CAR REVIEW (LAUNCH REPORT): Hyundai ix35
The ix35 launched in 2010 and has been a great seller for Hyundai ever since. And now it’s been upgraded with a range of technical and styling enhancements as well as a new 2,0-litre petrol engine and six-speed manual gearbox.
The local launch was held in the Winelands where we met for a brief presentation before heading out to some of the most beautiful roads in the Cape. We started the drive in the 2,0 Executive. The engine felt pretty punchy even considering we were on the open road having to overtake what felt like a hundred apple trucks. The other car we got to drive was the 2,0 turbodiesel Elite and this has a great amount of torque and made the drive not only easier but a lot more fun. The manual gearbox is equally as impressive, with smooth, easy shifts.
So what is new on the 2014 ix35, you may ask? Well, for starters it has new headlamps with LED accents, LED taillights, a new body-coloured front grille and new 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels. Step inside and you will find a standard multifunction steering wheel (with cruise control buttons on the Executive and Elite derivatives), bigger cupholders, a new audio system with Bluetooth and a 4,3-inch colour LCD touchscreen audio system (which, not being much bigger than a smartphone screen, is a tad small for our liking).
A significant upgrade is that of the new petrol engine. It produces 116 kW of power and 192 N.m of torque. But, like I said, it did give us enough grunt. I am interested to see how it will perform mated to the six-speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai has added a Flex Steer system to the Executive and Elite derivatives and this system offers three driving modes – normal, comfort and sport – that allow the driver to vary the level of steering support and feedback to best suit the environment.
The ix35 is safe, too, with an extensive list of features ranging from ABS and EBD to child-seat anchorage points and frontal, side and curtains airbags depending on the model. Part of the new ix35 package is a 5-year/90 000 km service plan and a 5-year/150 000 km warranty.
This car is popular for a reason: it’s fun to drive, offers more than enough space, we love the look of it and it is competitively priced. It ranges from R319 900 for the entry level 2,0 Premium to R449 900 for the R2,0 Elite AT. There are six derivatives to choose from which includes four petrol and two diesel engines mated to either a manual or automatic transmission.