Hyundai ix35 Review

The arrival in Australia of the ix35 wagon in February 2010 proved that Hyundai was on a roll. Its i30 hatch quickly won market acceptance after its local launch in October 2007. Both cars were clearly superior in quality and dynamics to any previous Hyundai and showed that the best Korean vehicles were ready to challenge the Japanese dominance.

On the same day we drove the ix35, Hyundai previewed the ix45 which would be introduced that May. Both cars were touted as proud examples of the latest design trend at Hyundai, unfortunately called ‘fluidic sculpture.’ Of course, all sculpture is fluid, which means the term is just empty waffle.

While not everyone will be delighted by the confronting appearance of the ix35, there can be no doubting the quality of the vehicle beneath all those bumps and curves.

Exterior and Interior Design

There will be no confusing the Hyundai ix35 with either its bland Tucson predecessor or rivals such as the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. How well will this design date? The ix35 is one of those cars you look at and can’t help feeling that it has been over-designed. While all those heavy curves and angles might be better suited to a sports coupe, they do not necessarily suit a vehicle whose primary role in life is more humdrum.

It’s as if someone in the design department looked at the Tucson and said we must make sure the next one looks bolder! We need more curves and bigger guards! We need sporty!

Our test car was a top of the range Highlander in a fetching shade of light metallic green (Eco Green). The attractive 18-inch alloys filled the guards out nicely. But in one of the darker colours, the ix35 looks less integrated.

The interior, too, gives the impression of designers trying too hard. The steering wheel with its excessive brightwork in the lower sectors is the immediate first point of focus. And the centre stack draws attention to itself as well. It is difficult to count all the different lines and angles. There are some ergonomic quibbles. Does the start/stop button add function? You would have to study the manual to learn how to turn the engine off and keep the sound system operating.

Curious, too, is the way the main gauges are placed in cowls. The original function of a cowl was to stop the instruments reflecting on the inside of the windscreen, but the ix35’s are turned 90 degrees, so that the hood of the instrument protrudes in a horizontal rather than vertical plane. It looks like design for its own sake, rather than a case of form following function.

If your idea of Hyundai dates back to the 1990s, you will be amazed by the high quality of the materials used in the ix35’s cabin.

Accommodation

Despite some quibbles about the design of the interior it is very spacious and comfortable. Five occupants have plenty of room to stretch and there is a generous load area. A full-size spare wheel is provided.

You sit high with a commanding view in all directions. Tall and short drivers alike should easily find a good driving position. The steering wheel is adjustable only for rake and some might wish to have it slightly closer.

The plush leather upholstery is most welcome in this price range ($35,490 for the petrol Highlander and $38,490 for the diesel). A delightfully tactile Momo leather gearknob is standard. Other welcome inclusions are dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a reversing camera and sunroof. Five-star safety can almost be taken for granted on current Hyundai sedans and wagons.

Performance and Economy

The ix35 is one of the strongest performers in its class. Few rivals come close to its 135 kW of power which is delivered at 4000 rpm. The Subaru Forester 2.0D offers just 108 kW and the petrol Honda CRV makes 125.) But it is, as on nearly all diesels, still torque that talks loudest and most convincingly. This 2.0-litre turbodiesel has 392 Nm of it, on offer right through from 1800 rpm to 2500.

This compact wagon delivers good performance under all road conditions.

This is the pick of the two engines on offer. The 2.4-litre petrol ix35 delivers a respectable 130 kW of power at 6000 rpm but torque is way down on the turbodiesel – just 227 Nm, relatively high in the rpm range at 4000.

The turbodiesel teams superbly with a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance is probably best in class, while economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres in mostly open road cruising is about average. It is quite a heavy wagon at 1706 kilograms.

Ride and Handling

The ix35 Highlander is a pleasure to drive. Over-designed it may be, but the Highlander’s leather-bound wheel relays the messages of the road faithfully. Cornering is excellent with minimal roll. Even on 18-inch rims, the ride remains comfortable, if sometimes a little firm. But don’t imagine the ix35 will respond well to being taken offroad: it’s more in the cool cruiser mode.

Rivals

This sector was dominated by Japanese models until a few years ago but the Hyundai ix35 and the Kia Sportage are now worthy challengers. Hyundai may own Kia but in Australia these two are fierce rivals. The flagship Highlander turbodiesel offers superior value to any of the Japanese wagons in this price range.

Summary

Regardless of whether you think the styling is pretty or pretentious, the ix35 offers a strong combination of performance, dynamics, space and practicality. The Highlander variant offers a long list of standard kit and is especially well priced.