This week Nicholas reviews the Hyundai ix35. Read Nicholas’ other reviews. Ed
The headline figure for this Hyundai ix35 will always be the price; £16,540 will buy this sharp suited, well-equipped and big, high riding car.
I won’t call it a 4×4 because the one I drove was front wheel drive only, and the four wheel drive option is nothing more than a fancy traction control system anyway.
What you need to know is that despite a price similar to that of a Renault Megane or a Ford Focus, this is far more substantial vehicle.
Quality feel
Firstly, the interior is friendly and homely in a way no dour premium German car could be. It’s neither immature or dull and everything you need to touch feels more expensive than you would expect. I don’t think many ix35’s will find themselves without the excellent satellite navigation or stereo upgrade either, although this is a cost extra.
The 1.7 diesel engine takes a while to warm up but delivers a big slug of low-down grunt when asked. Some diesels rumble pleasantly while others complain and grumble, and this ones a grumbler; getting a little rougher when pushed.
It doesn’t need or like to be revved and one thing I found telling was how often I was having to change gear to keep the engine in its narrow power band. An automatic would better suit the cars low down torque.
Commotion of the motion reasonably hushed
The engine noise falls away at cruising speed however and the general commotion of motion is reasonably hushed for a car at this price.
The ride and handling is nice, if a little on the firm side. While it never wallows uncomfortably round corners, it also never quite irons out the road how you’d like it too.
The steering can be inconsistent too – it can change weight at times and kicks back slightly over bumps. Yet the lack of polish from the steering never takes away from the crisp way the car tacks into and out of a series of bends.
7/10 and well worth a look
Overall the Hyundai ix35 is well worth a look.
The cabin is usefully roomy and it feels good enough to spend a lot of time in, while this 1.7 diesel model will give 48.7mpg though town and country.
It’s also a fairly ageless car; it’s a sharp but simple looking vehicle that would genuinely appeal to both older and younger buyers.
Established, premium brands have to work hard to remain better than cars like this – but they do, just. 7/10.
Many thanks to Wight Motors in Sandown.
Full gallery to follow later
