Hyundai ix35 Highlander diesel 2010 review

If you have not checked out a Hyundai showroom in recent years it is time you did. There is a minor revolution occurring with the brand and it starts with the letter “i”. We've seen the arrival of the competent i30 hatch and wagon, the iLoad and iMax load luggers and announcement of the Sonata mid-size sedan replacement, the i45, which is receiving rave reviews overseas.

The latest Hyundai to get the "i" treatment is its newest compact off-roader, the ix35. The off-roader is the South Korean's replacement for the Tucson. Put them side-by-side and even a person with only a passing interest in cars will spot the differences.

Styling

The ix35 has nothing in common with the Tucson. It would be like comparing a supermodel like Miranda Kerr with a gymnast from the former East Germany. Gone is Tucson's bland, boxy styling, replaced by what Hyundai refers to as "fluidic sculpture" styling that owes more than a passing nod to BMW's "flame surfacing" styling of a few years ago. It looks fresh and modern.

The contemporary theme continues inside the cabin, particularly the dash with its classy blue backlighting.

Fit-out and equipment

The ix35 is available in three trim levels, Active, Elite and top-of-the-range Highlander. The 2.0-litre four cylinder Active is front-wheel drive only and its $26,990 entry point for the five-speed manual is chasing the small car segment. A six-speed automatic - standard on the Elite and Highlander - costs an extra $2000.

Even as a budget buy, the Active comes well equipped with strong safety credentials and the expected audio enhancements like full iPod integration. There are six airbags, stability control, traction control and anti-skid brakes, hill descent control and hill start assist.

Move further up the range and the Highlander gains a reversing camera, leather and panorama glass roof.

Engines and transmissions

Elite buyers get the choice of a 2.4-litre petrol or 2.0-litre R-series turbo diesel while the range-topper Highlander is diesel fare only. Both are all-wheel drive. It is a full-time electronic all-wheel drive that automatically controls power distribution to the wheels.

In normal driving the system powers the front wheels to help lower fuel consumption. For off-roading or slippery conditions the system can be locked into all-wheel drive, with a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels.

Like the rest of the "i" cars, the ix35 should continue to lift the company's profile - and more importantly sales.

Driving

Like the i30, we seized the opportunity to drive the ix35 compact off-roader. It represents another step forward for a brand that gets better with each new model. Our range-topping Highlander arrived in the Carsguide carpark after a thorough workout by one of the specialist magazines. However, the body was snug, the doors shut with confidence and the whole car felt rock solid.

The design is contemporary, the equipment list long and includes things like panoramic sunroof on the $37,990 Highlander, as well as leather, heated seats, reversing camera, hill start assist and hill descent control. At that price, few compact off-roaders match it for standard equipment.

We also love the look but wonder how some of the curves will age.

Like the outside, the cabin is a mix of flowing surfaces. The leather feels good but some of the hard plastics on the doors and dashboard show that Hyundai is still behind with soft-moulded plastics. The leather seats are inviting and have plenty of back support but could do with more shape in the cushion and once settled behind the wheel the lack of reach adjustment is annoying.

Shorter rear passengers and small children might also find the rear seats a bit claustrophobic because of the car's high tapering window line. A thick D-pillar and small rearward-most side window calls for some caution when parallel parking. Fortunately the rearview camera - located in the rearview mirror - helps judge tight parking spots.

There is plenty of luggage space and cabin storage but the ix misses out on the added versatility of flip-fold rear seat cushions that provide a flat load area with the rear seatbacks down. A full-size spare is a welcome addition when some of its more highly fancied rivals, like the VW Tiguan and now the Subaru Outback, make do with a spacesaver.

The ix35's design, safety and equipment is a match for the Japan, but there is a big "but" when it comes the car's suspension and ride. Despite being tuned for Australian conditions, the suspension crashes over bumps, transmits too much noise to the cabin and generally feels underdone.

The steering is light but could do with more feedback. In this respect, the ix lags behind rivals like the Mazda CX-7, VW Tiguan and Nissan X-Trail and even the latest Honda CR-V. However, what it loses in composure it makes up for in the engine department. The high-tech R-series turbo-diesel is smooth, quiet, powerful and out-torques its direct rivals.

Even though the Highlander is a porky 1706kg, the 2.0-litre diesel is a gem and can overcome any weight disadvantage with solid response right through the rev range courtesy of the silky six-speed auto. Low-down urge is impressive and at highway speeds there is plenty of torque in reserve for overtaking.

Economy is respectable but the car's touring range, with a 55 litre tank, is a little on the small side. The drivetrain is accomplished in so many areas but more work is needed on the ride and handling. At the price though, you cannot go past the value-for-money equation.

The bottom line

Impressive equipment levels let down by average ride and handling.