Used Hyundai ix35 review: 2010-2015

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2010 - 2015 Hyundai ix35 as a used buy.

Hyundai ix35 is a small-medium SUV that's proven popular in Australia since arriving here from South Korea in January 2010. Build quality is very good as by this time the two Korean giants were really getting their acts into gear.

A combination of neat styling, good interior space means that most Hyundai ix35s are used as family station wagons rather than SUVs. However ix35s in all-wheel-drive format can be used in light-duty running on forest trails and the like. Don't attempt this in two-wheel-drive models, though, and keep away from beach driving in both.

There's good leg and headroom in all seats. The rear seat is on rails to slide back or forward to permit juggling of seat/luggage space. Shoulder room in the back is marginal if you want to carry three adults of average size. This isn't unusual in this class, but check for yourself if the kids are approaching their teenage years. The size of the multiple stowage areas inside the cabin is impressive - an important factor in any family oriented vehicle.

Even with all seats in use the Hyundai ix35 still has a generous luggage capacity of 591 litres. This increases to 1436 litres with the rear seats folded down. The loading platform isn't too high off the ground and the shape of the cargo area makes it easy to access.

The ix35 has certainly played its part in one of the fastest growing areas of all in the sales race.

Three trim levels are offered: Active, Elite and Highlander, with a choice between 2.4-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines. The topline Highlander is crammed with upmarket gear: panoramic glass roof, leather trim, powered and heated front seats, a rear view camera, dual zone air conditioning and a topline audio system. There's also keyless entry, Aux and USB port with iPod connectivity, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control.

In August 2012 the ix35 received a mild facelift and satellite navigation was introduced in the Elite and Highlander variants. November 2013 saw the arrival of the Hyundai ix35 Series II. Mechanical updates including new direct-injection petrol engines and revised suspension. Projection headlights with LED positioning lights, aerodynamic roof rails and striking new alloy wheel designs certainly changed the appearance.

Significant suspension changes to suit Australian conditions and drivers' desires were made in the Series II. It has revised coil springs and stabiliser bars front and rear. A major upgrade was the use of a solid-type sub-frame mount to a more flexible bush-type system. The latter provides better isolation of impact harshness and vibration and sharper steering.

New design petrol engines were a big feature in the ix35 Series II, the turbo-diesel remained virtually unchanged.

Hyundai has become a major player in Australia in the recent years. No longer the maker of cheap 'n' cheerful hatches it now has an extensive range of models in various categories. The ix35 has certainly played its part in one of the fastest growing areas of all in the sales race.

As a result of this expansion the emphasis on quality customer service has also grown, as has the number of dealers. Most dealers are in metro areas but there's an ever increasing number in country towns.

These are relatively simple vehicles, at least by the standard of the early years of the 21st century.

We've had no real complaints on availability of parts and prices are about average for this class.

These are relatively simple vehicles, at least by the standard of the early years of the 21st century, and most good amateur mechanics can do a fair bit of work. Don't tamper with safety items, though.

Insurance premiums are about average for this vehicle type and there doesn't appear to be a lot of difference from company to company.

Oddly, the ix35 replaced the Hyundai Tucson when it was launched in 2010. In a backflip the new model of August 2015 was again called the Tucson.

What to look for

Though Hyundai quality had greatly improved by the time the ix35 was introduced in 2010 we still occasionally see one with some rough edges in the cabin.

Check out the door trims, carpet fit, including in the boot and the backs of the front seats.

The turbo-diesel engines should start within a few seconds, if not there may be problems. Definitely one for a professional inspection.

Manual gearboxes that are reluctant to change or crunch during shifts may have had a hard life. Or it could be the clutch is on its way out.

Off-road use, even gently, may have resulted in scratches in the doors from foliage, scuffs on the corners of the front bumpers and door sills.

Underbody off-road damage is a no-no in a vehicle like the ix35 and is almost certainly a sign to keep well clear of the crossover.