Hyundai

ix35

The ix35 is packed to bursting with creature comforts and quality specifications. But that’s not all – the drive is pretty impressive too. And if that’s not enough to satisfy you then check out the price tag.

Test Drive

Hyundai ix35 CRDi Premium 2.0 4WD

Demand for compact SUVs is growing all the time, but the competition is so fierce manufacturers have to ensure their models really stand out from the crowd.

Customers want good looking vehicles that are packed with top notch technology, deliver impressive economy and even come complete with an attractive price-tag.

And that all adds up to a whole lot of pressure on manufacturers to come up with the goods. So with competition from the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai most prominent, Hyundai’s ix35 certainly had to up its game and the latest model does just that.

The ix35 is an attention-grabber from any angle. It’s not as chunky as some of the premium brand SUV models, but still maintains a sporty, rugged and ready-for-action stance with 18-inch alloys, roof rails, a rear spoiler with integral brake light, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights, body-coloured door bumpers and wing mirrors, chrome door handles, heated door mirrors, solar control glass and tinted windows.

And just like South Korean stablemate Kia, the ix35 comes fully loaded with no hidden extras. Once you take your seat behind the leather multi-function steering wheel, it’s difficult not to be impressed with the level of technology and build quality that surrounds you with a whole host of techno treats to be explored.

Being the Premium model, the test car boasted features such as a 7-inch colour touchscreen satellite navigation system with reversing camera and seven-speaker sound system which is compatible with modern media devices.

There is also cruise control, leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, dual zone air conditioning and plenty more besides.

Powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine delivering 134bhp, the ix35 skips along at quite a pace with plenty of power on tap.

It can sprint from 0-62mph in 12.1 seconds and has a top speed of 113mph. According to official figures, it can achieve 41.5mpg on a combined run with carbon emissions of 179g/km.

The driver benefits from a high seated position and that in turn results in excellent all-round visibility. And the vehicle’s high roofline means back seat passengers are treated to plenty of head room. There is ample space for four adults to travel in comfort – five at a squeeze – and the generously-sized boot can accommodate 591 litres of luggage (1,436 litres with the split-folding rear seats lowered).

In busy traffic the ix35 cruised along with ease and the great visibility proves a real plus-factor with cars darting out from all angles. It’s worth remembering that the vehicle is likely to be used on the school run so this clear view of the surroundings is vital.

Parking poses no problems either as the reversing camera and sensors will make you look an expert at squeezing a fairly large car into tight spaces.

Then out on the faster roads and motorways, the ix35 easily kept pace alongside fast-moving traffic.

Road, engine and wind noise are fairly minimal even when pushed hard.

The six-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and responsive and you can also change up and down manually via the gear stick if you decide to take a little more control.

There is also an eco mode to help maximise efficiency along the way.

As one would expect, safety specifications are comprehensive too with anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme, a tyre pressure monitoring system, downhill brake control and that all-important 4WD system to keep you on the move during the colder months.

All in all, the ix35 is a delight to drive and my only slight gripe after a week-long test in glorious sunshine was some glare issues on the central console.

But that aside, the ix35 is an excellent all-rounder and with its competitive asking price of £25,750 it is yet another great option for buyers who are currently bombarded with SUV options.

Test Drive

Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi 4WD Premium Manual

A quick glance in the direction of the Hyundai ix35 would leave you thinking here comes another classy looking sports utility vehicle, but this beauty really does have the X factor.

Boasting dazzling lines, a spec list that cannot fail to impress and a price tag that will leave plenty in the bank, the ix35 has been designed with an X-shaped centre console with all controls and dials at your fingertips.

And when night-time falls these instruments are bathed in a soothing blue light which resembles an aircraft cockpit.

The emphasis of the ix35 designers was certainly on enjoying a journey and cramming the vehicle with as many creature comforts as possible.

These include an engine stop/start button, keyless entry, a sound system with MP3 and iPod compatibility, heated front and rear seats, reversing sensors, rain sensing wipers, privacy glass, cruise control and a whole lot more. The optional extras on the test model included a touch screen sat nav system with rear view parking camera, metallic paint and a few other features that bumped the price from £20,745 to £22,650.

And when you take into consideration the ix35 is a four-wheel-drive vehicle, that price becomes all the more impressive.

The drive itself is a truly pleasurable one with the 2.0-litre engine offering plenty of power and the six-speed manual transmission was also very responsive. Out on the open road, the ix35 hugged the surface on tight bends and was a smooth and very quiet drive even at higher speeds.

In and around town it was very nimble for its size and the excellent all-round driver visibility was an added bonus.

Passengers are treated to an incredible amount of space in the vehicle and the massive panoramic sunroof means there is a light and spacious feel throughout the cabin, so you really can sit back in those armchair-like seats and enjoy the ride.

Safety features are also very comprehensive including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, a high intensity tensile steel body shell, follow me home headlights and plenty more besides.

Then when you add in the Hyundai five year warranty, it’s very clear to see just why rival manufacturers are keeping a very watchful eye on this vehicle.