2010 Hyundai IX35 Reviews

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

There's an old saying that "those who rest on their laurels get prickles in their bum." I'm not sure who came up with it, but there's an element of truth in it for the ix35, Hyundai's replacement for the Tucson.It's not in the European styling department, as the new ix35 - in our case a Highlander - looks sharp and modern, rakish and almost curvaceous from the outside. The ix35 is nothing like its boxy predecessor, although it still looks a little big for its 18in alloy wheels, but that's something the styling departments at several Korean brands are overcoming.Inside, the Highlander has comfortable leather seats and enough room in the back to accommodate two adults without any real concerns - with an easy entry height as well.The ix35 Highlander gets plenty of features - automatic headlights, dual front, side and curtain airbags, helm-mounted controls for the sound system and cruise control, full length glass sunroof, keyless entry and go, iPod plug-in capability and dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and an auto-dimming rear vision mirror.The mirror also has the reversing camera's display within it, which is a small but clear LCD display - polarising sunglasses can make it a bit fuzzy but with familiarity it becomes easier to use.Something of an oversight - that the Korean carmaker says it's addressing - is the absence of Bluetooth as standard. Given all the other fruit on the features list it seems odd that something that is fast becoming mandatory - and worthwhile if you don't want to blow 3 points and more than $200 - isn't included as standard on the range-topping model.The top-spec sound system puts out a reasonable noise, but was let down by a temperamental 3.5mm auxiliary input jack and a vibration in the right rear door.The ix35 flagship is only available in automatic with the two-litre R-Series turbodiesel, which produces a healthy 135kW at 4000rpm and 392Nm between 1800 and 2500rpm.The little diesel is a little chuggy at idle when cold but improves with temperature, displaying a lively demeanour - it has a bit of lag as pressure builds through the turbo system but once it has composed itself there's strong low-down grunt that doesn't taper off in a hurry.Hyundai claims a combined 7.5 litres per 100km, but the trip computer returned a metropolitan-based 9.3litres per 100km. That offers a 600-700km range, which is a little on the low side for modern-day diesels, thanks to its tiny 55-litre fuel tank.The six-speed auto is smooth but sometimes is a little tardy, overall the drivetrain was one of the highlights.The ix35 runs an electronic AWD system automatically controls front to rear power distribution depending on driving conditions, running front-wheel drive most of the time - meaning its a reactive system.The driver has the ability to lock it into 50/50 mode, but given the low-slung nature of the wagon and its road-biased rubber, A-grade dirt roads and hard-packed beaches would be about as far off road as you'd want to go in this Korean wagon.Ride quality is one of the areas where it seems Hyundai might have skimped a little, as it felt a little choppy on broken suburban bitumen; body control is acceptable and the over-assisted numb steering (which lacks reach adjustment) is easy enough to live with, but some more control and compliance is needed.A little design niggle that made itself obvious at night was the rear eye-level brake lights, which  reflects heavily on the rear windscreen at night, when the headlights also showed that they aren't up to par.There's much to like about the ix35 but some elements don't feel like as much forward progress has been made - particularly in light of the brand's improvements in other segments.

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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.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.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.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.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.Impressive equipment levels let down by average ride and handling. 

