Hyundai ix35 Review & Road Test

Pros: Good standard safety levels; spacious & versatile; competent handling

Cons: No steering reach adjustment; second row ventilation; harsh ride

By Nadine Armstrong | April 04th, 2010

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Price: $16,110 to $27,240

Our Rating:

Performance, Ride & Handling	3
Comfort and Interior	3.5
Quality & Design	3.5
Value & Features	4
Safety	5
Green	4

Models Tested:

2010 Hyundai ix35 Active; 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, petrol; 2WD; six-speed automatic; SUV: $28,990*
2010 Hyundai ix35 Elite; 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrol; AWD; six-speed automatic; SUV: $31,990*

CarAdvice Rating – ix35 Active:
CarAdvice Rating – ix35 Elite:

Words by Nadine Armstrong | Photos by Nadine Armstong & Hyundai Australia

Korean manufacturer, European styling, Australian market – it’s a recipe for mixed emotions and is bound to draw out ingrained bias and irrational comments. The Hyundai ix35 deserves some attention and is set to strengthen this manufacturer’s blossoming reputation.

Sadly, there remains many a buyer who scoff at the mere suggestion of buying a Hyundai. The same people are happy to criticise Hyundai based on, well, few facts. If you haven’t driven a Hyundai lately, reserve judgment until you do. If there were a car award for ‘most improved’, Hyundai would be a stand out contender.

I was excited to get into Hyundai’s new compact SUV and after a couple of weeks living with the ix35, I’m a fan… but would I buy one?

Available in three model specifications –Active, Elite and Highlander – the ix35 offers a range of engine variants and specification levels, and spans a broad price bracket.

The entry point is the ix35 Active (pictured below), a two-wheel-drive 2.0-litre petrol, five-speed manual priced at $26,990* or a six-speed automatic for $28,990*.

The mid-spec Elite comes with a 2.4-litre, six-speed automatic, petrol engine priced at $31,990*. It’s also available with the 2.0-litre R-series turbo-diesel with a six-speed automatic for $34,990*.

The range topping Highlander comes with the 2.0-litre R-series turbo-Diesel matched to a six-speed automatic and starts at $37,990*.

Wordsmiths gone mad, the ix35 has been labeled with many colourful descriptors – sporty, athletic, muscular, sophisticated and a fluidic sculpture. It apparently covers all bases, genders, buyers. It certainly has sweeping lines and a sporty look. It also seems to straddle a nice gender balance – not too chunky, but not too girly.

Finished in Eco Green metallic paint, the Elite ix35 gained many a comment – inquisitive and positive – and it’s quite the head-turner on the streets. The hexagonal shape grille on the ix35 is the ‘new face’ of Hyundai and will be seen on future models.

I tested the petrol Active and Elite models, both in six-speed automatic with sequential manual shift.

The cheapest – in both price and appearance – the ix35 Active is great value for money when you examine what’s on offer. Safety features include, six airbag and active front headrests, stability control with traction control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution. Downhill brake control and hill start assist also come as standard. Keyless entry and an alarm, 17-inch steel wheels and a full size spare, electric driver’s seat, auxiliary, USB and iPod/iPhone compatibility and a multi-function steering wheel round off a good seat of features – all as standard on the ix35 Active, and across the entire range. So on paper, it’s looking good. Slip inside the ix35 Active and you will discover a modern, comfortable cabin that can easily accommodate five passengers and a good amount of luggage.

The ix35 Active’s 2.0-litre engine, while no powerhouse, delivers adequate power through a six-speed gearbox. Producing 122kW at 6200rpm and 197Nm at 4600rpm the Active’s engine does a satisfactory job, but is a little slow to respond when you call upon some extra pace. Switching to manual shift mode helps.

Load the ix35 Active with five passengers and boot load of gear and you will feel and hear some strain on the engine, but nonetheless you arrive at your destination, in comfort.

The dash and centre display of the ix35 is a little disjointed in its design. A variety of textured, matte and high-shine plastics mix with faux chrome in a busy angular display of buttons and dials that frame the digital audio display.

