Hyundai ix35 2,0 CRDi R 4×4 Auto (2010) Driving Impression

It is perhaps only in a few years’ time that the Hyundai Tucson will receive the recognition it truly deserves. After all, Hyundai had been making steady progress for years with its Elantra and Accent models, but it was the advent of the Tucson, a solid, if unspectacular compact crossover that arrived at just the right time that cemented Hyundai’s place on many a current and future car shopper’s shortlist. The Korean brand had judged the evolution of the compact SUV/crossover market better than most, and developed its Tucson in line with those requirements, rather than being constrained by historical beliefs dictating significant off-road ability. The result… many thousands of Tucsons have found happy South African owners. And judging by the Tucson successor, the Hyundai ix35, Hyundai has just shifted up another gear… or three.

Upmarket looks for Hyundai ix35

While the Tucson boasted a neat, if somewhat conservative design that will stand the test of time, the Hyundai ix35 has moved the brand upmarket by a considerable margin. the Hyundai ix35 features the new signature Hyundai grille, aggressively swept-back headlamps, pronounced shoulder lines and a coupe-like, narrow window line. We suspect customers will like the new look, especially when the design is further enhanced by the top-line specification level, as featured here. Look out for attractive 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, as well as a twin-sunroof. It is also worth noting that there appears to be plenty of substance to the ix35’s apparent style – it weighs more than 1,7 tonnes and has a relatively long wheelbase of 2 640 mm.

The generous exterior dimensions translate into a roomy cabin with plenty of stretch-out space for all occupants, even those seated in the rear. In fact, perhaps the second-row legroom has been achieved at the cost of some boot space, because although the load area can accommodate 591 litres-worth of luggage, and is well-shaped, some rivals offer more space. It is worth nothing, however, that the Hyundai ix35 boasts a full-size spare wheel under that boot board, and that the rear seats can fold down to accommodate larger objects.

Quality and sophistication

One of the few complaints that could be raised about the Tucson was its plasticky, somewhat dull facia design. The Hyundai ix35 represents a big step forward in this area. The design, sporting a general “X”-theme, boasts some neat detailing and the quality control looks excellent, even though the facia is still hard to the touch – it doesn’t look that way. The instrumentation is particularly neat, with two deep-set dials and a handy digital display between them. Much of the facia is backlit in a soft blue tone, which further boosts the cabin ambience from ordinary to upmarket.

This flagship model comes very well-equipped, with such goodies as cruise control, dual-zone climate control, remote audio controls, a powerful sound system featuring an amplifier and sub-woofer, keyless start and even a clever camera display integrated into the rear-view mirror. Leather upholstery further accentuates Hyundai’s upmarket ambitions and, on the safety side of things, six airbags are fitted.

Behind the wheel

Thus far, the Hyundai ix35 scores nearly top marks all round, but there are some minor irritations, especially regarding the seating position. For such a modern design, it is strange that Hyundai has decided not to equip the Hyundai ix35 with reach adjustment for the steering wheel, as this item has such a big impact on driver comfort. In the ix35’s case the driving position is further compromised by a seat that doesn’t offer enough vertical adjustment. Consequently, some drivers will find the seat’s lowest position slightly too elevated. The driver’s seat, by the way, boasts electric adjustment.

Fire up the new-generation, common-rail diesel engine (this Hyundai ix35 has keyless go) and you may be taken aback slightly by the fairly clattery result. Give it some throttle, however, and it smoothes out impressively, while also displaying an eagerness to rev that is not always that evident on turbodiesel units of this size/type. The engine also delivers superb power and torque outputs of 130 kW and 392 Nm respectively, the latter figure being especially likely to raise a few eyebrows. But most of all, it’s the linear power delivery and lack of significant lag that impresses most.

The engine is mated with a modern six-speed automatic that offers manual shifting functionality, but most Hyundai ix35 owners will be happy to leave it to its own devices as the gear shifts are generally well-timed and slick. In general, driving all the power goes the front wheels, but up to 50% of power can be channelled rearwards electronically when slip is detected. There is also a four-wheel drive Lock function, which ensures a 50/50 power split. Perhaps surprisingly, the Hyundai ix35 also boasts a hill-descent function, but don’t be fooled… this is not a serious off-roader. The ground clearance is “only” 170 mm.

Stay on the black stuff, however, and the Hyundai ix35 continues to impress. The Hyundai features a multi-link rear suspension design, which lends it impressive body control and stability. The ride is perhaps slightly too firm when pottering around in town, but at cruising speed the Hyundai ix35 displays good bump absorbtion qualities and the cabin is a quiet, comfortable place. It is indeed as a family cruiser that the Hyundai ix35 is particularly appealing – the cabin’s many luxury and entertainment features (including ports for portable audio devices) will keep the family happy while the parent/driver will love the low fuel consumption of around 7,3 L/100 km.

Hyundai ix35 – Verdict

Hyundai’s astonishing rate of progress gathers further pace with the impressive new Hyundai ix35. Perhaps this particular model doesn’t represent the best buy in the line-up – Who really needs four-wheel drive? – but it shows that Hyundai is not only able to build good cars and sell lots of them because they’re cheap, but that this brand increasingly can justify charging the same kind of price as more established rivals, because the quality and capability of its vehicles are on par with the best, or in some cases even slightly ahead. Now add the very appealing back-up provided by a five-year warranty, five-year service plan, and five-year roadside assistance, and you can be sure this model will continue winning many converts to the Hyundai fold…

We like:

• Build quality
• Good looks
• Peace-of-mind back up
• Spaciousness
• Standard features
• Economy

We don’t like:

• Ride slightly too firm
• Compromised driving position

Fast facts

Engine: 2,0-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel

Power: 130 kW @ 4 000 rpm

Torque: 392 Nm @ 1 800 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Wheels: 18-inch alloy

Top speed: 195 km/h

0-100 km/h: 10,1 seconds

Fuel economy: 7,3 litres/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

• Honda CR-V 2,2 i-DTEC Executive Auto: A relative newcomer to the South African market and a very attractive, albeit expensive option. The cabin is near MPV-like in the levels of practicality on offer, and the build quality is unrivalled. The engine is a peach, too. Not particularly adept off-road, however.
• Jeep Cherokee 2,8L CRD Sport Auto: For the more adventurous out there, the Jeep remains an appealing offering, boasting rugged good looks and genuine off-road ability. Unfortunately the interior is a border-line disaster, with poor ergonomics, a cramped driver footwell and unimpressive fit and finish.
• Nissan X-Trail 2,0D 4×4 SE Auto: The second-generation X-Trail borrows many styling cues from its forebear, but is vastly more upmarket inside, yet not particularly well packaged. Rear legroom is not very generous. If you want to head off-road, the Nissan is better equipped to do so.