The Hyundai ix35 is a big step forward for the Korean car maker.

The ix35 is a huge leap ahead of its dull predecessor, the Tucson, in the same way the i30 was a dramatic improvement over the very ordinary Accent.

The styling is bold, edgy and street savvy for the fashion conscious. It’s also a lot safer, has better engines and transmissions. But prices have gone up, with the front-wheel drive-only base model starting at $26,990 (the old model was $25,490) climbing to $37,990 for the flagship all-wheel drive diesel Highlander. The dearest Tucson was $31,490.

The ix35, which was launched at the Salt House at Marlin Marina last night, is expected to draw a lot of people to the brand in much the same way as the i30 has. The base model will lure most buyers, as 90 per cent of Tucson customers also bought the front-drive entry car.

The entry level ix35 is the only one with a 2.0-litre engine with the Elite featuring a 2.4-litre unit while the diesel is reserved for the all-wheel-drive Elite and Highlander six-speed autos.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

The test vehicle was the $37,990 Highlander in black with dark tinted windows. It looked classy with the chrome highlights nicely setting off the dark duco.

As you would expect, there are plenty of goodies including Downhill Brake Control, and Hill Start Assist, 18in alloy wheels, keyless entry and alarm, push button start-stop, rear roof spoiler, power driver’s seated, Aux and USB port with iPod connections, body coloured side mirrors and integrated indicators, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, roof rails, front fog lamps, automatic headlights, leather upholstery and steering wheel, luggage net, full size spare, sun roof, electric mirrors, heated front seats, rear view camera, dual zone climate control aircon and six stack CD player and sub woofer.

STYLING

Hyundai has moved away from the two-box off-roader look in favour of a sleeker, more refined profile with a roomier cabin and extra storage.

The hexagonal grille previewed on the "ix-onic" concept car moves into mass production on the ix35, a look which will appear on other future Hyundais.

The grille is body colour on the entry level Active model and finished with chrome highlights and door handles on Elite and Highlander models. Swept back headlights, a lower air intake and heavily inclined A-pillar add to the sporty look, along with prominent wheel arches, rear quarter glass, swooping rear lamps, oversized bumper and sloping tailgate.

INSIDE

Inside ix35’s cabin a definitive "X" zone characterises the centre fascia with black and metallic finishes throughout. On the Highlander, convenience and practicality are enhanced with the push button start function and smart key, which opens the car at the touch of a button on the front doors and tailgate.

On all model variants, the four spoke steering wheel incorporates controls for management of audio and cruise control systems. All instruments and gauges are backlit in Hyundai’s signature blue colour.

The Highlander’s panoramic glass roof adds to the sense of spaciousness. Adjustable roll blinds can block out the sun’s rays, which can be too much in our summer. The front glass opens electrically, while rear passengers have a fixed glass overhead.

The driver’s seat offers six-way electric adjustment plus electric lumbar support, good for taller drivers.

Added seating conveniences include second row armrest with dual cup holders among the 19 different storage options, and multiple seating layout options. UNDER THE BONNET

The ix35 has one of the best diesel engines of a mainstream model. It is quiet and lively and it’s only at idle does it betray its origins. On the move it is smooth and refined.

The 2.0-litre R-series turbo-diesel is the latest generation of Hyundai’s range. It mates well to a six-speed automatic, producing 135kW of power and 392Nm of torque. The R-series engine benefits from the third generation of Bosch’s common rail system. It also features an electronically controlled variable-geometry turbocharger and is managed by an advanced electronic control unit.

With a 16-valve dual overhead camshaft driven by an internal steel timing chain, the engine is also fitted with a highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation system with by-pass valve and a diesel particulate filter.

CO2 emissions are a respectable 198g/km. NVH is reduced by a lower balance shaft encased in a stiffened crankcase housing for increased rigidity.

Weight-saving features include a serpentine belt with isolation pulley, and the use of plastics in the head cover, intake manifold and oil filter housing.

ON THE ROAD

The diesel is a gem. There is virtually no torque steer through the front wheels, unlike the same engine in the Sante Fe. It has a great supply of torque and gets the ix35 moving along nicely with little effort.

The ix35 is a lively performer and has good fuel economy. Expect combined use of 7.5 litres/100km, although I averaged 9.4L/100km which was mainly urban commuting. Engine and wind noise are subdued, although there was more road noise than I would have liked coming from the rear.

Hyundai Australia’s input into the development of each model’s suspension and steering appears to have brought general improvements. The ix35’s steering is well weighted and delivers good feel, but the suspension damping is just not quite right, being too firm for Australian roads, making the ix35 bop around over bumpy surfaces while transferring many road imperfections straight into the cabin.

The upside is that the ix35 feels well tied down and has little body roll, great for our roundabouts and winding coastal and range roads.

The all-wheel drive gives some assurance on our wet roads and the AWD models now come with hill descent control and a hill-hold function which are great when you are doing some off-road driving.

The engine and transmission can hold their own in this price range but inside there are some gripes.

Flat hard plastics, including some plain surfaces and controls, spoil the interior. The sound system head unit is a design mess, mixing piano black buttons with metallic-look buttons of a different texture, particularly on the steering wheel, and they will scratch easily.

The seats feel flat and lack support and the full leather trim can make cornering a bit slippery. The steering wheel adjusts up and down but not for reach.

There was an annoying rattle from the rear blind covering the panoramic sunroof.

There’s more than enough room for adults in the back and good boot space for a full-sized spare wheel under the floor. Many drivers are likely to appreciate features such as the iPod connectivity as well as the AUX and USB input and steering-wheel audio controls.

There is a reasonable amount of gear in the ix35 models, and a full suite of safety gear including ESC, six airbags and anti-whiplash front headrests.

VERDICT

The ix35 marks another step forward from Hyundai and is an attractive and capable vehicle with the diesel Highlander a highlight. It is so much better than the Tucson it replaces.

The styling is a stand-out as are the great combination of diesel engine and automatic transmission. It has plenty of street creed and will appeal to those wanting the latest trendy SUV.

Prices have risen but they are well equipped. There’s a clever rear view camera incorporated in the rear vision mirror.

It’s a better drive than the bigger Santé Fe, so unless you need the extra space and seating, take the ix35.

>> TEST VEHICLE COURTESY OF TRINITY HYUNDAI, MULGRAVE RD, EARLVILLE.

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