Swapping into the ix35 Elite, styling differences are minor, but they step it up where it counts. A leather gear select and steering wheel feels much nicer in hand, and the leather and cloth combination seats and trim lift the tone of the cabin significantly. And the Start/Stop button is a nice touch of maturity for this cabin.

The Elite’s chrome front grille, black exterior side trim, fog lights, 17-inch alloys and roof rails make this vehicle far more visually interesting than the Active.

Aesthetics upgrades are good, but it’s the Elite’s 2.4-litre petrol engine and all-wheel-drive that are the real stars. It delivers a far more composed, powerful and enjoyable drive over the base model Active. The 2.4-litre engine hits peak power of 130kW at 6000rpm and 227Nm at 4000rpm. While not gaining a huge margin over the power and torque of the Active, the Elite delivers it so much better.

The ix35 feels very confident on the road, more so in the all-wheel-drive Elite. But even so, the Active holds itself well on the freeway. Steering and tight cornering is effortless, but, again, the Elite has far more poise than the Active. Keep the Active within its limits however – low speed cornering to be specific – and it’s a very competent drive.

The ix35 has a tight body structure that delivers nice handling with minimal body sway, but the suspension is firm, bordering on harsh, and spoils the ride experience somewhat.

The Elite’s all-wheel-drive and downhill brake control does equip this vehicle for an off-road detour, but with a ground clearance of just 170mm it’s no bush-basher.

All ix35 feature three-point seat belts all round, height adjustable headrests and provide three child-seat anchor points in the second row.

The driver’s seat on all models has six-way electric adjustment, including lumbar adjust.

The driver and front passenger active headrests are positioned at a very annoying angle. I found myself adjusting the headrest far beyond its natural (and I suspect most safe) position to get comfortable. With a ponytail, I was plain uncomfortable (and unless you have the hair to sport a ponytail, you really won’t understand).

I enjoyed the size of the ix35. It is a compact SUV of manageable and functional proportions. The ride height allows for easy entry and exit. My elderly in-laws made comment of this – it’s literally a horizontal slide in to the seat.

Forward and side visibility in the ix35 is good. Rearward visibility is a little tricky, thanks to the large rear pillars and a small rear window. Factor in three rear passenger heads and you’ll struggle to get a rearward view at all. Front and rear parking sensors are an option across the range.

Cargo capacity in the Hyundai ix35 is 730-litres seats up and expands to 1579-litres with the seats down. The load height of the boot is low, making it very easy to load large heavy items. The retractable cover keeps your goods out of sight. The cover also locks into place when you’re making the most of the full boot capacity – unlike some vehicles that leave you with a large retractable blind and nowhere to stow it. There are also good luggage hooks in the boot and the Elite spec comes with a luggage net. Nobody likes to hear the sound of ripe fruit rolling about the boot.

My only criticism of the boot is that the boot lid itself is heavy. It was an effort to pull it closed. And at my height – around 162cm – it’s an effort to reach the boot to pull it down. One of those rubbery boot levers would do the trick.

Small disappointments of the ix35 are, no directional air vents in the second row, passengers will be dirty on this. Like it’s grown up sibling the Santa Fe, the ix35 automatically unlocks your doors when you engage park brake. I don’t like this. It also lacks steering wheel reach adjust. The upset with this omission seems disproportionate in the scheme of things, but it makes it difficult to get a really good driving position, particularly when one vehicle needs to meet the needs of a range of drivers.

The ix35 has good in-cabin storage, including dual cup holders in the front centre console and in the fold down armrest in the rear.

The second row offers all three passengers good comfort. Headroom, leg and shoulder room is very good. Three adults can be seated fairly comfortably; three kids are easily accommodated. Visibility from this row is also good, so passengers won’t feel relegated to the back stalls.

Fuel consumption figures for the petrol range are as follows:

Fuel ConsumptionL/100km	2.0-litre petrol 2WD manual	2.0-litre petrol 2WD automatic	2.4-litre petrol AWD automatic
Combined	8.5	8.5	9.2
Urban	11.4	11.4	12.4
Extra	6.8	6.8	7.3

The ix35 will no doubt be looking to lure buyers from a strong and trusted performer such as the Nissan Dualis.