Hyundai has broken away from the boxy mainstream of affordable small cars, and a declaration of its independence is the company's ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language. The creases, folds and character lines of the styling that is spreading across the carmaker’s range are what give the company's new ix35 SUV -- the replacement for the plain-Jane Tuscon -- its stand-out looks.However, such styling often splits opinion, and such would appear to be the case here. A very unscientic 50 per cent of comment on the test car was less than complimentary while other 50 per cent were positively enthralled. In fact, if nothing else the ix35 Elite in its pale green livery does elicit strong feelings. It was love it or hate it.  Personally, I love it. The look, at least.Having swapped out of the company's revised Santa Fe with the punchy 2.2-litre diesel it was something of a shock taking off in the petrol ix35.  The petrol car is certainly quieter than its larger oil-burning cousin and in its own small way, quite refined. In the manner of Hyundai's small petrol engines, however, the 4-cylinder, 2.4-litre Theta II coupled to the six-speed automatic feels a little dozy.On paper there is no reason why it should. There is 130kW of power --quite adequate for highway cruising -- and a reasonable 227Nm of torque. The problem appears to be in the rather high revs needed to get enough of the torque in the game to get the ix35 up and moving.  It's not a dealer-breaker but does give the impression the little SUV is a touch lazy.The lockable AWD system still gives the option of getting a little down and dirty at weekends or that extra safety envelope on slippery roads although it won't do anything for your fuel economy. As a 2WD around town the ix35 has been getting close to its claimed economy of 12.4L/100km.  An experiment running it with AWD locked on saw that figure a distant memory with a week's worth of running averaging out at closer to 14.5L/100km.Ride in the ix35 is comfortable without being plush and, pleasingly, the steering has a more lively and responsive edge to it than is the case with some other models wearing the badge.  The AWD is a touch lower than the previous Tucson model and while that may disappoint some who fancy their off-road chances it has done no harm to the car's city manners. The only real disappointing is that the development budget didn't stretch to adding reach to the adjustments on the steering wheel, but with the good range of seating adjustment it can be compensated for.Like the exterior, the cabin has a fresh feel to it and Hyundai continues to use a better quality of material than many of its competitors. Softer-touch plastics and metal highlights give the ix35 a richer feel than the outgoing Tucson and equipment level are generous.There is six-way power adjustment for the driver, good space in the high cabin and even in the rear seats the passengers are not cheated for leg or head room. However, that does have a cost in that the extra space for sentient beings does restrict room for their luggage.  Space with the rear seats in place is sufficient for a moderate shop or a couple of smallish travel bags. Drop them and that more than doubles to a very useable boot.Storage options for drinks and bits and pieces around the cabin are generous and cleverly placed to actually be of use to passengers.  The Elite has, as standard, an iPod compatible sound system operated from buttons on the steering wheel, cruise control, proximity key and push-button start meaning the keys need never leave your poscket, 17-inch alloys with a full-size spare.With the ix35 Hyundai has continued its push towards fitting as much safety kit as possible into its value cars. Electronic stability control is standard as are six airbags, ABS with brake assist and hill start assist.Value, if not performance, to burn.

But the really important question is: what do women want in a car?Finding the answer keeps carmakers tossing and turning at night, because they are well aware that women choose more than half the vehicles sold in Australia. There are all the ones they buy for themselves, as well as the deciding vote on most of the ones bought by households.Sorry, fellas. It’s true. No matter how much you want that souped-up sports car, unless the head of household finances agrees you may as well back away from the vehicle now.One of the earliest attempts to deliver a car for women was the mid-1950s Dodge La Femme. It was actually a 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer under the skin, but the Detroit designers camouflaged that skin as thoroughly as a make-up artist doing Vogue covers.The car was decked out in pink paint, with an interior covered in pink vinyl, set off by pink rosebud tapestry. And to show that this was not merely a cynical marketing exercise, Dodge kitted the car with accessories they thought reflected the growing independence of post-World War II women moving into meaningful career paths - a pink handbag complete with office essentials like a matching powder compact, lipstick case and comb.Sales estimates run as low as less than 1000 cars. And the pink panderer was quickly dropped from the Dodge range at the end of the following year.Australia’s own Carla Zampatti tweaked a Ford specifically for women in the 1980s, but whether it won women - with accessories including a hanging hook for handbags - is still open to question.However, Dodge and Ford weren’t completely on the wrong track. Women want a car to be stylish, but also practical. Luckily, these days there are quite a few vehicles that fit the bill – without playing the pink paint card. These are the best style picks for women today, from a woman's perspective, with