What’s hot?
- Significantly enhanced front suspension makes the new Hyundai ix35 drive better than ever on British roads, being both compliant and dynamic, for an SUV
- 6 speed manual transmission allows for reasonably refined motorway progress
- New LED daytime running lights mark out the new model from the old
Equipment levels are generous, certainly at the SE trim level and above - Upgraded audio across the range
- ‘FLEX STEER’ system is new, and adjusts steering feel for three modes, normal, comfort and sport
- All models come with real off-road capabilities such as Hillstart Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control
- This model (SE spec and above) comes with cruise control as standard
- Full size spare tyre as welcome as it is rare, these days
- There’s a new tyre pressure monitoring system, enhancing safety
- Generous overall spec remains, and outguns many more premium rivals
What’s not?
- Premium model adds 18 inch wheels and wider tyres which hike emissions, putting up your company car tax and pushing the car over into Band F VED
- There is excessive wind and tyre noise at motorway speeds, and the engine remains gruff under load
- The full size spare wheel gobbles up boot space
- The new steering set-up is not totally resolved, and ‘Sport’ adds weight but not finesse
- Not sufficiently different to register as a ‘new’ model for most people
- You’ll still want to compare it carefully with the Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi, which is cheaper and drives better