So is ‘most improved’ really something to be proud of or is the award itself simply reflect a low starting base? Irrespective, the ix35 puts forward a very tidy offering and inclusions such as six airbags, stability control, iPod connectivity and six-way electric seat adjust as standard on the base model are rare and commendable. I would recommend you add the Hyundai ix35 to your shortlist. My hunch is that the Elite diesel may be the pick of the bunch, in terms of price and performance.

CarAdvice is currently testing the diesel-powered Hyundai ix35 Highlander with a review to follow shortly.

Ratings:

CarAdvice Overall Rating – Active:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

CarAdvice Overall Rating – Elite:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Reader reviews of the HYUNDAI IX35

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The competition

{Democrocy:11}

Its a nice review, its gone up a lot in price from the Tucson, the hyundai is not the bargains anymore.

Maybe the cloned and better looking Kia Sportage will be a better deal?
largeportion

Korean manufacturer, European styling, Australian market – it’s a recipe for mixed emotions and is bound to draw out ingrained bias and irrational comments

So let all the ridiculous Korean Car lovers start ranting on……

Look out Toyota etc and now Koreans are the best etc etc. get a life,

The seats in this thing are uncomfortable and cheap, the panels feel like they would cave in if you lent on it. I believe that these days Hyundai’s are overpriced, and they have no resale at all. So go ahead and waste your money

Robin Graves

Where do you get this bad resale lie from? Care to back it up with some facts instead of what you perceive, which is wrong by the way. Go to redbook and show me any 3 year old Hyundai that has poorer resale than a 3 year old Commodore.

sammo

Red Book Resale ratings are quite strange. Most Hyundais don’t achieve more than 60% retained value over 3 years, whilst Peugeots are all in the 60-70% range – why is this??

Frenchie

That is because there are more Hyundai’s around than Peugeots.
rar

Hyundai’s resale value is bad?
Where is the URL or reference?
Why people still living in old days?
Recent Hyundai’s resale value is improving globally.

——————-
“2011 Hyundai Sonata represents the lowest depreciation in the midsize car segment in ALG Residual Value Index. The 2011 Sonata even outperforms comparably-equipped 2010 model year Honda Accord.”

prnewswire.com/news-releases/2011-hyundai-sonata-gls-tops-popular-competitors-including-premium-brands-in-alg-residual-value-index-83845712.html

——————-
They already archieved ‘lowest depreciation’ in mid size car segment. Sure, They can archiving it more product lineup.
rar

sammo says:
April 4, 2010 at 5:05 pm

“Red Book Resale ratings are quite strange. Most Hyundais don’t achieve more than 60% retained value over 3 years”
—————-
Lie.
You can’t prove by any reference.

I googled it.

hyundai.com.au/Resale-Value/default.aspx

On the contrary, Their resale value are on par with industry average when 2005. Probalby, they increased more.

One of the exmple, Their elantra’s resale value is better than same class model of Nissan, ford, suzukis.

boris

thats a pretty sad comparison we all know the bommodores and falcoons have the worst resale of anything not to mention redbook is only a rough guide you never get what it says . i,ll take a suzuki any day better build quality they very rarely are seen on the back of tow trucks and in the second hand market they get very good resale for them i owned a swift for 3 yrs that i paid $17500 for sold it with 42K klms on it for $14500 show me any hyundai that can match that.

jinsei

I know the mentality of people like you: “whatsoever Hyundai/Kia make must be a piece of junk and anybody who doesn’t think so are Korean car fanatics.”

Are you a desperate Toyota dealer picking on every single Hyundai/Kia car in the wake of the 8 million recall? If not, why would you do this on every single Hyundai/Kia post?

You gotta get a life not us.

Thousands of consumers every month decide to buy Hyundai/Kia NOT because they are korean car fanatics but because they are sufficiently safe, reliable, well-built and have decent handling(maybe not the best in class but at least predictable and obedient). And they offer all this for 1-2K less than competitors.

When consumers do their cost/benefit analysis before purchasing a high-expenditure item like a car, obviously the end result would point towards Hyundai/Kia given the overall attractiveness of current Hyundai/Kia models.

