Hyundai ix35 road test
by Stephen Walker
13th April, 2014
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From the company that can, seemingly, do no wrong comes the Hyundai ix35
Series II.
This popular small SUV comes in FWD and AWD, petrol or diesel, manual or automatic, in four trim levels and with a
made in Korea or made in Europe tag.
Test car particulars
Our drive car was the base model fitted with automatic transmission. So that's the Korean-made Hyundai ix35 Active, a
front-wheel drive petrol-fuelled delight that is priced from $29,190*. The optional Atomic Orange Mica paintwork adds
$495* to the price of an Active, taking the test car price* to $29,685*.
Variants and prices*
ix35 Active (2.0 petrol/manual/FWD) $26,990*
ix35 Active (2.0 petrol/auto/FWD) $29,190*
ix35 Elite (2.0 petrol/auto/FWD) $33,590*
ix35 Elite (2.4 petrol/auto/AWD) $35,990*
ix35 Elite (2.0 diesel/auto/AWD) $38,590*
ix35 Highlander (2.4 petrol/auto/AWD) $38,590*
ix35 Highlander (2.0 diesel/auto/AWD) $40,990*
ix35 SE (2.0 petrol/auto/FWD/made in Europe/limited availability) $30,990*
ix35 SE (2.0 diesel/auto/AWD/made in Europe/limited availability) $35,990*
On the road in the ix35 Active (auto)
Immediately apparent is the rather pleasant roadside manners of the test
car. The elevated driving position, often cited for providing improved vision, is one attraction plus the agility in
suburbia that is afforded to compact sized vehicles.
The driving dynamics were always considered to be at least average for this class of vehicle. Interesting, the small
SUV segment of the market is attracting a lot of interest - from buyers and many car makers. So the choice is wide and
Hyundai is very competitive with the ix35.
Performance is quite good. You won't be left stranded at the traffic lights in this one.
The front seats impressed me with the standard of comfort. This is a base model car yet the comfy seating has side
bolsters that were just right for the average sized adult. Good work, Hyundai.
Specifications
The ix35 Active test car came with a 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol-fuelled engine that drives the front wheels through a
six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum power is 122kW at 6,200rpm and maximum torque is 205Nm at 4,000rpm.
Rack and pinion power assisted steering is standard.
Disc brakes are standard, front and rear.
Seventeen-inch steel wheels with nice looking wheel covers come with the Active. The wheel covers may look like alloys
when you stand away from the car but don't be fooled as they are not alloys. The spare wheel is 'full-size'.
Suspension is by Macpherson struts up the front and a multi-link system at the rear.
Fuel
The factory indicate the fuel consumption rating is 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle.
City drivers may be more interested in the urban cycle which has a rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres.
The car's trip computer indicated the Next Car team managed to average 9.8 litres per 100 kms during our time
with the car. We only covered 288 kilometres but it did include one 'run' out of town. So our fuel consumption figure
seems quite satisfactory to me. Of course SUVs use more fuel than a sedan so there is a trade-off when you choose such a
vehicle.
The fuel tank capacity is 58 litres.
Connectivity/Infotainment
Standard: MP3/CD player with AM/FM tuner with a 5" touch screen; USB audio input with iPod compatibility; AUX jack;
Bluettoth telephone and audio streaming with compatible devices; steering wheel mounted audio controls.
Safety
Standard: six airbags; electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control system (TCS); anti-skid braking system
(ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD); vehicle stability management (VSM); downhill brake control (DBC);
Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) and more.
Parking sensors are fitted at the rear. However, a reversing camera is not included and it is this very piece of
equipment that is a benefit to one sector of the target market for the ix35 - that is folks who reside in apartment
complexes with tight parking conditions.
Dimensions
Length: 4,410 mm
Width: 1,820 mm
Height: 1,680 mm (with roof rails)
Wheelbase: 2,640 mm
Luggage capacity: 330 litres
Weight: 1,753 kg (approx).
Towing
An ix35 can haul a braked trailer (and load) up to 1,600kg. An unbraked trailer up to 750kg is OK. Appropriate towing
equipment is required.
The tow ball download should not exceed 120kg.
Off-road aspects (FWD and AWD models)
Ground clearance: 165 mm (unladen)
Approach angle: 27.8 degrees
Departure angle: 26.6 degrees
Ramp break-over angle: 16.9 degrees
These figures reveal off-roading needs to be restricted to easy off-roading tasks with due consideration given to the
ground clearance together with the traction requirements in slippery and/or slopey terrain.
After Sales
All new Hyundai cars have a five-year warranty with unlimited kilometres (conditions apply).
Capped price servicing applies for the first three years, currently $259 (conditions apply). The services are due at
15,000, 30,000 and 45,000 kilometres.
Roadside assistance is included for the first year and this arrangement can be renewed by having the scheduled
servicing undertaken by a Hyundai dealer (conditions apply).
Conclusion
This is a neat package. Small, but not cramped, comfortable, easily managed and pleasing with its driving manners.
Little wonder that it is the vehicle of choice for so many motorists.
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices,
fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
E&OE
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