Following the outstanding success of its top-of-the-range ix35 Highlander AWD R-Series turbo diesel model, Hyundai Motor Company Australia is introducing a new ix35 Highlander AWD petrol engine variant.

Already available in the mid-trim ix35 Elite AWD model, the new 2.4-litre petrol Highlander expands the current line-up in the Hyundai 5-star ANCAP safety rated ix35 range. The rapid success of ix35 has seen it move to third best selling Compact SUV in Australia in November, just 10 months after its launch.

ix35 now offers even more choice to customers looking for a compact SUV, delivering high levels of standard equipment, excellent fuel economy and striking good looks, with six model variants now available across the range.

“To date we have struggled to keep up with customer demand for the ix35, with the top of the range Highlander version accounting for almost half of all sales enquiries”, commented Oliver Mann, Hyundai’s Director of Marketing.

A modern, light, and clean running petrol engine, the 2.4-litre Theta II offers excellent fuel efficiency and optimises the balance between durability and economy. The engine is married to a six-speed automatic transmission with electronic sequential manual mode which has been developed specifically to meet the needs of the ix35’s 2WD and AWD drive systems.

The four-cylinder 2.4-litre Theta II petrol engine which delivers a maximum power output of 130kW @ 6,000rpm, peak torque of 227Nm @ 4,000rpm and offers a combined fuel consumption of 9.2L/100km with a low CO2 output of just 219g/km*.

The ix35 range comes complete with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features to ensure driver and passenger confidence. Standard on all models is Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-skid Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

DBC assists drivers to maintain control and speed on steep descents, while HAC minimises backward rolling when starting off on steep inclines.

For safer manoeuvring, the Highlander models include features such as dusk-sensing headlights, rear-parking sensors, and a rear-view camera with the screen integrated into an electro-chromic rear-view mirror.

A range of premium features including rear camera, panorama glass roof and full iPod® integration ensure ix35 Highlander AWD models bring style and luxury to the compact SUV segment. Equipped with dual-zone climate control, featuring a cluster ioniser to improve air quality in the cabin, six-way electric driver seat with lumbar support, push-button start function and proximity smart key, ix35 Highlander AWD also delivers comfort and practicality.

The ix35 range is also available with a 2.0-litre economical petrol engine in the entry level ix35 Active 2WD model, whilst the technically advanced 2.0-litre R-Series turbo diesel engine is available in the mid trim ix35 Elite AWD and ix35 Highlander AWD models.

The ix35 Highlander AWD 2.4-litre petrol model arrived at Macquarie Hyundai's showroom on 6th December, 2010.

Click here to download a brochure.