Hyundai ix35 1.7 diesel

By guest blogger Curt Raubenheimer 

 

My initial impression…

I like that sense of safety you feel when you sit just that little bit higher than everyone else around you on the road. So much so, I have been contemplating a SUV as my next vehicle and was excited to get behind the new Hyundai ix35!

The previous version of the ix35 always left me thinking that it’s a bit of a “mommy wagon” when I compared it to the likes of the Sportage, which always had a bit more of an air of masculinity for me.

Not anymore! With revised headlamps including integrated (and very cool) tube style DRL’s, taillights and side running strips, the new ix35 just got “cool”, bru!

Getting to know the car…

The doors open nice and wide with the seats at a well-thought-out height, making access into the vehicle easy for all.

The rear seats are spacious (including the middle seat) and includes ISOFIX. I am nearly six foot and had plenty of head and legroom, so you could fit three strapping lads quite comfortably in the back.

The dash compromises soft touch materials with a leather steering wheel on the premium models, giving a feel of quality.

The level of standard equipment across the range is good. I was impressed that rear-view camera park assist is standard on all models (a feature you really need on bigger vehicles), along with other modern day necessities such as Bluetooth, multifunction steering wheel and Aux/iPod/USB connection. Unfortunately, if you want other conveniences such as cruise control and navigation, you will have to opt for top-of-the-range models.

There is ample storage around the cabin. I find the sunglass holder (standard on all models) and cooled glove box (certain models) particularly handy.

On the road, the driver seating position is perfectly comfortable and ideal for long trips.

The revised suspension gives a superb ride quality, soaking up the harsh jolt of potholes and speedbumps become a walk in the park.

Steering is accurate, the breaks sharp and the clutch light with easy gear changes. I am not a fan of the manual transmission as I spend a lot of time in start and stop traffic. Although gear changes are a breeze, the ix35 1.7 U2 Premium I had on test does have you constantly shifting through those gears. I would prefer it in auto, but that’s just me.

As previously mentioned, I had the 1.7 U2 Premium on test, the new and recent diesel engine addition to the range (originally launched in 2014). I was pleasantly surprised by the agility of this power plant at all speeds, with its 85kW and with 260Nm of torque. To top it off, this unit is frugal! I was getting approximately 7.2l/100km.

 

Great cabin insulation means little road noise, but as expected, a diesel engine will negate this to some degree.

The Hyundai ix35 is available in three 2.0 petrol models (116kW): Premium 4x2 (M or A/T), Executive 4x2 (M only) and Elite 4x2 (A/T only); one diesel variant (85kW): 1.7 Premium 4x2 (M only) and two models boasting the R Type 2.0 petrol engine (130kW): Elite 4x2 (M only) and Elite AWD (A/T only).

What I liked:

  • Improved masculine appeal.
  • Impressive diesel engine.
  • Great fuel economy.

What I’m not crazy for:

  • Constant gear shifting (manual diesel engine).
  • No diesel automatic derivative version available.

The figures and extra stuff…

 

Tested

The competition

 

HYUNDAI ix35

KIA Sportage

NISSAN Qashqai

TOYOTA RAV4

MAZDA CX-5

 

6M

6M

6M

6M

6A

 

 

 

 

 

 

The model:

1.7 U2 Premium 4x2

2.0 2WD CRDi MAN

1.5dCi Acenta 2WD

2.2 D MT GX AWD

2.2 DE Active FWD

 

 

 

 

 

 

How much does it cost?

From R359 900

From R392 995

From R332 200

From R389 400

From R375 400

 

 

 

 

 

 

How powerful is it?

85kW/260Nm

130kW/382Nm

81kW/260Nm

110kW/340Nm

110kW/380Nm

 

 

 

 

 

 

How quick is it (0-100kph)?

12.4

9.4

11.9

10.9

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

How fuel efficient is it (avg. /100km)?

6.5

6.7

4.2

5.6

5.7

 

The Hyundai ix35 scores five stars in the Euro NCAP.

The entire range comes standard with a 5yr/150 000km manufacturer’s warranty, 5yr/160 000km perforation warranty and 5yr/150 000km roadside assistance. Every model also comes standard with a 5yr/90 000km service plan and service intervals are at 15 000km.

 

And in conclusion…

I mentioned at the beginning I was in the market for a SUV- the higher rider height and the ability to navigate the bumps and holes, characteristic of our South African Roads. And prior to the ix35 facelift, I would opt for something, I feel, is more masculine looking, i.e. the pricier Kia Sportage or competent Nissan Qashqai.

Spending a week with the ix35 has changed my mind- Hyundai’s little makeover has scored the ix35 extra points in my book.

I would definitely consider the 1.7 diesel. It’s punchy, has great economy and is well priced. Like I said though, I am a stickler for A/T (I really loathe changing gears), and would have to look at a 2.0 petrol in A/T just for that reason as the diesel is not offered in A/T.

www.hyundai.co.za

 

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