Hyundai ix45 first pictures

Text: Dan Strong / Photos: Automedia

22nd September 2011

The new Hyundai ix45 has been scooped testing on the public road for the very first time - and autoexpress.co.uk has got the best pictures yet.

Set to replace the top selling Santa Fe, the car is expected go on sale in the UK late in 2012. Insiders have told us that the car will offer seven seats and be available with front or four wheel drive.

Inspired by the Hyundai Nuvis concept car first shown at the 2009 New York Motor Show, the ix45 is the fifth new Hyundai to get the firm's "Fludic Sculpture" design treatment.

So far, Fluidic Sculpture has been used on the i40, ix35, ix20 and the US-only Grandeur. However, one source told us they were expecting a cleaner, less fussy look for the ix45 once the covers come off.

It's also been hinted the the ix45 will get an all-new engine range when it finally hits showrooms. Latest rumours suggest drivers can expect a choice of 2.0-litre direct injection petrol and 2.0-litre CRDi diesel engines at launch.

All cars will get a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while an automatic gearbox will be available as an option.

However, Hyundai is also tipped to be working on an fuel efficient Active Blue Drive badged diesel model, which will target 60mpg fuel economy. Powered by a 136bhp 1.7-litre CRDi diesel, it will rival Mazda's upcoming diesel engined CX-5, which will return around 65mpg.