidents in Australia but customers may notice a rattle in the steering wheel. "It will not cause the airbag to deploy unintentionally," says the Hyundai Australia statement. "(But) the effectiveness of the airbag could be reduced if the bolt is not tightened properly."A safety bulletin has been published on recalls.gov.au and Hyundai customers will be notified by mail in the coming days to have their cars checked free of charge and the bolts tightened if necessary. During preliminary inspections only four vehicles have needed to have their airbag bolts tightened, the company says.In April 2013, Hyundai called 227,000 cars back to dealers to fix a faulty brake light switch that affected eight models, most of its range, after News Corp Australia exclusively unearthed the fault 15 months earlier.But that incident was not documented on recalls.gov.au because Hyundai successfully argued with authorities that potentially faulty brake lights were "not a safety issue" and the repairs could be done as a "dealer service campaign".In its formative years Hyundai refused to issue a recall even after the front suspension assembly of 46 Hyundai Excel cars collapsed while in traffic and/or on the move in 1998.The latest Hyundai ix35 safety campaign is the 33rd vehicle recall so far this year, including one for nine different types of Aston Martin models.The biggest recalls so far this year were Toyota's bulletins issued in April which affected almost 300,000 vehicles: 118,600 Yaris small cars because the seats could slide forward and 179,000 HiLux utilities for a potential airbag failure.Weird car recalls:Land Rover: "assorted models" recalled because the indicators don't flash enough times with one touch (May 2014)Chinese Foton ute: 316 vehicles recalled to replace the wheel jack (May 2014)Aston Martin: all models made between 2007 and 2013 recalled because the accelerator pedal arm may break (January 2014)Ford Falcon LPG sedan: 372 vehicles recalled because the wrong size wheels were fitted (February 2013)Great Wall Motors utes: 23,000 vehicles recalled because some gaskets contained asbestos (August 2012)Holden Commodore ute: 34,432 vehicles recalled because the tailgate could pop open (July 2010)This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling 

Hyundai has recalled its popular ix35 for a production defect on the tensioning cable in the seatbelt pretensioner, with insecure crimping meaning the cable could be unleashed and injure occupants or fail to offer full seatbelt restraint in an accident.The recall affects 6552 of the top-selling small Hyundai SUV, which last year led its segment with 19,098 sales -- overtaking the 2012 leader Nissan Dualis with a resounding distance to its 12,434.  The build dates affected by the recall from August 23, 2011 to 24 February, 2012, and the VIN number range is  KMHJT81BLCU373966 to KMHJU81VSCU485865. The VIN number can be found on the build plate in the engine bay.Hyundai says the defect has not been responsible for any injuries in Australia, and that the seatbelts will still continue to operate and protect occupants in the meantime. "There have been no incidents here yet," Hyundai spokesman Guido Schenken told Carsguide. "The defect only affects the pretensioner, so the rest of the seatbelt mechanism works fine. The fix will take about 30 minutes at the most."Hyundai is notifying affected owners by letter, instructing them to return their ix35 to the nearest dealership, where the seatbelt pretensioner will be replaced.  

Hyundai has released Trophy versions of the i30, ix35 and Elantra with a package of additional features worth around $2000, plus special driveaway deals, with prices rising between $400 and $1800 over the non-driveaway list figures for the Active spec versions the upgraded vehicles are based on. The i30 Trophy gets leather-trimmed seats, five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels and electric folding side mirrors, with the prices rising from $400 to $1500 over the equivalent Active variant. The Elantra sedan Trophy scores the wheels and leather trim plus a premium steering wheel and gear-knob, with prices up $900 to $1200 on the Active versions. The 2WD ix35 Trophy with manual transmission misses out on the goodies package, but the automatic version gets the folding mirrors, leather trim, premium steering wheel and gear knob, but larger  triple-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, front foglamps, automatic dusk-sensing headlights, chilled glove box and an electrochromatic rearview mirror with integrated reversing camera for an extra $1800 over the Active.   PRICING     This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott

