With plenty of interior space, low running costs and lots of equipment fitted as standard, the Hyundai ix35 makes for an impressive entry-level vehicle into the crossover market. As a crossover prospective owners have the option to choose either two or four-wheel drive versions, which means most driving conditions can be dealt with easily and effectively.
The
new Hyundai ix35 is available in just two versions, the Style and the Premium. The Style has a choice of no less than six engines and includes both the two-wheel and four-wheel drive options. Some models can also be ordered with Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG) technology; however, it should be noted that these require extended delivery times, as they have to be ordered specially.
Style engines begin with the two-wheel drive, 1.6 litre Gdi, with six-speed manual transmission. The engine can also be ordered with ISG technology, also in two-wheel drive. Moving up to diesel engines, there is a 1.0 litre CRDi with six-speed manual transmission, again two-wheel drive only; this is also available in an ISG version. The more powerful diesel engine is the 2.0 litre CRDi and this is available in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive, also with six-speed manual transmission. This engine can also be ordered with six-speed automatic transmission, in four-wheel drive only. ISG technology is not available on the 2.0 litre engines.
The Style has very reasonable fuel economy, with combined fuel consumption at 41.5 mpg for the 1.6 petrol engine version; rising to 44.1 mpg with the ISG. The 1.7 diesel records
48.7 mpg combined, with the 2.0 manual 4WD achieving 49.6 mpg combined.
The Premium does not have a petrol engine option and the two diesels come in the same configuration as for the Style; two 1.7 litre engines, one with optional ISG technology, both only as two-wheel drive; two 2.0 litre models, the six-speed manual transmission being available in two and four wheel drive and the automatic only as four-wheel drive. Best performer for combined fuel economy is the 1.7 ISG with 54.3 mpg; the automatic 2.0 is the thirstiest at 39.2 mpg.
Plenty of interior and exterior safety features demonstrate that Hyundai are serious about taking care of the ix35s occupants, and with a whole range of features for comfort and in-car entertainment as standard, the Hyunda ix35 makes for an attractive and solid drive.
