Hyundai ix35 2014 Review

The Korean SUV delivers a very tidy package for its purpose with accommodation, cargo space and flexibility, comfort and ergonomics all on a par with the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Toyota RAV4.

There is a comfortable familiarity when sitting in the ix35, which can be attributed to both good levels of comfort and excellent ergonomics – an area where the RAV4 did not score so well.

The Hyundai’s cabin is well equipped with sensible and usable storage compartments, too.

But where we were left wanting, was in cabin noise and visibility. Similar to the CX-5, rearward visibility in the ix35 is compromised. The cabin also allowed road and engine noise to creep in, making it feel a little less refined behind the wheel.

Sharing similar dimensions with the Tiguan, the ix35 is masterful in its use of space. Passenger accommodation is good and it boasts 465 litres of luggage space – more than the VW and Mazda.

The ix35 scored well and consistently across this category, apart from the quality of plastics and upholstery. Viewed in isolation, they look quite good – but compared to the CX-5 and Tiguan, you can’t help but feel a little short-changed.

The centre console and dash also present as less mature in design and finish, although still leagues ahead of the RAV4’s aesthetically-challenged display.

While aggregate scores saw the Hyundai in third place, aspiring to the standards set by the CX-5, it’s not alone – in this test group and beyond. The ix35 is far from shabby.

The jumpy throttle also masked some turbo lag with wider throttle openings exacerbating this pre-boost pause. Once on the go, however, the ix35 impressed (see break-out box), though this did come at the cost of fuel economy, which at 11.7L/100km (average, as tested) was almost two litres more than the Toyota RAV4.

The Hyundai’s pliancy also impressed on sweeping bends, though mid-corner bumps revealed some nervousness before it resettled on its springs. On smoother surfaces the ix35 proved initially grippy before leaning to understeer. Its steering lacked consistent weighting, particularly just off-centre.

But in venturing onto gravel the ix35’s ride and low NVH came to the fore, despite retaining a front-drive bias. The well-judged anti-lock brakes and stability control worked well off-road, intervening unobtrusively, while brake pedal feel and effectiveness also scored well.

Niceties such as 18-inch alloys (with a full-size spare), panorama sunroof, heated and leather-trimmed seats and sat nav are standard; metallic paint is a $595 option.

The Hyundai’s 60-month/unlimited kilometre warranty is unbeatable in this company while capped-price servicing for 40 months/50,000km and 12 months roadside assist are also standard. Service intervals are set at 12 months/15,000km and the first service costs $399.

According to redbook.com.au, a similarly specified (2010) Hyundai ix35 Highlander holds 66 per cent of its new price after four years.

Suitable integration of technology
The ix35’s technology is well set out and easy to operate, with the touchscreen’s landing buttons large enough to use on the go. The secondary hard buttons on the mid dash fascia are similarly user-friendly and the instrument panel concise and easy to read.

Similarly, the infotainment array and sat nav are user-friendly and sound quality decent considering the price tag. However, the ix35 did not offer a digital radio receiver and had trouble recognising some media players (iPhone 4S and 5) when connected via the USB port. Strangely, there was no issue when streamed via Bluetooth.

The electric seat adjustment lacked the finer modulation of the Toyota RAV4, however the mirror and window switches were easier to operate.

The HVAC system’s modulation between hot and cold is far better than some here and the dual-pane sunroof is a nice touch, especially considering the ix35’s price.

Price: $26,990 - $40,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 135kW/392Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.2L/100km (combined)
CO2: 189g/km (combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP