Hyundai have launched the updated version of the market leading Hyundai iX35 SUV. With the Hyundai iX35 being one of the best selling car in their stable, only being out sold by the Hyundai i30.
The updated Hyundai iX35 gains locally tuned suspension, upgraded direct injection petrol engines, along with exterior, interior and mechanical improvements.
Hyundai ix35 Overview
The Series II ix35 see Hyundai continue with a four model line-up, Active, Elite and Highlander are all sourced from Korea while the SE variant is built from their Czech Republic plant.
Major changes to the exterior include new projection headlights with LED positioning lights, aerodynamic roof rails and alloy wheel designs. While inside sees new seat upholstery on entry level Active variants, door trims on Elite and top-spec Highlander variants, two-way adjustable split rear bench seat.
The major changes are under the bonnet with the ix35 now getting the all-new direct injection Nu 2.0L GDI and Theta II 2.4L GDI engines. The ix35 Active now has a six-speed manual transmission, while the rest of the range comes with standard six-speed automatic.
The Hyundai ix35 series II pricing is:
|
|
2.0L GDI (2WD) |
2.0L GDI (2WD) |
2.4L GDI (AWD) |
2.0L CRDi (AWD) |
|
Active |
$26,990 |
$29,190 |
- |
- |
|
Elite |
- |
$33,090 |
$35,490 |
$38,090 |
|
Highlander |
- |
- |
$38,090 |
$40,490 |
* All prices are Manufacturer’s List Price. Price excludes dealer delivery and on road costs
Hyundai ix35 Engine
With a choice of two petrol and one diesel engine buyers are able to find a Hyundai ix35 that suits their individual needs.
Entry in to the range is via the Nu 2.0L GDI which comes fitted to Active, SE and Elite 2WD models. Producing 122kW and thanks to direct-injection, it now delivers an extra 8Nm at 205Nm of torque. The manual transmission is now a six-speed (previously five-speed), the automatic transmission remains a six-speed. Combined fuel consumption is 8.2-litres (manual) and 8.4-litres (automatic) per 100km.
The direct-injected Theta 2.4-litre GDI engine can be found in the ix35 Series II Elite and Highlander models. Power is increased to 136kW (up 6kW) and torque increases 13Nm to 240Nm. Available exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, it uses 9.8-litres per 100km.
Hyundai have carried the 2.0L CRDi direct-injection diesel engine across from the first series. Matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, it's available in the Elite, SE and Highlander models. Producing 135kW and 392Nm, however fuel economy has been improved to 7.2L/100km.
Hyundai ix35 Interior
Most of the changes for the Hyundai ix35 series II are under the bonnet, so the subtle changes to the interior may go unnoticed.
Active models get updated upholstery and Elite and Highlander models get new soft-touch front and rear upper door trims in an effort to appear more high end.
The 60/60 rear seats has a two stage reclining position, allowing rear passengers to find a more comfortable seating position.
Standard across all models is bluetooth telephone and audio streaming, six-speaker audio including tweeters, steering wheel audio controls, USB auto input with iPod compatibility, auxiliary audio input jack and rear roof-mounted aerial.
Hyundai ix35 Exterior & Styling
Like the interior there are no major changes to the exterior of the Hyundai ix35 series II, however those with a keen eye will notice the subtle changes. Upfront on the headlights are now projector-beam, which Hyundai claim to give a stronger and better-focused beam then previous headlights. LED lights are on the on the upper portion on Elite and Highlander while the Active model has them on the lower portion of the headlights.
No changes to the Active alloy wheels, but the 17' alloys on the Elite variant are now 10-spoke design, and the 18' alloys on the Highlander are a five double-spoke design.
Elite and Highlander models also gain 'metal-effect' roof rails as standard.
The SE model also gains metal effect roof rails, updated headlamp treatments, and new 17” alloy wheel design.
Buyers can choose from the following exterior colours: Phantom Black, Remington Red, Cobalt Coast and dynamic Atomic Orange. Also available is the metallic Sleek Silver, Grey Titanium and solid Pure White.
Hyundai ix35 On the Road
The ride and handling on the Hyundai ix35 series II has been greatly improved. Hyundai Australia along with the help of suspension tuning expert David Potter, have great improved the on road dynamics.
Carshowroom.com.au had the opportunity to sample the ix35 of a number of different surfaces including urban streets, country roads, highway, dirt roads and course bitumen.
The stiff suspension and set-up from the previous models have been replaced by a locally tuned offering, the results are deliver a well rounded and balanced set-up perfect for Australian conditions.
Around town the ix35 range is nimble and perfectly suited to stop-start traffic. The new Nu 2.0L GDI and Theta II 2.4L GDI engines matched with six-speed automatic transmission perform perfectly.
Around town Carshowroom.com.au found the steering to be on the heavier side, a direct consequence of the ix35 performing so well at high speed and on gravel roads.
The new suspension setting deliver a more balanced ride than the outgoing model, with rear passengers, commenting on how smooth the ride was! Over corrugated roads the new rear dampers offer better performance with quicker reaction times levelling the car faster.
Safety is also high on the list with all models fitted with six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
Hyundai ix35 Challenges
Carshowroom.co.au's major gripe is with the Hyundai ix35 series II being a tad heavy steering at low speed/urban driving. We also think that 7' screen should come standard across the range, which would allow a reserving camera, sat-nav and 5-star ANCAP safety rating across the range.
Hyundai ix35 Competition
The small SUV segment is blessed with huge range of choice. If Carshowroom.com.au had to buy a SUV from the segment we would also be test drive the following:
Nissan Dualis priced from $25,990 ST
Mitsubishi ASX priced from $25,990 for the 2.0-litre 2WD
Skoda Yeti $26,290 for the 1.2litre 77TSI
Hyundai ix35 Verdict
In a tough market segment where Hyundai is already a leader, there is always a danger of getting it wrong. However Hyundai have done no such thing!
The new locally tuned suspension is a major leap forward on the previous model, the minor updates to the exterior and interior are spot on.
The people of Australia have been voting with their hard earned dollars making the Hyundai ix35 a top seller. The series II Hyundai ix35 will continue to lead the sales charts due to its value for money and high level of standard equipment.
