The first batch of Hyundai's new Crossover the Hyundai iX35 are making their way into dealer stock in time for the official March 25th launch.

Hyundai have already identified that there will be initially a strong demand for the Premium derivatives, particularly with the media pack. The initial stock of ix35 demonstrators will be the only vehicles subject to allocation and all derivatives will be available to order on or around the launch date.

Hyundai see the new ix35 appealing to those who bought its Tucson SUV, but with its style, efficiency and ingenuity, it broadens Hyundai's appeal to a new set of car buyers. Modern families, people with busy and active lives who are style-conscious, but above all, family-focused will be the primary target.

The iX35 follows Hyundai's aggressive pricing strategy, being positioned firmly in the volume ?جø¬°15,000 – ?جø¬°20,000 market. This means it competes not only with traditional competitors such as the Ford Kuga and VW Tiguan, but also against 5-seat MPVs such as the Citroen C4 Picasso and traditional C-segment hatches such as the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. The price will embarrass many established competitors, with the entry level iX35 Style costing almost ?جø¬°1,400 less than Ford's entry level Focus and over £5,000 less than the Kuga.

The iX35 enters the market with an unmatched level of equipment. Two trim levels are available – Style and Premium – which offer the most comprehensive list of standard items in the segment and better the offering of any C segment or MPV competitor. For example, the Style specification includes reversing sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, heated front and rear seats, ESP and leather steering wheel and gear knob all as standard. While due to changing customer priorities we believe the 2 wheel drive models will take the majority of sales, of course ix35 is also available with 4 wheel drive, giving it even more cross-segment appeal.

Further, Hyundai's engine know-how brings to market two engines which combine power with surprising efficiency. The 2.0 petrol (161BHP and 177g/km of CO2) and new 2.0 CRDi diesel (134BHP and 147g/km of CO2) beats crossover competitors with ease; the diesel emits 20g/km less than Nissan Qashqai's 2.0 diesel, but offers the same fuel consumption as the Focus 2.0 TDCi.

Later in 2010, a 6 speed automatic transmission will be available for the 2.0CRDi 134BHP engine and two all new engines – a 1.6 GDi petrol and 1.7 CRDi diesel – will further strengthen the line-up.