So the current surge in popularity of Korean cars are not because of some fanatics talking it up as you would claim, but due to increasing awareness among consumers in the market.

GoHyundai

yeap, im just gonna sit back relax, and let time tell

these guys would have nothing to say then,

look at sony now…geezus…lol

rar

@boris
“i,ll take a suzuki any day better build quality”

That’s funny bro, When Suzuki known as “Quality”?

Your logic is quite nonsense.

Toyota, Honda -> Reliability -> Japanese -> Suzuki is also Japanese -> Suzuki have quality?

Quite funny logic, Bro.

automotiveaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/2010vdschart.jpg

Surprise? Suzuki is 2nd most bad quality car company in the world.

Baddass

Can we please lay off on the Hyundai praise? Yes Hyundai and Kia have come a long way recently but I don’t think there is anyone on this site who doesn’t know it already. It would be easy to assume (and so many do) that because these two carmakers have come so far, their products are now at the top of their respective classes. Sorry to be the one to say it, but the Tiguan beats the ix35 in most aspects (not price). The ix35 is a decent effort, probably above average, but let’s not get ahead of oursleves. Hyundai/Kia will always be good value for money, just not class leaders.

Fernando

I think Ix35 beats Tiguan with Price and ‘possibly’ RELIABILITY. People say Europeans are ‘fun to drive’ compared to Japanese and Koreans. I agree generally Europeans have better handling and more styling (Styling is subjective though) but I wouldn’t say it’s fun to drive if I have to fix it every 6 months. VW is one of the worst cars on the road in terms of reliability and fixing cost is expensive.

2010 Vehicle Dependability Study

Hyundai 148
Industrial average 155
VW 225

Frenchie

This applies only to the US (North America).

rar

@Frenchie
They export same car to everywhere.
Is it possible? They export especially ‘Inferior quality’ cars to North America?

automotiveaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/2010vdschart.jpg

Surprise? Suzuki is 2nd most bad quality car company in the world.

Acutally, North America is world no.1 auto market. North America is more important than aus market.

They export same quality products to worldwide.

Hung Low

Motor mouth, did you know that Suzuki’s reputation in North America was damaged from them selling rebadged GM rubbish, not their own built cars.
Its only in the last couple of years that their line up has changed to include the Japanese models…the stigma still exist though!
If you think Suzuki’s are one of the worst quality cars, you have had you head in the sand for too long!
They are generally bulletproof any mechanic or previous owners will attest to that.
But if you rather rely on a American based survey that is far from real factual evidence like ownership so be it!
I have owned 3 Suzuki’s in the past and they have all been utterly faultless. My mothers current 2005 Swift has been faultless over the past 90000km…..I am sure many on these blogs have owned a Suzuki at one time and would say the same…. bizzare isn’t it?….. How many have you ever had to qualify your opinion? You are nothing but a one eyed Hyundai fanboy who has limited knowledge of any other manufacturer or anything automotive!

GoHyundai

and i also think culture kicks into hyundai kia as well,
koreans DO NOT like to feel the road when they drive.
on the other hand, europeans (etc) love to feel every crack and bump and rock on the road as they drive…

every review about hyundai/kias…says…”floaty drive” -koreans love that.

read some reviews on the drive of the new hyundai equus, and about the button of the suspension, talks about the “european feel the rocks on the road drive” then you push a button…then it’s the “dont feel a thing floaty driving on water smooth” thing,

excuses

so now you’re justifying the reason for an unsatisfactory ride. hmm, biased, no not you.
rar

Not only Korean, all Asian consumers want Quite and Cushy driving than Sporty driving.

That’s the reason that why Lexus and Prius are boring than german.

excuses

well said baddass, couldn’t agree more.

Carl

What a shame you didn’t attempt to test drive the diesel because I’ve heard it is a much better drive and totally transforms this car, (maybe diesel is a guy thing and one of the boys will review that one next???) but i wouldn’t consider the petrol version unless i just had too have one NOW! and wasn’t willing to save up the extra for the diesel. and that type of person probably wouldn’t appreciate the attributes of the diesel anyway!
Also I’m sick of car companies tuning their suspensions sooooo hard, Here in NSW the RTA roads are pathetic and full or pot holes and most people don’t buy these cars to drive the wheels off them so why not give us a decent ride quality??? VW is a constant offender in this regard.
George

Baddass you are on crack if you think you can compare the IX35′s turbo diesel and 6 speed auto the the VW Tiguan. The diesel combo is best in class – have no doubt about that.

