Following all of the new product unveilings at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the style-obsessed European media labeled new products from Hyundai and Kia as major advances and almost ‘non-Korean’ in their appearance.
Hyundai’s good-looking new ix35 compact SUV was one of the newcomers lauded for its appearance.
What You Get
Car Showroom has just put the entry-specification ix35 ‘Active’ model though our one-week test procedure. Entry to the ix35 lineup is the sharply priced Active five-speed manual ($26,990) – we tested the six-speed automatic version ($28,990).
The Active model is powered by Hyundai’s 2.0-litre petrol engine and drives the front wheels (higher specification Elite and Highlander models are all-wheel-drive).
Nicely made, offering seating for five, comprehensive safety equipment, versatile luggage space - and backed by Hyundai’s five-year/unlimited kilometres warranty for private buyer - the ix35 delivers a very appealing package for budget-stretched family buyers.
The Engine
Hyundai has embarked on a global engine development program - said to be the largest currently underway in the automotive industry – and ix35’s Theta II petrol and R-series diesel powerplants are two results of that program.
ix35 Active scores the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, which is 10kgs lighter than the earlier version. It’s a state-of-the-art engine with dual continuously–variable valve timing and a two-stage variable intake system.
Maximum power is 122kW at 6200 rpm and peak torque of 197Nm is delivered at 4600 rpm. That translates into a handy maximum towing capacity of 1600 kgs.
ix35 is fitted with a 55-litre fuel tank and the Active model returns combined cycle fuel economy of 8.5l/100kms. C02 emissions are rated at 203g/km for the six-speed auto we tested (201g/km for the five-speed manual).
Hyundai is proud of its new six-speed auto, which was designed and developed in-house (Toyota, GM and Ford are the only other brands with their own six-speeder). It’s maintenance-free with lifetime transmission fluid and not even a dipstick to check.
The Interior
ix35’s value-for-money equation is clearly obvious when you open a door and climb inside. With a price tag substantially south of $30k, the ‘Active’ model we tested delivers lots of kit in a contemporary and very pleasantly styled, versatile and practical interior.
Even on this entry-model, seat cloth material is stylish and the driver’s seat provides six-way electric adjustment.
Instrumentation features Hyundai’s blue backlighting and the nice four-spoke steering wheel has remote controls for the single CD in-dash, six-speaker audio system which is MP3/WMA compatible and has USB/iPod and auxiliary input jack.
Families will appreciate the three top-tether points in the rear for child seats.
Luggage space is very impressive – 728l with the 60/40 split rear seat in place or 2885l with the seat folded. A luggage screen cover blind is standard.
Exterior & Styling
Like sister company Kia, the management at Hyundai came to a watershed a few years ago: Korean styling wasn’t going to cut it on the global automotive stage long-term and to be a player in Europe and North America required a styling direction that would press buttons in those markets. Hyundai’s Design Center Europe in Russelsheim, Germany penned the good-looking ix35.
They call the aerodynamic shape ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ (symbolizing the flow of water).
At the front, the hexagonal grille - a feature of the ‘ix-onic’ concept car - has survived to manufacturing. It’s body-colour on the ‘Active’ model.
The rear is very nice with a rear hatch roof spoiler, triangulated C-pillar glass and swooping rear lights. A sloping tailgate and large rear bumper are modern and clearly target North America.
Active models (as tested) ride on 17-inch steel wheels and come with a full-size spare wheel.
On the Road
Even the entry-level ‘Active’ model we tested is armed with an impressive array of driver/safety aids such as ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), ESC stability control with traction control, Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and eight airbags.
Hyundai says a local on-road and off-road test program was undertaken to ensure the ix35 was up to the mark in Australian conditions (the theory being if prototypes could handle the punishment of our outback roads, they’d be good-to-go anywhere in the world).
Ride control and noise suppression on both smooth freeway and secondary roads is impressive and a marked improvement over Hyundai’s previous Tuscon model.
Over our high-speed test route, the 2.0-litre petrol and six-speed auto proved to be a well-matched combo.
Back in the city, ix35’s 10.58m turning circle made parking in tight spots noticeably easier than many other vehicles we have tested lately.
Challenges
We deduct points from the ix35 ‘Active’ on two fronts – rear visibility and front seats.
The steeply angled C-pillar windows do restrict rear three-quarter visibility when parking – savvy judgment is needed.
And we found the driver’s seat just a tad too small and lacking under-thigh support.
Verdict
Wrap those extensive standard features, handy petrol engine/six-speed auto, nice European styling and competent on-road dynamics with that sharp sub-$30K pricing and it’s hard to overlook the Hyundai ix35 as a standout compact SUV for family buyers.
The Competition
Kia’s Sportage is on the money but doesn’t match the ix35 for style.
Nissan’s Dualis stacks-up well in all departments except engine performance where it’s 20kW shy of the ix35.
Mitsubishi’s Outlander, Ford’s Escape and Toyota’s RAV are all priced north of $30K.
Likes:
Looks good; drives well; great value
Dislikes:
Front seats lack support; restricted rear three-quarter visibility
