Compact SUV crossovers are all the rage, but can Hyundai catch up with Nissan's Qashqai or Peugeot's 3008 with the new iX35?
The iX35's styling comes from a former BMW designer, so that explains the curves and creases in the chunky bodywork. The new front-end is dominated by large light clusters while swooping curves on the car's flanks catch the eye also. The only exterior feature that seems out of place is the relatively small front wheel arch which sits in a tall front wing and manages to look out of proportion. Otherwise, the iX35 has a smart exterior.
The Tucson replacement is a spacious five-seat crossover that for the moment is available only in front-wheel drive. Power from launch in Ireland comes from a nippy EURO 5 compliant 4-cylinder, 136bhp, 2-litre turbo diesel (a 1.7 diesel is on the way), so straight away the iX35 has the performance edge over the competition, although it does sit in the €302 tax band (CO2 147g/km).
Inside the driving position is good and the seating comfortable. The plastics used are a little on the cheap side and the colour combination in my test car featured a dark brown and black sort-of-mix that didn't do much for me. Points of contact could feel better. The multifunction steering wheel needs a softer, more luxurious cover. Otherwise, the controls and switchgear are adequate.
Rear passengers get plenty of head and leg room. The car's shoulder-line is quite high so kids will get a restricted view out the side windows but there is a good sense of security for occupants. The split rear seats fold flat to make a good-sized van when needed. The boot is large but lacks the versatility of the excellent Peugeot 3008 with its split-level floor. iX35 does get a full size spare wheel (alloy) and it takes up a lot of space under the boot floor.
When it comes to toys iX35 has loads: cruise control, ESP, hill-start assist & downhill brake control, front fogs, 17" alloys, Bluetooth, air conditioning and iPod connectivity (Aux & USB) are just some of the standard kit. Hyundai is making it very easy to live with the new iX35 thanks to a new five-year warranty called '5 year triple care'. Unlimited mileage, roadside assistance and vehicle health check are all covered for five years.
On the road iX35 is quicker than its rivals, and with 320nm of torque it can pull strongly, too. Under hard acceleration it is quite easy to spin the front wheels and when the road is wet you need to be quite careful with your right foot, especially when moving off. Hyundai says the iX35 will average 5.5 litres of diesel to travel 100km, so it is reasonably economical. Ride comfort isn't class leading and the engine, while powerful, can feel a little rough at times. Hyundai has worked hard on NVH (noise/vibration/harshness) but there is still some way to go.
At €26,995 the Hyundai iX35 is a safe bet from a car company that has grown massively over the last number of years.
Michael Sheridan