the figures for the basic car.Don’t agree with these? Let us know what YOU think women want in a car in our poll at left.LIGHTMazda2Price: from $16,030Engine: 76kW/137Nm 1.5-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 6.4L/kmEmissions: 152g/kmThe baby 2 has cute and slightly edgy looks, is compact with usable space, and the long doors make it easy to get in the back seat. The auto will be preferred by most, but it adds to the weight of the little car.Close calls: Ford Fiesta from $16,990; Peugeot 207 from $22,490.SMALLBMW 1-SeriesPrice: from $38,900Engine: 160kW/270Nm 2.0-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.2L/kmEmissions: 190g/kmA pocket-sized entry in German prestige – without breaking the pocket. Looks stunning, an amazing amount of room, and great to drive.Close calls: Mazda3 from $21,330; Hyundai i30 from $20,390.MEDIUMFord MondeoPrice: from $31,990Engine: 118kW/208Nm 2.3-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 9.5L/kmEmissions: 227g/kmThe best thing Ford has brought to Australia in … ever, possibly. Enough space to make you wonder if you’ll ever need a larger car, elegant design and well built.Close calls: Mazda6 from $31,834; Audi A5 Sportback from $78,400.LARGEAudi A6Price: from $74,500Engine: 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre petrolTransmission: automaticEconomy: 5.8L/kmEmissions: 153g/kmThere’s not a high chic quotient in this class - where the homegrown Falcon and Commodore lean more to aggressive styling - so the Audi’s restrained elegance makes it a clear winner.Close calls: Honda Accord from $36,381Mercedes-Benz E-Class from $80,900.PEOPLE MOVERHonda OdysseyPrice: from $46,166Engine: 132kW/218Nm 2.5-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.9L/kmEmissions: 212g/kmIn a class that’s dominated by lumpy boxes, the Odyssey is a sleek stand-out. It's low-slung, car-like and leading with a fashionable face.Close calls: Citroen C4 Grand Picasso from $39,990; Chrysler Voyager $60,990.SPORTYBMW Mini Cooper ClubmanPrice: from $36,600Engine: 88kW/160Nm 1.6-litre petrolTransmission: automaticEconomy: 6.8L/kmEmissions: 163g/kmA bonsai wagon with go-kart street cred and revamped retro lines, this one will get admiring glances from everybody.Close calls: Kia Cerato Koup from $23,690; Audi S3 from $69,100.CONVERTIBLEVolkswagen EosPrice: from $47,990Engine: 103kW/320Nm dieselTransmission: automaticEconomy: 6.0L/kmEmissions: 158g/kmThe EOS is streamlined and sophisticated, looks equally good with the roof open or closed – and has enough room in the back to get a couple of extra friends in for short trips.Close calls: BMW Z4 from $86,200; Lexus IS250C from $80,150. SUVHyundai ix35Price: from $26,990Engine: 122kW/197Nm petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.5L/kmEmissions: 201g/kmThere’s heaps of practicality but precious little style in the SUV paddocks. But Hyundai’s new compact ix35 proves you can have both. Ultra-modern lines, trim shape and space to spare.Close calls: Jeep Wrangler (medium) from $31,590; Land Rover Range Rover Sport (large) from $99,900.

Korean tiger brand Hyundai is thinking outside the square – or at least outside the box – with the new ix35 compact SUV.The latest of the long parade of vehicles that have been lifting its range out of the bargain basement and onto the ‘desirable’ shelf, the newcomer has moved far from the hackneyed faux-4WD boxiness that plagues the segment.Replacing the Tucson, the ix35 has sleeker design, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, three engine choices and a strategically attractive equipment package designed to lure buyers away from the premium brands at a household price.  Hyundai is aiming at the 25-45 age group, young families and – of course – the oft-touted ‘active lifestylers’… whoever that is.European-influenced styling, penned at Hyundai’s Design Centre Europe at Russelsheim in Germany, uses the hexagonal grille from the ix-onic concept with concave and ‘double z’ planes adding some edginess to the body.  Sadly, it loses the show car’s intense lines, but the dilution keeps enough hints for you to see a resemblance. And it’s still a great-looking result.Muscular front and rear bumpers areas, a rear roof spoiler and swollen wheel arches add a slightly aggressive air. But slanted lines all around – the z-shaped planes along the shoulder and doorsill levels, sweeping light clusters and raked front and rear pillars – keep it away from being boxy.It’s a shape that will recall some of the Lexus SUVs, plus others like the Murano who have in recent years tried to escape the square lines. But the ix35 adds a far more interesting treatment of the front and sides to go with it.  The new SUV is about 10mm longer – and on a similarly-extended wheelbase – than the Tucson. However the ground clearance, which was 125mm on the previous 2WD and 186mm on the AWD, has for the ix35 been averaged out to 170mm. That’s enough to cope with a lot of rough tasks, but that extra height would have been helpful to weekend warriors.While the V6 engine from the Tucson has been dropped, three engines are available – two petrol and one diesel – with a six-speed automatic on all and a five-speed manual on the smaller of the petrol units.  That engine is the Theta II – the second version of Hyundai’s little global 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder that has now shed 10kg for better fuel efficiency. It develops 122kW of power at 6200rpm and 197Nm of torque at 4600rpm. Hyundai claims fuel economy of 8.5L/100km combined (11.4L city and 6.8L highway) with either gearbox and emits 201gm/km of CO2.The larger petrol engine – also a Theta II inline four-cylinder – has outputs of 130kW at 600rpm and 227Nm at 4000rpm, and uses 9.2L combined (12.4L city and 7.3L highway) and posts 219gm/km of CO2.The 2.0 R-series turbodiesel – which won its category in last year’s non-solar section of the Global Green Challenge eco race down the centre of Australia – uses 7.5L combined (10.1L city and 6.0L highway) and 198gm/km of CO2. It develops 135kw at 4000rpm and a hefty 392Nm from 1800-2500rpm.  