As for reliability, I’d take a Korean over a VW any day.

KM

George couldnt agree with you more – Koreans over VW for reliabilty any day…

Although driving dynamics is alot better in the VWs….
excuses

based on what exactly? do you have specific figures demonstarting that this brand new Hyundai model has proven more reliable in the long run over the VW? Don’t see how you could. But go ahead, keep accusing the non-Hyundai hard-on brigade of using old, stereo-typed points of view to deride your beloved Hyundais. Slightly contradictory, wouldn’t you say?
rar

Check the any trusted 3rd party quality report.
Can you find any single report that VW is more reliable than Hyundai?

Check the JD Power VDS (after 3 years reliability)

automotiveaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/2010vdschart.jpg

This data reflect to long-term reliability and quality.

Your beloved VW is almost bottom. 3rd most unreliable quality auto maker. However, at least, VW is still better reliability than Suzuki. Suzuki is actually no better than India TaTa nano.

excuses

Again, you haven’t shown any evidence that demostrates that this model Hyundai has proven to be more reliable than the Tiguan over the long haul. That’s because you can’t, as it’s a brand new model and no such evidence exists. So please stop with the generalised statements about how reliable Hyundais have become as they are not relevant.

Save it for the track

Nadine seems to have driven a few Koreans by now. Santa fe, Sorento(?), and now IX35, and yet still whinges about the auto lock/unlock feature, and apparently doesn’t realise how to override it. And as with any vehicle with apparent C-pillar or rear window issues (matter of opinion), these issues are overcome by proper side mirror adjustment. I have test driven Santa Fe, and while you can’t unlock all teh doors whilst the vehicle is in motion above the ‘lock’ speed (and why would you need to), you CAN lock the doors before the car does, and unlock the doors before the car does. You can also lock the doors whilst stationary with the park brake on. The auto unlock on the Santa Fe, also does not engage until you turn the car off and take the key out. I know someone with a Diesel Tiguan, and quite frankly the ‘pumped up golf’ seems overrated. The ix35 has more interior space, and the storage is far greater. As an ‘suv’, I don’t see why you would pay more for a Tiguan. Certainly the storage capacity in the Tiguan is tiny in comparison, and the DSG can be baulky at low speeds, just as a comparison. Each to their own, I say. But when some reviews and reviewers choose to mention SOME points when reviewing some cars and not others, and fail to fully understand or discover features that overcome their own dislikes, that diminishes the credibility of said review.

vee

The auto-lock/unlock feature in all Hyundais and Kias is a programmable feature that can be deactivated or activated at the local service dealer.

jinsei

I wonder why CA haven’t tested the diesel instead. The petrol ix35 is a decent car in its class but certainly doen’t have the thing that can set it apart from the competition.

ix35 clearly stands out from the competition only with the brilliant R diesel engine. Without it, it’s just another small suv (good but not particularly better than others).

UnderBrakes

So you did/nt read to the end of the review and see this:

“CarAdvice is currently testing the diesel-powered Hyundai ix35 Highlander with a review to follow shortly.”

Maybe you cannot read and just do pictyres/photos?

jinsei

I was just asking why they didn’t test the diesel first alright?

It was the diesel attracting most people’s attention so i thought CA would give priority to that before the petrol.

If i can’t read obviously i wouldn’t be kindly replying to your comment would i? Mind your words

boris

dont worry jinsei if you cant read you may take comfort in knowing that underbrakes cant spell ( pictures ) happy days.

Frenchie

This car sounded great untill I read no steering wheel reach adjustment and no second row ventilation. I suppose it hit the mark for those single or DINKS out there that are of Hyundai right size!

