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By
EWAN KENNEDY
3 May 2010
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
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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