Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi Style (4WD) 5dr Car Review - February 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £21,905
Tax Band: F
Insurance Group: 18
MPG: 49.6
CO2: 149
0-62 Mph: 11.3 secs
BHP: 134 BHP
Range: 633 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4/5
The ix35 is firmly in the crossover market, and competing against vehicles such as the Nissan Qashqai and the Ford Kuga, it certainly has to make itself stand out. There is no doubt that the price for the ix35 is very competitive, but it does lack a few of the luxuries that are to be found in its more expensive rivals.

PROS:  The ix35 is really good value for money when compared with the competition, and also boasts a well equipped interior and an efficient engine.

CONS:  The car is not quite up to the standard of some of the competitors in the class, and the ride is not quite as comfortable as it should be in a vehicle of this size.

Behind the Wheel

The 2.0 litre CRDi engine has been designed to deliver a balance of fuel efficiency and performance, and on paper at least it certainly achieves this. The 0-62mph acceleration time is a competitive 11.3 seconds, and with a top speed of 112mph it is fast enough to cope with motorway driving. The ride quality is a little firm, and for a vehicle of this size most people will be looking for a softer suspension that will make the ride for the passengers more comfortable.

The 4WD delivers good power through the wheels that means that accelerating is easy enough, and the 2.0 litre engine delivers plenty of power. There is a little bit of body roll while cornering, and the steering is too light to really be authoritative while driving on country roads. The driving position does give a good view of the road, but small rear windows can mean that looking back is a little bit of an issue.

Looks & Equipment

The styling of the ix35 is very much within the confines of the existing crossovers available on the market, but the front end is tidy and the large air vent below the grille gives the car a grin on its face. The rear of the back is tidy and compact, and dividing the lights allowing some to be on the boot door itself does mean that the boot door is large and able to give good access. On the inside the dials are uncluttered and easy to read, and a clean centre console means that using the different features is straightforward.

The inclusion of alloy wheels and front fog lights as standard helps to ensure that the car looks good on the outside. Air conditioning and heated seats mean that you will find plenty of comfort in the car whether the weather is hot or cold, and the Bluetooth connectivity means that it is easy to stay connected while in the car.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The sheer amount of space that is available in vehicles such as the ix35 naturally means that they are practical enough, and is able to accommodate five adults with relative ease. The cavernous boot means that taking those people along with all their luggage shouldn’t be a problem either. Reliability shouldn’t be an issue with the well made Hyundai reputation, but the five year warranty will certainly provide plenty of reassurance.

The ix35 was awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests, and was given 90% in the adult safety category. With the usual range of six airbags should there be a collision, and ESP, ABS and traction control all in place to help the ix35 avoid any accidents, this is a very safe car to drive or to be a passenger in.

Value for Money

People who are browsing the crossover market will see that there are quite a few different vehicles available, and with a list price of £21,145 it isn’t as cheap as the bottom end of some of the other vehicles available. However, losing the 4WD and reducing the level of trim will make the ix35 one of the cheapest crossovers available.

In terms of running the car, the fuel performance is a very impressive average 49.6mpg, which is excellent for a vehicle of this size. The insurance group is reasonable, and it is a big bonus that the resale values for the ix35 do hold up remarkably well. The package is completed with an impressive five year unlimited mileage warranty, and a five year roadside breakdown cover policy.

Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi Style (4WD) 5dr Car Review - by 
All Hyundai IX35 Reviews
Hyundai ix35 1.7 CRDi Style (2WD) 5dr - March 2012
The ix35 is probably one of the weakest cars that Hyundai make. This shows just how far the Korean manufacturer has come, because it's still not half bad. It's loud and uncomfortable, especially at...
Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi Style (4WD) 5dr - February 2012
The ix35 is firmly in the crossover market, and competing against vehicles such as the Nissan Qashqai and the Ford Kuga, it certainly has to make itself stand out. There is no doubt that the price...
Hyundai ix35 1.7 CRDi Premium ISG (2WD) 5dr - March 2012
The Hyundai ix35 1.7 CRDi Premium ISG (2WD) offers excellent value for money but it can't quite live up to the European and Japanese competition in the quality stakes.
Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi Premium (4WD) Auto 5dr Pre-Model - March 2012
The ix35 disappoints in a number of key areas - the ride and handling aren't up to much and the interior feels cheap - but overall it's a decent car and offers plenty of grunt thanks to its impress...
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