Qwatta

Steering wheel reach is to be incorporated in the second release of the model. I think I saw this on Hyundai Australia site some time back. I have a vehicle without reach adjustment and have got over it. I am also old enough to remember when steering wheels had absolutely no adjustment. Cars even had generators and Kettering ignition systems. Suck it up and stop winging.

vid_ghost

Nice review/road test well done car advice From my experience with the ix35 it is a very comfortable car and looks miles ahead of the Tucson.. not if only the price wasnt miles ahead too this would sell like crazy…
Kathera-Kosovo

Since 3 months ago I am the owner of Hyundai i35.More than 25 years I`m driving european cars and before buying hyundai I was more than sceptical. After 3 months of driving it to tell u the truth I am more than satisfied with it`s performance.My complain toward it goes to its poor cargo&trunk capacity.
Generally I would say that comparing with a price (21.ooo Euros)it gives you more that it takes.
Bob

No steering wheel reach adjustment, big turn off!
Mad Max

I had an IX35 Highlander diesel for half a day recently and came away disapointed. I so much wanted to love it after all of the glowing reports but while it is a huge leap forward comparred to thr Tucson, it still lags behind the Tiguan in most respects. Having driven a Tiguan diesel on the same day, the only reason I can see to buy a IX35 over a Tiguan is price. But then if you take a Tiguan without leather and a sunroof (standard in the IX35 Highlander) the driveaway prices are similar. My issues with the IX35 are:-
Noisey diesel at all speeds
No reach adjustment on the steering wheel
The drivers side outboard airvent reflects in the RH exterior mirror
The front head rests are set too far forward making the seat adjustment difficult
Low rent appearance of the centre console around the autoshift
The centre stack appearance is tacky and looks like it was designed by a commitee with different colours and surface finishes around the HVAC controls and the stereo
The blue back lighting for the stereo is different to the HVAC
Harsh ride at any speed

Id take a Tiguan any day smaller boot or not. Anyway, in the Tiguan you get more leg room in the rear and can slide the rear seat forward to give more boots space when needed. By doing this, you get a bigger boot than IX35.

UnderBrakes

Your dreaming, your NOT allowed to be anti-Korean and speak the truth here!!

Please build a shrine and bow to all-things-Korean!

Its all fluff and fake and a way to go for mine.

& yeap, what you wrote was 100% true, the X Trail and Forester kick this to kingdom come and a bit more…..

VW;s are not that reliable, the best [least] compromise is buy Japanese

Mad Max

Certainly VW had a reputation in the past for patchy quality. However my wife drives a Mk5 Golf petrol and has had 55’000kms of totaly trouble free + rattle and squeak free motoring. But plenty of others have had problems something highlighted by the myriad of blogs sights complaining of VW quality. But from what I have read about the Mk6 and the Tiguans, they seem to be on the improve.

rar

Your dreaming, your NOT allowed to be anti-German and speak the truth here!!

Please build a shrine and bow to all-things-German!

rar

“I had an IX35 Highlander diesel “?

When hyundai released ‘IX35 Highlander’? hmmm. I heavily doubt you really drove it. sorry, you are proven liar. Quite interesting. Smell like a VW sales man.

fourl6

“Cargo capacity in the Hyundai ix35 is 730-litres seats up\”

im guessing this is total, most reviews state below the window… it would be good to get a standard because this is a large factor in choosing a small suv (for me anyway)

Hung Low

Below the window, it looks like 360-420 litres at a guess!

UnderBrakes

Gee the top model price is not far off the baseline price of German built BMW’s X1, such a hard choice of which to buy….

Whats with the marks on the base of the drivers seat?

A lower mid-field runner, nothing more, now at a crazy price to boot, perhaps sister/cloned and better looking all new Kia Sportage will be sold in the low $20k’s where this should and has been?

PASS buy the best, buy a X Trail or Forester

rar

Hyundai Tucson named as most reliable compact SUV from 2009 Consumer Reports reliability survey.

reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS200106+27-Oct-2009+PRN20091027

In addition, World class R-engine, and feature (Vehicle Dynamic Control, Downhill Brake Control and Hill-Start Assist Control, Panoramic Sunroof…etc.) is nothing comparable.
rar

Check the fuel economy, too.

Tucson IX35′s fuel economy is top class than any other Compact SUV.

