Hyundai ix35 134PS 2.0D Premium 5dr
What is it?
A REPLACEMENT for the Hyundai Tucson and rival to the Nissan Qashqai in the compact SUV or 4×4 market.
Like the Qashqai the Hyundai ix35 small off-roader is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
There’s a choice of a 136PS 2.0-litre diesel or a 163PS 2.0-litre petrol. But most company car buyers will gravitate towards the 2.0-litre diesel 4×4 version tested here, coming in at an expected £20,725.
What’s hot?
- Stylish looks of the Hyundai ix35 give it a mini-Infiniti classy appeal
- Good in the corners and comfortable too
- Even in 4×4 form CO2 is below critical 161g/km Corporation Tax break
- Price is several thousand below the equivalent Ford Kuga or Qashqai
- …Which means low company car tax payments for this type of vehicle
- Like all latest generation Hyundai cars, interior quality is from a class above
- Interior space is better than rivals, particularly in the boot
- Well equipped: standard Bluetooth, parking sensors, anti-skid ESP, a/c…
- Five year warranty
- Five year breakdown cover
- 20,000 mile service interval
What’s not?
- Engine refinement fine on a motorway cruise…
- …but gets noisy under acceleration
- Visibility approaching roundabouts is hampered by a thick A-pillar…
- …at the price of an expected 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating
- Looks don’t set it out from the crowd
- Doors auto-lock when you pull away…
- …but the rear doors don’t then auto-unlock when you stop
Business Car Manager Road Test Verdict
The new Hyundai ix35 is highly capable, good to drive and a serious alternative to the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai. It also costs less, is better on company car tax and there’s the substantial feel-good factor of the Hyundai warranty. Start the queue here, then.
Hyundai ix35 specification
- Price £20,725 (est)
- Engine 2.0 4cyl 16v turbo diesel
- Co2 emissions 154g/km
- Power/torque 134hp/236lb ft
- Fuel economy 48.7mpg