Date Published: 15th November 2010
Seen primarily as a rival for the Nissan Qashqai, the ix35 went on sale in March 2010 with a promise of bulging kit lists and low purchase and running costs. Hyundai didn’t have a 4x4 model available for us to test in time to be fully included here, but colleagues who have driven one report that its combination of looks, space and equipment does ring true, albeit with caveats about the overall quality of its fit and finish.
The range currently includes one petrol engine and two diesels, but four-wheel drive is only available with the largest of these, a 2.0-litre oil-burner. Here, it attracts a £1000 premium over front-wheel drive, which our colleagues recommend as money well spent. There’s an auto option, too, reserved exclusively for 4x4 models, which adds another £1350 to the bill.
In terms of kit, there are two trim levels which both do very well. Leather and sat-nav are only optional, but both together will only cost £1500 – there are plenty of manufacturers who’d charge you at least that for each.
The higher-grade Premium model also includes 18-inch alloys instead of 17-inchers on the entry-level Style, and we wouldn’t expect this to do anything for the nervous ride we’ve been told about. Either way, though, we’re told that interior space and practicality are excellent, if not quite ground-breaking.
With prices for 4x4 models starting at £18,995 and climbing to £20,745, the ix35 is clearly going to sell on value. Discounts tend not to be into four figures yet, though – it’s still too new for that – but it’s got to be worth considering as an alternative to other crossovers and traditional hatchbacks alike.
Rating
For more information visit www.hyundai-car.co.uk
Jump: 1. General
