Hyundai ix35 facelift

The year was 2010.  South Africa and the world had Soccer World Cup fever.  This country was on a moral high, and motorists were seen sporting the flag of the team they support on their cars’ side mirrors.

This was also the time that Hyundai launched its modern sculpted-look ix35, which became an instant sales success.  It was significant in that it re-launched the Hyundai brand locally, starting a fresh line of vehicle product.

Now, 4 years later, it is time for ix35 to be updated – some new projector headlights with LED accent lines, LED taillights in the almond-shape eye look, and a string of interior enhancements.

A technical upgrade to the most popular and lowest-priced derivative – the 2.0 petrol – is the more efficient new “Nu” engine.  The power extracted is close to the previous engine’s (actually a smidgen lower, but benefits by lowering the torque peak mean more responsiveness and easier driving).

On our driven route the fresh 2.0 engine was agreed on as being smooth and quiet, with sufficient power for likely drivers, though overtaking and uphills meant a need to change gears and foot-on-the-floor to maintain speed – the manual was also received an extra gear (for economy, no doubt) to make a 6-speed. 

Along with this facelift, Hyundai SA is adding a lower-priced automatic model, at R15 000 less than the previous cheapest auto, and R 15 000 more than the new manual – automatic is favoured by many customers who wish to buy a self-shifter cross-over.  The 2.0 engine is available in Premium manual or auto, or Executive manual and Elite auto.

The CRDi with AWD (All Wheel Drive) auto was also test driven over country and town roads.  This diesel with turbo also impressed, with its quiet smooth operation and the benefit of enough acceleration for quick safe overtaking – even light throttle is sufficient for the majority of situations.  The only downside is that the CRDi is only linked to top Elite spec, so if you want the diesel’s benefits at the Premium’s reduced price… well, sorry.

The price span on ix35, at time of writing, is R 319 900 to R 458 900.  The Premium equipment list lacks side or curtain airbags, and while it has ABS and EBD, there is no ESP/VSM stability control, which we feel is a crucial safety feature for this type of vehicle.  The Executive gains the aforesaid additional safety spec, TFT touch-screen, rear-view camera display, roof rails and more.  Elite gets items like panoramic roof and smart key.  All enjoy the very long 5 year / 150 000 km warranty.

For those wanting a smaller cross-over, Hyundai is readying the ix25.

If the Hyundai ix35 aim is to be an interesting x-over, it has scored a goal.