2010 Hyundai Ix35 Launch Report

Hyundai's replacement for the Tucson SUV, the ix35, was officially launched last week, although the vehicle has been on sale for some time, with all initial 160 vehicles already sold to customers.

The ix35 is available in both diesel and petrol versions. The diesel is a 2.0 litre version of the 2.2 litre R diesel engine found in the Santa Fe, with 135kW and 392Nm, while the 2.4 litre petrol engine replaces the previous 2.7 litre.

The 2.4 litre engine is one kilowatt more powerful than the old 2.7 at 130kW, although torque of 227Nm is slightly lower. The entry level two wheel drive ix35 has a 2.0 litre petrol engine producing 122kW and 197Nm.

All versions come with six speed automatic gearboxes, replacing the four speed automatic of the Tucson - curing a major criticism of Hyundai's small SUV.

As with the Tucson the ix35 range opens with a two wheel drive version priced at NZ$39,990. The ix35 range continues with a 2.4 litre petrol AWD at NZ$44,990 and a 2.4 Elite AWD at NZ$48,990. The diesel engine models start at the AWD 2.0R, at NZ$49,990, topping out at the 2.0R Elite AWD at NZ$53,990.

On the road it is the diesel engined ix35 that is by far the more attractive proposition. Like the larger 2.2 litre unit in the Santa Fe the engine is powerful and responsive, although it can be a little loud when pressed hard. The 2.4 litre petrol happily revs all the way to the redline and feels just as quick as the old 2.7 litre, while the 2.0 litre model was not present on the launch.

The ix35 is appreciably larger than the Tucson, although the new exterior styling hides any extra bulk. Take the styling of the ix35 as a prediction of the future styling direction of Hyundai as, like close relative Kia, the vehicles change from rather staid designs to something much more daring. That styling extends to the interior, with a dramatically sweeping dashboard.

Leather upholstery is standard on the Elite models as is proximity key entry and button start, while the rest make do with cloth and a more conventional keyless entry system respectively.

Like most of the Hyundai range, iPod integration is standard across all models, and the Elite models get a very impressive subwoofer which refuses to distort under even very heavy bass tunes.

Strangely there is rake but no reach adjustment to the steering wheel, which requires a bit of seat adjustment to find a comfortable position.

Safety equipment wise even the base models are well equipped, with ABS electronic brakeforce distribution, Brake Assist, Stability Control, dual front side, and curtain airbags. All models get Downhill Brake Control and Hill Start Assist, the latter a first for Hyundai.

The ix35 handles quite well on road and handling is more or less like that of any other modern small SUV, while the driver's seat is comfortable for long journeys. A real surprise was the ix35's stability on gravel roads, and drivers may find themselves going much quicker than they realise.

The ix35 can be summed up as a massive improvement on the Tucson, both in terms of styling and engineering, but the bulk of credit has to go to the new R series engine, which seriously challenges the Euro diesels in power, emissions and fuel consumption.