2010 Hyundai ix35

Hyundai is the star attraction in the sales race in Australia at the present time, with the South Korean giant gaining bigger market shares in various segments, seemingly by the day.

That's partly due to what some competitors are calling a free kick on pricing; the Korean won is now worth about 22 per cent more versus the Japanese yen compared with just 18 months ago.

Higher build quality is also starting to have its effect as buyers report far fewer problems than in Hyundais of the past.

But Hyundai's biggest success has been created not by mere money or the ability to screw its vehicles together properly – the chief reason for the jump in sales is styling. Just have a look at the shape of the newly launched Hyundai ix35 to see what we mean.

Replacing the somewhat mundane looking Tucson in the Hyundai range, the new ix35 is positively futuristic in its swooping lines. Yet it achieves this without being over the top in a way that could frighten off some potential buyers.

The new for 2010 ix35 also launches the Hyundai family-look hexagonal grille that will be used in all new Hyundai vehicles in the foreseeable future. By creating this family resemblance, Hyundai hopes to achieve the success the upmarket European cars have managed for many decades. OK, so the South Korean giant still doesn't have an image that even vaguely approaches that of the Euro marques, but the Hyundai gurus are taking a long term approach.

Inside, the dash is contemporary but we feel it's not as neatly integrated as are the external lines of the ix35. We have the same complaint with the Hyundai ix35 as we have with other products from the same brand, in that the blue digital instrument read-outs are difficult to read.

Hyundai ix35 has three trim levels: Active, Elite and Highlander, with a choice of three engines, two petrol and a new R-Series turbo-diesel. Our test car was the top-of-the-line Highlander turbo-diesel. With a recommended retail price of $37,990 it comes lavishly equipped: keyless entry and alarm, Aux and USB port with iPod compatibility, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, 18-inch alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof, electric folding mirrors, full leather upholstery, powered and heated front seats, a rear view camera, dual zone air conditioning and a topline audio system.

The vehicle has plenty of leg and headroom in all seats, although shoulder room in the rear is marginal if you want to carry three adults of average size. This isn't unusual in this class so probably doesn't deserve criticism. Just check for yourself if the kids are approaching their teenage years. We liked the number and volume of the stowage areas, an important factor in any family oriented vehicle.

With the seats up ix35 has a generous luggage capacity of 591 litres which increases to 1436 litres with the rear seat folded down. The loading platform isn't too high off the ground and the shape of the area makes it easy to use.

The turbo-diesel in our Highlander delivers effortless performance. The level of noise, vibration, harshness is acceptable although when pushed hard you certainly know it's there.

Fuel consumption will usually be in the seven to eight litres per hundred kilometres range if you're driving on level roads and not pushing too hard. Around town this will typically rise to about nine to ten litres per hundred.

Handling is pretty good for a relatively tall SUV. We feel the steering is in the light side, but there's decent feedback so you would probably soon become accustomed to that. Understeer is well within the norm for front wheel drive/all wheel drive SUVs. There's a bit of body roll in corners if you push it moderately hard, but that's acceptable in Asian SUVs. If you have a lot more to spend, we suggest trying the European competitors, though.

Style is what the new Hyundai ix35 is all about. But behind that futuristic face is a competent SUV that will suit many a family’s needs and aspirations. And the price is mouth wateringly attractive.

Naturally, the ix35 has Hyundai's impressive five-year/unlimited distance warranty.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE
Active 2.0-litre petrol 2WD five-door wagon: $26,990 (automatic)
Elite 2.4-litre petrol 2WD five-door wagon: $31,990 (automatic)
Elite 2.0-litre diesel AWD five-door wagon: $34,990 (automatic)
Highlander 2.0-litre diesel AWD five-door wagon: $37,990 (automatic)

FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard in all models
Air Conditioning: Standard in all models
Automatic Transmission: Standard in all models
CD Player: Standard in all models
Central Locking: Standard in all models
Cruise Control: Standard in all models
Dual Front Airbags: Standard in all models
Front Side Airbags: Standard in all models
Stability Control: Standard in all models
Traction Control: Standard in all models

SPECIFICATIONS (Hyundai ix35 Elite 2.0R 2.0-litre diesel five-door wagon)

ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.995 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Head Design: DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 16.0:1
Bore/Stroke: 84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Maximum Power: 135 kW @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 392 Nm @ 1800-2500 rpm

DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: AWD
Manual Transmission: Not offered
Automatic Transmission: Six-speed
Final Drive Ratio: 3.041:1

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4410 mm
Wheelbase: 2640 mm
Width: 1855 mm
Height: 1520 mm
Turning Circle: 10.6 metres
Kerb Mass: 1796 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres
Towing Ability: 750 kg (1600 kg with braked trailer)

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension: Independent, multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Disc

FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: Diesel
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 7.5 L/100km

GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 6.5/10
Air Pollution Rating: 5/10

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years/unlimited km

2010 Hyundai ix35

Hyundai's Very Stylish ix35