Hyundai ix35 First Drive

Hyundai has just unveiled their replacement for the compact SUV Tucson and have called it the ix35. We had the opportunity to drive the 3 model variants through the sweeping hills on the outskirts of Melbourne.

There are 3 models to choose from the Active, Elite and Highlander. They are offering a manual and auto in the Active with a petrol engine. The Elite is available with petrol or diesel engine with an auto transmission only and the Highlander is only offered as a diesel auto. To make this is a little more confusing, the Active is only available as a 2WD while the Elite and Highlander are only available as a 4WD. Basically if you’re an urban dweller go for the Active or Elite. The Elite has a few more luxury features than the Active. If you use your vehicle for towing or off roading or want the luxury of a full leather interior, dual zone climate control, heated front seats and Panoramic sunroof, then go for the Highlander.

It’s not very often that I say this but I prefer the diesel over the petrol. Not because the petrol is unpleasant to drive, just that the diesel is great-and it is more fuel efficient. The power and acceleration of the 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine is better than some of the German cars I’ve driven, mainly because the power is delivered in a smooth seamless manner as opposed to a sudden burst after a pregnant pause.

The exterior design take it’s cues from some of the luxury brand models such as the Lexus RX450 and Audi Q5. The interior design is not as sophisticated as some of the European marques, but is also less complicated. Controls are all in easy reach and large knobs make them easy to use.

All models are fitted with a full gamut of safety features including ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, ESP and 6 airbags. The car hasn’t been tested yet for its safety rating, but I would be very surprised if it didn’t get awarded the maximum 5 stars from ANCAP.

Make no mistake, the cheap small Hyundai cars of yester year are very much part of Hyundai’s past, not their future. You only need to look at the success of the i30, the iMax and the Santa Fe models to see this. And with in the next couple of months there will also be the i20 and medium family car (Sonata’s replacement) code named the YF, which look pretty stylish too!

Model Range and Pricing

• ix35 Active 2WD 2.0-litre petrol five-speed manual $26,990*

• ix35 Active 2WD 2.0-litre petrol six-speed automatic $28,990*

• ix35 Elite AWD 2.4-litre petrol six-speed automatic $31,990*

• ix35 Elite AWD 2.0-litre R-series turbo-Diesel six-speed automatic $34,990*

• ix35 Highlander AWD 2.0-litre R-series turbo-Diesel six-speed automatic $37,990*

Stay tuned for the full review of the ix35 in the coming weeks.

*Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) - includes G.S.T, but excludes dealer deliver and statutory charges.