Better than 2010 CR-V, 2010 Rogue, 2010 RAV4, 2010 Escape, 2010 Forester

hyundainews.com/Media_Kits/2010_Models/Tucson/Press_Release.asp

Dave

Where is the Diesel ix35 Review? I only see petrol here.

Diesel has 135kw and a Staggering 392nm of Torque!!!!!

plus its as quiet and efficient as a BMW or AUDI Diesel

Worth a look, amazing car

UnderBrakes

AND ANOTHER:

TAKE 2 -

<So you did/nt read to the end of the review and see this:

<“CarAdvice is currently testing the diesel-powered Hyundai ix35 Highlander with a review to follow shortly.”

<Maybe you cannot read and just do pictures/photos?
Mad Max

The Diesel IX35 is NOT quiet! Go and drive one. Its noisey with plenty of diesel clatter from idle right through to 100kms. BEFORE you comment, at least go and test drive one. The IX35 is an ok car. Its NOT great and its not a range changing car like many people seem to think. Its just ok but I would pay the bit extra and buy a diesel Tiguan or Xtrail over it.

rar

@Mad Max

You making nonsense. Then, Can you find any more silent Diesel engine?

I know Diesel engine is originally not quite. But, You really think that you can find any more silent Diesel engine than this? if you find it, then tell me.

Hung Low

After all the praise on these blogs, I had to see what all the fuss was about.
Firstly I looked at the IX35 Active as a direct comparison to the updated Suzuki SX4 S iAWD as my mother is interested in a new small suv.

The IX 35 interior plastics are low rent, the silver plastic finish on the steering wheel will look like crap with wear and tear. The seat fabrics and design were excellent but comfort was not the best.
Boot space was impressive compared to the SX4.
On the road in the auto, the 2.0l engine felt strained under hard acceleration but sufficient at normal commuting. The ride was a bit jittery like the rebound rates on the shocks were not sorted properly. Turning, steering and overall handling was fine.
Now the clincher, I was priced $33000 on road for a base Active in auto!!! The top of the line SX4 in AWD $28000 on road, both with room for some hard negotiation left.
In comparison the SX4 had better finished plastics, more standard features and comforts, drove better, handled better had more performance and the ride height were the same. The only area the Suzuki lost out to was in boot space and rear seat legroom. They feel on par with build quality, the Suzuki interior was better finished though!

If one can live with a slightly smaller interior save $5000 and buy an SX4 with AWD and more features. It is a better car than the base Active!

Conclusion IX35 Active = Rip off and disappointing overall. Same money buys an X-trail or Rav 4 that walk all over it! Buy a I30CW if it has to be a Hyundai!
The Highlander is a different car though, finished much better, looks nicer and the diesel speaks for itself! None the less still a tad overpriced by $4k I think!
If you want a IX35, bypass the Active and buy a diesel variant. Different cars all together but still room for improvement with interior finishings like the silver accents, feel of some of the buttons on the wheel and console and the dash/trim plastics are nothing special.

UnderBrakes

AMEN!!!

$33k, lol, +$10K over the Tucson, they are on drugs!

I would be happy to pay the $5k extra for the Suzuki over the koran, that its $5k LESS is amazing!

Korean MORE than Japanese, W.T.F????
rar

Yeah, faulty and unreliable, poor quality suzuki is best choice for you.

And, “Korean MORE than Japanese”?
you sound like a racist and wrong generalizing.

Not all Japanese vehicles are superior than Hyundai.
In fact, except for Toyota and Honda, it is hardly see other Japanese makers are superior than Hyundai.
rar

Check the JD Power VDS (after 3 years reliability)

automotiveaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/2010vdschart.jpg

This data reflect to long-term reliability,
Your beloved Suzuki is BOTTOM of reliability ranking. It as bad quality as Landrover.

all Japanese are superior than Korean car? that myth is outdated story.

At least, Suzuki is FAR INFERIOR CAR than any other automaker. Suzuki is as bad quality car as India/Chinese car.