That gives it an enviable low-down amount of muscle, but towing capacity is uniform across the variants at 750kg unbraked and 1600kg braked.The front-wheel drive Active costs $26,990 with the 2.0-litre petrol mated to the manual gearbox and $2000 more with the automatic. That’s only about $1500 more than the official price of the Hyundai Tucson City it replaces, but we saw that vehicle drop to $22,990 drive-away towards the end of its life.The all-wheel drive Elite is $31,990 with the 2.4-litre petrol engine and $34,990 with the 2.0-litre R-series turbodiesel (both with auto). And at $37,990, the AWD Highlander offers the same turbodiesel and six-speed auto, but with an extra load of equipment.Hyundai expects that once it gains market traction over the next three months, the ix35 will match the 1000/month sales of the outgoing Tucson, and expects that the Active and the Elite will take up about 45 per cent of sales each, with the Highlander snaring the remaining 10 per cent. However nothing is every certain, says their CEO, Edward Lee.  “We estimated the same in the Santa Fe, but the Highlander level in it is now selling at around 40 per cent,” he says.The cabin has a modern feel with dark and metal-finish accents, and a stack of equipment. The driver is treated to six-way power adjustment even in the base model, while the backseat passengers get a mid-bench armrest. Cupholders, bottleholders, map pockets and other storage nooks are liberally scattered around, while luggage space of 730 litres grows to 1579 with the rear seat folded down.The base spec Active gets all the usual kit, plus USB/iPod-compatible audio – with its buttons joining those of the cruise control on the steering wheel, and 17-in wheels (with full-sized spares across the range).  The Elite gets alloys, roof rails, foglamps, auto headlights, leather touches and push-button start, ‘proximity open’ that activates buttons on the doors and tailgate (so you don’t have to fish your keys out as you approach).The top-spec Highlander gets 18-in alloys, a panoramic glass roof, full leather upholstery, heated front seats, power folding mirrors, a reversing camera incorporated into the rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control airconditioning and a six-stacker CD player.But it’s the standard safety package that’s noticeably generous, with six airbags (including side curtains), active front headrests, anti-skid brakes with assist for extra anchor when needed plus brakeforce distribution to compensate for weight distribution, with hill start assist and downhill brake control to keep speed steady on the slopes.We expected a lot from the ix35, and by and large it delivered. It looks great both inside and out – fresh and stylish – and the attention to equipment and safety is admirable.   It’s rare to find features like six-way power adjustment on a driver’s seat at base level, for example.And that’s why we were puzzled that the steering wheel had tilt adjustment but not reach – an addition that should cost little but adds a lot in terms of letting tall drivers get comfortable, because it means you can get close enough to the steering wheel without your kneecaps banging on the dash.However Hyundai says they are talking to head office about adding reach, which was not available on the cars for Australia, and are confident it will arrive in the future.  But there was no disappointment with the AWD diesel Highlander we started off in. The turbo powerplant was grunty and responsive – and a good contender for towing small boats or weekend trips.The suspension worked brilliantly to absorb some nasty stretches of corrugated dirt and potholes, with little sign of it banging except for the kind of hole that swallows small animals. And it’s a reasonably taut drive for an SUV, sitting well around corners. The auto transmission was a capable performer, helped by the fact that even at high speeds it would transfer down one gear when you switched over to the mock-manual mode – a logical move, since if you’re switching to manual it’s generally because you want to get a bit more urge.  The steering was the main letdown, with the lightness of feel that would be perfect around town proving to be a bit on the airy side for winding roads.Our impression of the base model two-wheel drive 2.0-lite petrol version was probably undermined by having just stepped out of the diesel. But there was no getting around the petrol engine’s lacklustre approach to tasks like hills and overtaking. And even switching to the manual mode on this variant didn’t help a great deal. Although at 1485kg it’s about 200kg lighter than the Highlander, the little engine struggled with the effort.Nor did the front-wheel drive system impress on the rough country roads we were putting it through. But to be fair, this is a vehicle whose natural habitat is the city.  The 2.4-litre petrol AWD fared better, offering more enthusiasm on slopes and more liveliness off the line.Our measurement of the acceleration, while being fairly unscientific, still showed it got to 100km/h about 25 per cent faster than the 2.0-litre.  And that will come into play for anybody who wants a petrol ix35 to live outside the city limits.  But even after a brief stint with it, the diesel is still our pick. We loved the style across the range, but there’s no substitute for substance.