DRIVEN: HYUNDAI IX35 ELITE CRDI 4×2

After four years on the market, the hugely popular ix35 has received its facelift, and a useful one it is. With designer Peter Schreyer now in charge of both Hyundai and Kia styling, the soft, rounded edges have given way to more muscular touches. New head- and taillamps, new grille, roof rails and (on this top of the range model) panoramic sunroof and 18-inch wheels are exterior features, while inside we notice reclining rear seats, tilt and rake steering wheel adjustment, cruise control,  keyless-go starting, a new audio system, and a useful but rather small touch screen.

The interior of Korean designed cars has for years now impressed with general quality and the iX35 is no exception. Although the facia top is still made of hard plastics, the finish is high quality and the rest is all impressive. Only the base “premium” model uses cloth seats. The rest have leather upholstery that has sensory appeal but remains rather hard to sit on. Legroom is more than satisfactory both front and in the rear, and the boot space is also sufficient for the family even though a full-size alloy spare wheel is provided under the boot board. Safety-wise: six airbags and ESP on this model.

While the 2,0-litre petrol version is lacking in torque, this 2,0-litre turbodiesel has it in abundance. A healthy 130 kW with 392 N.m from 1 800 r/min provides a really enjoyable experience. No stalling, no vibration, easy-going. All gearboxes are six-speed but we only drove manual versions. This is just as well, as the six-speed transmissions may hunt a bit whereas manual shifting is entirely up to you. Drive is to the front wheels only, but a 4×4 version is available with automatic transmission for an additional R60 000.

The steering feel has been improved to feel much less artificial and the Flex Steer system is employed that can lighten the load at the touch of a button. I found that of comfort, normal or sport, the latter has the most natural feel. The ride is also very well tuned to soak up bumps, yet not roll too much on the corners over Sir Lowry’s, Franschhoek and Van Der Stel passes traversed on our test route. About the only criticism we could muster is that the air-conditioning was somewhat inconsistent in keeping a comfortable temperature.

*Specifications:
Model: Hyundai ix35 Elite CRDi 4×2
Price: R389 900
Engine: 2,0 litre four-cylinder, turbodiesel
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power: 130 kW at 4 000 r/min
Torque: 392 N.m at 1 800 to 2 500 r/min
0 to 100 m/h: 9,4 s
Fuel consumption: 6,5 L/100 km
CO2: 170 g/km
Top speed: 195 km/h
Service plan: 5-years/ 90 000 km