There were lights, cameras and action. The music was loud and the atmosphere was buzzing. The big reveal was about to happen and, thanks to the hype that Hyundai executives had created around it, most of us were literally sitting on the edge of our seats as the video describing the next step in the transformation of the automobile played on the big screen. The video was so entrancing and somehow hypnotising that when the Tucson replacement was revealed, we nearly gave it a standing ovation. And I was left hoping that once I’d snapped out of this Hyundai-trance, the new iX35 would hold as much appeal as it did during that somewhat “magical” moment.
Seeing it in the blistering heat of the following morning wasn’t, admittedly, as exciting as it was the night before under the lights of the stage, but it was hardly a disappointment. Hyundai has come a long way with its vehicle designs. Gone are the days where its vehicles could be branded as looking “very Eastern”. No. This Korean company has stepped up its game and given the buying public something to really take note of. Something that I found to be quite stylish, as well as practical.
The exterior of the new iX35 is in line with the latest i-generation vehicles from the Korean company. It is based on the ix-onic concept revealed at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show and features the swept back headlamp design that can be seen on the i10, i20, as well as the i30. According to Hyundai, the company has “moved away from the distinctly hatchback proportions of the Tuscon,” and has moved towards a more fluid, “sleek and low-line one-box shape”. These fresh design concepts can be seen in the z-shaped character lines that flow from the front to the rear of the vehicle.
When I climbed inside the cabin I immediately noticed that quality was a big consideration for the company. While there seems to be a fair amount of plastic about, it seems durable. The seats are comfortable, but the front passenger seat lacks height adjustment, and although the driver’s seat of the 4×4 model I drove features electrical-adjustment for the driver’s seat with lumbar support, the lack of reach adjustment available on the steering column was missed by my taller companion. But even in the base models, specification is generous.
Standard features include steering wheel-mounted audio controls, reversing camera with a viewing screen integrated into the rear view mirror, leather-bound steering wheel and gear knob, central locking and electric windows. With the exception of the base 2,0-litre petrol, all models are equipped with black leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, electric folding mirrors and cruise control that can be operated via the steering wheel-mounted controls. The diesel model also has dual panoramic sunroofs, push button start with smart-key, separate amplifier for the standard 6-speaker/6CD sound system.
The off-road driving wasn’t what hardcore 4×4 drivers would be used to – Hyundai themselves explains that this vehicle is better suited to on-road driving. But we ventured far enough off the beaten track to get a good idea of the iX35’s ability, should you wish to venture through the road less travelled.
There are six models available, and on the launch I piloted the flagship R2,0 CRDi 4×4 GLS automatic through the pathways of the game reserve we were staying at, and along the way we crossed sand, rock, and ditches filled with a fair amount of water. This unit has a maximum power output of 130 kW at 4 000 r/min and 392 N.m of torque between 1 800 and 2 500 r/min, which helped us along as we slowly made our way over the off-road terrain.
Over hard humps and bumps the suspension set-up of MacPherson struts up front with a multi-link rear suspension at the rear felt a bit hard and when the wheel bounced back, it did so with a loud clank as the suspension travelled back into place. But over normal road conditions is where the suspension was at its best, absorbing slight imperfections with ease and exhibiting a very comfortable ride. The steering felt a bit light, but when needing to manoeuvre around harsh bends and obstacles that the natural environment provided off-road, it came in very handy.
Overall, first impressions of this Tucson replacement is in its favour. It’s a practical vehicle that offers luxury and refinement at a not-so-out-of-reach price. Hyundai is a manufacturer to watch…