Soft-roader takes attractive turn

The Age

Saturday February 20, 2010

JEZ SPINKS

The Korean brand's new design language should make its rivals take notice, writes JEZ SPINKS. FIRST for the subjective assessment: this is arguably the best-looking Hyundai yet.While the popular i30 is undoubtedly a tidily designed hatchback, the new ix35's dramatic creases, aggressive-looking hexagonal grille and strong proportions form a convincingly styled compact soft-roader that is worth more than a single glance.It's a design likely to strike fear into rival brands, because the ix35 marks the debut of the Korean company's new "fluidic sculpture" language that could make Hyundais look more desirable than ever.The question on our original drive of the replacement for the Tucson, however, is whether the ix35's dynamic looks are reflected in the driving experience.First impressions on the country roads of Mount Macedon are that the ix35 is not about to set a new benchmark for road manners in the ultra-competitive compact soft-roader segment, which includes the likes of the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail and Volkswagen Tiguan.The steering is vague and prone to kicking back over mid-corner bumps and the new Hyundai's underpinnings don't reveal a great deal of enthusiasm for corners. Body roll isn't excessive, though, and there is no shortage of grip from the 18-inch tyres on the range-topping Highlander model.Even if dynamics aren't at the top of a shopper's wish list, our first drive of the ix35 suggests the ride will be busy on anything but smooth surfaces �� despite Hyundai making the effort to tune its new soft-roader's suspension for local roads. However, the ix35 feels solidly constructed, even when tested over rough, gravelly terrain.And there's plenty to like about the new 135kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel �� a smaller version of the punchy 2.2-litre diesel found in the bigger Santa Fe and its Kia Sorento sister car.There's not quite as much torque but 392Nm �� produced from 1800rpm-2500rpm �� ensures there's a noticeable shove in the back when you press hard on the $37,990 (plus on-road and dealer costs) ix35 Highlander's throttle pedal.And the standard (albeit part-time) all-wheel-drive system ensures the front wheels won't spin excessively when accelerating hard from a standstill or out of a corner.It's certainly more effortless than the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol that powers the $26,990 entry-level "Active" front-wheel-drive model, which Hyundai says will account for half of ix35 sales, and is more fuel efficient (7.5 litres per 100 kilometres versus the 8.5L/100km of the Active). Plenty of revs are needed, particularly when hills come into play, though at least the engine is relatively quiet when pushed.The new (optional) six-speed auto does its best to downshift as quickly as possible on inclines, though it could do with dropping two gears rather than one. Drivers can opt for the "tipshift" function, though calling it manual mode is stretching the truth slightly; the gearbox wouldn't always change down from third to second when requested and the auto also upshifts automatically before the engine reaches its redline.The base model ix35 also drives the front wheels only, so for those looking for the benefits of extra traction on wet or slippery roads the Elite and Highlander models are the pick for their part-time four-wheel-drive systems (which send power to the rear wheels only when needed but can be locked in 50:50 mode).The shortish launch-drive route meant we didn't get an opportunity to try the bigger-capacity (2.4-litre) version that's fitted to the mid-range "Elite" ix35. (It's priced from $31,990, or $34,990 if you select the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.)The ix35's cabin differs subtly between the three trims, with engines, seat material and features the key distinguishing points.Hyundai's interior designers have aimed to match the success of their exterior design colleagues with a smart dash that is mostly black with splashes of silver plastic. But, disappointingly, there's a dearth of high-grade soft-touch materials.Storage options are plentiful, including a deep console bin, multiple cupholders and a well-sized (and nicely damped) glovebox. In the rear, adults will find plenty of room and the bench is sufficiently angled to offer decent under-thigh support.The boot is reasonably if not generously sized but the rear seats fold almost flat to boost luggage capacity.All ix35s come with a cargo cover, with a luggage net in the Elite and Highlander models. The latter includes panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and rear-view camera.Standard equipment includes six airbags, stability control, downhill brake control, hill-start assist, 17-inch alloys, power driver's seat and iPod compatibility.If there are still a number of areas �� such as engineering polish and interior quality �� where the ix35 trails competitors in the compact soft-roader segment, Hyundai's trademark value for money ensures this newcomer is still an attractive proposition to Australian buyers in more ways than one.For more on the Hyundai range, go to drive.com.au/hyundai