MOTORING NEWS - Hyundai has added a turbodiesel derivative to the popular ix35 range in South Africa. The ix35 is highly in the SUV segment and once one starts noticing, it is amazing how many can be seen on the road.
During the recent launch of the new derivative in the Western Cape, my colleague and drive partner, Gerry Gericke, raved about his new ix35 and the caparisons between this vehicle and his own proved informative.
Since Gerry was a regular co-driver of veteran Jan Hettema - the pair competed in the famous Monte Carlo Rally - his opinion is always informed and valued.
The ix35 was the first in Hyundai's now familiar 'fluidic sculpture' design approach and it became the fastest-selling model in Europe two years ago.
Hyundai always adds generously to vehicles with its with specification levels and once again this SUV supported their "what you see is what you get" value.
Considering the features included as standard, the pleasant driving experience and South Africa's worsening road infrastructure, we think the comfortable SUV is likely to continue its challenge in the popularity stakes.
With the addition of the ix35 1,7 Premium with its 85kW, 260Nm turbocharged diesel engine, the range has been expanded to seven.
"The ix35 has been one of the strongest pillars in Hyundai Automotive SA's vehicle range. When we were given the opportunity to bring the 1,7 Premium turbodiesel to the South African customers, there was no hesitation. We expect this derivative to appeal to an SUV buyer who is looking for the benefits of a frugal turbodiesel engine, but at a more affordable price and with a specification level that still offers the luxury driving experience that made the ix35 a top-seller for us," says Stanley Anderson, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive SA.
The ix35 1,7 Premium is imported from Hyundai's factory in the Czech Republic, where four of the other derivatives in the ix35 range also gets built.
The ix35 1,7 Premium has a four-cylinder engine that delivers a 85kW peak at 4 000rpm and 260Nm peak torque between 1 250 and 2 750rpm.
The engine conforms to Euro 5 emission standards that define the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions in the European Union. The published fuel consumption in a combined cycle is 6,5-litres per 100km and CO² emissions of 139g/km.
The gearbox came in for special praise during our drive - and deservedly so - as it made driving intuitive and easy. The overall handling proved agile; the vehicle was in control of the winding roads on the route.
As mentioned, ix35 is based on Fluidic sculpture design theme which it shares with other members of the family.
The familiar-looking front grille in black and chrome, has the family nose, so to speak, in its hexagonal shape.
The front and rear bumper and exterior mirror housings in body colour support the flow and a handsome exterior rests confidently on 17" alloy wheels.
Inside, the ix35 is well-planned. The higher view from the cabin is comfortable and the diver has access to lots of information thanks to the hi-tech equipment. This includes a trip computer supplying average fuel consumption, range with the fuel, average speed and two trip measurements.
Controls on the steering wheel include audio and cruise control. The windows are electrically powered and the doors lock automatically at 15km/h.
The SUV is equipped with an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and iPod/USB auxiliary inputs. Information on the system shows clearly on the colour touchscreen. The screen doubles up as display for the rear view park-assist camera - another standard feature. The sound system plays compact discs, digital music files through Bluetooth streaming audio and allows access to other music devices through the input ports.
The ix35 1,7 Premium has numerous different storage places including a console storage tray, glove compartment with a port to keep drinks cool, overhead sunglass storage and an armrest storage compartment with tray. Several cup and bottle holders are evenly distributed through the cabin and there are four map pockets.
Advanced standard safety features include airbags and advanced seat belt design for passive safety. The ix35 achieved 5-star rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) in a 2010 crash test.
An extensive list of standard safety features include: dual advanced front and side airbags; curtain airbags; height-adjustable head restraints; disc brakes on all four wheels; Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist; Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); steel unibody with integrated crumple zones; high-tensile front sub-frame; internal guard beams on all four doors; stiff body shell due to 68% use of ultra-high tensile strength steel and child-seat anchors.
Part of the new Hyundai ix35 package is a
five year or 150 000km warranty; five year or
90 000km service plan and five year or
150 000km roadside assistance. The price of the new ix35 1,7 Premium turbodiesel with 6-speed manual is R359 900.
The ix35 was the first vehicle bearing Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design approach. Photos: QuickPic
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