Hyundai's ix35 tops the small SUV sales charts, and the Korean carmaker is keen to keep it ahead of the pack. To that end, it's just been given a mid-life update with revised petrol engines, steering and suspension, and some extra features and cosmetic touches. The 135kW/392Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine continues in the all-wheel drive mid-spec Elite and top-spec Highlander levels with 7.2l/100km fuel economy. But the line-up gets new direct-injected petrol four-cylinders: the 122kW/205Nm 2.0-litre adapted from the i40; and a 136kW/240Nm 2.4-litre. Powering the two-wheel drive versions of the ix35, claimed fuel economy for the 2.0-litre is 8.2L/100km with the six-speed manual (base Active spec only) and 8.4L/100km for the six-speed auto, an improvement of 0.3 and 0.1L. However the all-wheel drive auto-only 2.4-litre has a fuel figure of 9.8L/100km -- a rise of 0.6L. Hyundai says the ix35 has undergone comprehensive local tuning of the suspension and steering to better match them to Australian conditions. Main exterior changes are the revamped headlight clusters, metal-finish roof rails and new 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, while the cabin gets a reclining rear seatback, new cloth upholstery for Active and soft-touch trim for other grades. The drive launch is next week -- check back for our verdict -- however the ix35 Series II is already on sale, with the entry level manual Active two-wheel drive carrying over its $26,990 price tag but increases of $200 to $400 for other spec levels. Hyundai ix35 Series II range Hyundai ix35 Series II 2WD Active 2.0 (man) $26,990 Hyundai ix35 Series II 2WD Active 2.0(auto) $29,190 Hyundai ix35 Series II 2WD Elite 2.0(auto) $33,090 Hyundai ix35 Series II AWD Elite 2.4 (auto) $35,490 Hyundai ix35 Series II AWD Elite CRDi (auto) $38,090 Hyundai ix35 Series II AWD Highlander 2.4 (auto) $38,090 Hyundai ix35 Series II AWD Highlander CRDi (auto) $40,490 Hyundai ix35 Special Edition 2.0 (auto) $30,990 Hyundai ix35 Special Edition CRDi (auto) $35,990 This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott  

They were handed over during the opening ceremony of Denmark's first hydrogen refuelling station and are the first hydrogen-powered vehicles manufactured on a production line to be introduced in Europe. Hyundai has been a world leader in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology ever since research into its first fuel cell began in 1998. The ix35 Fuel Cell produces no harmful tailpipe emissions, only water vapour, and so its use will help the city of Copenhagen achieve its aim of becoming carbon-neutral by 2025. “We are potentially looking at getting the fuel cell Hyundai ix35 in Australia, however we have no time frame yet because the vehicle is only produced in left hand drive," Hyundai’s Australia spokesman Guido Schenken says. "The ix35 is the first step in fuel cell vehicles for Hyundai, so production is limited.”  The ix35 Fuel Cell is equipped with a 100kW electric motor, and can reach a maximum speed of 160km/h. Two hydrogen storage tanks, located between the vehicle's rear axle, with a total capacity of 5.64kg, enable the vehicle to travel a total of 594km on a single fuelling. Filling the storage hydrogen tanks to maximum capacity takes just a few minutes. Since 2011, Hyundai has deployed prototypes of its third-generation ix35 Fuel Cell in a wide range of initiatives to raise awareness of hydrogen's benefits as an automotive fuel; to support the drive for establishing a pan-European refuelling infrastructure; and to demonstrate the cars' real-world practicality to public and private organisations.

Hyundai has apologised for a commercial that shows a man trying to kill himself by piping emissions into his car. The 60-second ad was intended to be used in the UK, and shows the suicide bid failing because the ix35 SUV model used – a fuel-cell model not sold in Australia -- does not produce harmful emissions. Hyundai said it did not order or approve the “offensive” ad, and apologised for it appearing. “Hyundai Motor deeply and sincerely apologises for the offensive viral ad,” the Korean carmaker said in a statement. “It runs counter to our values as a company and as members of the community. We are very sorry for any offense or distress the video caused. More to the point, Hyundai apologizes to those who have been personally impacted by tragedy.” The ad was created by Innocean, a global agency that handles most advertising for Hyundai and its stablemate Kia, and is owned by the auto group’s chairman Chung Mong-koo and his family. The ad sparked outrage on social media, with one of the widest-spread responses being from UK copywriter Holly Brockwell, who posted an open letter to Hyundai --showing the handwritten note left by her father before he committed suicide in his car  – and describing her emotional reaction to the ad. "My dad never drove a Hyundai. Thanks to you, neither will I," she wrote. * Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.  