Hung Low

The uncomfortable truth is that all Suzuki’s in North America(except SX4 & XL7) where this survey is based are rebadged Korean Daewoos!
Everyone knows that real Suzuki’s are bullet proof cars, exceptions like yourself are still on that learning curve because your head has been up your arse most of your life.

rar

Sorry, Suzuki Fanboy.

automotiveaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/2010vdschart.jpg

But, I should point out Suzuki is 2nd most UNRELIABLE auto maker in the world.

Which is better, Indian TaTa nano or Suzuki?

You hate it or not, This is the uncomfortable truth.

pirakavezok

I’ve owned a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4L auto for one year and it hasn’t missed a beat. It needs to be serviced only once every 12,000km and it came with a 5 year warranty which I doubt I’d need. The Suzuki interior is well appointed and has good quality fabrics. The back seat recline/folding mechanism is solid and the best part is I only paid $31,000 drive away. What is there not to like?

Peter Stone

Hyundai have left a hole in the low $20k market for small SUVs. Runout Tuscons’ were a bargain and had great sales because of it. Unfortunately until Hyundai wake up to reality and bring the base model price down the ix35 will suffer badly. Poor Hyundai resale value makes the current RAV4 promotion very attractive. Why buy Korean when the total cost of ownership is better with a Japanese vehicle!

I didn’t know you could buy a new car without bluetooth!!

Mad Max

Here in Melbourne you can already negotiate better prices on the IX35. Some dealers are already doing driveaway no more to pay deals. I was offered a diesel Highlander with a $2995 discount but will probably pay more for another small diesel SUV as the Diesel IX35 is a bit ordinary.
rar

This car is technically standout than your beloved Japanese.
and rav4 is already outdated vehicle.(2005 release) it compete with old gen. tucson.

Model T

The exterior design is on par with the awful steering wheel design. It’s simply too busy and over-done. While Hyundai quality may be improving, they still have a long way to go before they start designing attractive vehicles. Especially since poor design costs as much as good design. This is poor design.

KM

When it comes to the Koreans I think KIA is alot better with design over Hyundai

FalconUte?

Gee, if just 1/50th of you guys here on C/A that idol [building a shrine to it?] the ix35 buy it they are going to sell zillions of them.

I will wait for the MUCH better looking and cheaper cloned 2011 Kia Sportage, i believe its around 75% the same underneath etc

BUT KIA have been playing funny buggers with prices, listing them WAY to high and then bringing them back to where they should have been all along as they are not selling.

Get over it Hyundai and KIA you will ALWAYS be a bargain basement brand, nothing more, just now the quality is much better, which is good for us buyers, but DON;T be silly and charge Japanese prices that ai/nt going to work, your still a generation behind them [if not more]

KM

FALCON UTE,

Can u please explain to us bloggers how the Koreans are a generation behind the japs?

If this is the mentality we are going to stick to, I can comfortably say falcons & commodores are 2 generations behind the Koreans.

Doc

No the Aussie cars are very much up to date, direct injection engines, 6 speed autos – not even Honda Accords have these, plus the suspension and steering hardware Falcons and Commodores run are some of the best in the business.

Most Korean cars have still got atrocious ride/handling compromises, you can have either handling or comfort but not both!

MAK

Falcon/Commodore handling is nothing to brag about.

1700kg a lot of dead weight that dulls the driving dynamics of a car making it an effort to getting around.

And we all know that weight KILLS handling. F=MA

Suspension best in the business? Please – it wasnt too long ago that these sorts of cars were running live rear axles…

The much lighter more efficient Korean models with 4 cylinder engines manage similar (if not better) dynamics with much less weight and fuel consumption.

Yes their componentry might be slightly cheaper however at 1350kg (odd), it is a much more nimble vehicle putting less strain on these components.

As for direct injection – you can not say that the Aussie engines are up to date when a 4.0L Falcon motor puts out the same power as a 3.0L BMW one.

Direct injection is the company’s attempt at competing with the much more efficient competition.

A desperate attempt in holding any integrity these cars may have had once apon a time…

Hung Low

For your interest a IX35 Diesel weighs the same as a Falcadore, as does any other car of their dimensions.
For what they are the local sixes handle and ride very well.
The CO2 output of the latest Falcon six is very close to the IX35 petrol engines. Pretty good for grandpas axe if you ask me!