Hyundai has slotted a fourth model into its ix35 range of small SUVs. Based on the 2.0-litre two-wheel drive entry level Active model, the $29,990 ix35 SE is the first model to be sourced from Europe. It offers a raft of convenience, comfort, and style elements previously unavailable in the Active model. Available in a limited range of fashionable colours, the nose features a unique front bumper with in-set fog lamps, projector headlamps with dusk sensors, and power folding side mirrors. Smart 17 inch alloys and solar control glass with rear privacy tint add a touch of European chic to the exterior presence. A stylish new interior treatment features full leather/leatherette trim including seats, steering wheel, and gear shift knob. Front and rear heated seats will provide additional comfort for all occupants, and the glove box is cooled. The SE also adds a rear-view camera displayed in the electro-chromatic rear-view mirror. For occupant comfort, the ix35 SE provides a comprehensive multimedia package including; 5 inch touch screen AM/FM radio with integrated Bluetooth, media streaming and hands free, six-speakers including tweeters, AUX and USB audio input with iPod compatibility, and an MP3 / WMA / CD player.  

More go for less dough -- at least at the fuel pump -- is the basis for Hyundai's renewed compact SUV. Due here in the third quarter of this year, the reinvigorated ix35 -- the first of Hyundai's new wave of alpha-numeric models to reach middle age -- does away with its obsolete entry level petrol engine and gets fixtures from the 2012 model Santa Fe. A Europe-made direct injection 2.0-litre replaces the thrashy ancient Theta-II. A new turbo diesel four is also promised. The so-called Flexisteer is adapted from the bigger SUV, a three mode system which in Carsguide's estimation provides little real feel in any setting. Upper specification models get bi-xenon headlights and lusher interiors. While Hyundai is keeping details under wraps until the ix35's unveiling at the Geneva motor show, it is certain that the next entry $26,990 model will easily surpass the current car's 122kW/197Nm and poor 8.5L/100km. The first of Hyundai's "made for Europe" models, it is notable for debuting the Korean carmaker's fluidic design gambit, a striking look that has helped underwrite the brand's success there and in Australia. But though a hit there and here, the Hyundai has been overshadowed by smaller cousin Kia's Sportage. All but a twin under the skin, the Peter Schreyer designed compact SUV benefits from a through local adaptation program led by Graham Gambold which results in bespoke suspension and steering setting. So successful has the Kia precedent proved, Hyundai will adopt a similar approach with the ix35.  

As the eldest in our family, I was a bit like Hyundai. I had some good ideas, and I got there first, but Keith always managed to take what I'd begun and improve things.When I started as a paperboy I was happy to clear around $20 a week, but he lifted that to more than $40 on the same route and put it all in the bank. No frippery or splashing on motor magazines, that's for sure. He was also way better at anything practical, tougher on a football field, and first to head out from home.Just last week I was driving the new Hyundai Sante Fe and was impressed by the design, space, quality and seven-seater practicality. The steering felt wonky and the ride was floppy, but all-in-all it was a very impressive thing. This week I'm in the latest Kia Sorento and almost the same as the Sante Fe - no surprise there, since they're among the Hyundai-Kia clone cars - but a bit better.I think the driver's seat sits way too high for comfort and control, but the Sorento's suspension is massively better and the steering is good. It also feels more 'together' and a little quieter, and the extra refinement in the Sorento means I will always recommend it ahead of the Santa Fe.It's much the same as the Kia Sportage, which I prefer over the Hyundai ix35, the Kia Rio that trumps the Hyundai i20 - and currently holds the Carsguide Car of the Year crown - and the mid-sized Optima which is way better than either the i40 or i45 from Hyundai.Look at the sales figures this year and Hyundai is up by 4.9 per cent over 2011, holding fourth in the charts. Kia is only 11th, but its numbers are up by 26.9 per cent. Kia has the obvious advantage of building up from the basics set by Hyundai in everything from cabin size to engines, but it scores with the styling work by design ace Peter Schreyer and it also has Aussie suspension guru Graeme Gambold on the books.The Schreyer-Gambold double-punch lands every time, which could partly explain a major change at Hyundai that put former Holden marketing boss John Elsworth into the driving seat this week. He's going to lead a more locally-focussed management team tasked to deliver what Australians want in their cars, while holding the prices and value at the level Australians expect from Korean.'He could do a lot worse than to take a look, and a drive, in something with a Keith - sorry, Kia - badge.