Style and Design
Rugged yet dynamic, the ix35’s appeal transcends the market…
So you think an SUV has to look boxy? Wrong. The ix35 is as far removed from the traditional two-box design as you could imagine.
Designed to have a softer, more coupe-like silhouette, the ix35 reflects changing consumer tastes – it shifts from the traditional to the multipurpose, proving that even a car with all the practical attributes of an SUV can still have a stylish, dynamic appearance.
As such, the design transcends more than one traditional sales category, appealing as much to the small SUV buyer for whom the outgoing Tucson was so appealing, as it does to those coming out of more mainstream compact hatchback models.
“The ix35’s low, coupe-like profile enhances its sporty character and does so without compromising space for passengers and their luggage,” added Buerkle. “Although the ix35 is much lower and sleeker than its Tucson predecessor, it’s also longer and wider. Our designers have used this additional space to create extra seating room for all occupants.”
The purposeful exterior styling is backed up further by the car’s interior, whose spaciousness is further accentuated by the option of a dual-panel panoramic glass sunroof – as well as adding airiness to the cabin, it can be tilted, slid or fully opened to give ix35 passengers a taste of the great outdoors.
Once inside the cabin, front seat passengers are greeted by a distinctive X-shaped centre console, with neat metallic silver accents and black gloss detailing on the dash and steering wheel – styling trends that will become more visible on other models in the Hyundai model range into the future. The dials and gauges have soft-blue backlighting, which gives the night-time ambience of the cabin a welcoming and upmarket feel.
To further broaden the model’s appeal, a new range of colours and interior trim choices allow the ix35 to be personalised to suit individual customers’ tastes – it’s a car that offers a premium look, feel and experience to its owners, yet won’t cost the earth to buy or run.
Engines
Modern diesel and petrol engines, low emissions, impressive economy and power
At launch, the ix35 will be available with two modern and efficient engines – one petrol, one diesel. The engine range will be expanded later in 2010 with the addition of smaller capacity units, giving the line-up a broader of powerplants.
All of the units have impressive power outputs, yet are efficient in terms of their fuel efficiency and CO2 outputs.
Of the two launch units, the 2.0 CRDi common-rail diesel is expected to take the lion’s share of sales.
Based on the class-leading 2.2-litre R-Series engine which made its debut in the 2010 Santa Fe, the R2.0 engine is compliant with Euro 5 emissions legislation and comfortably outperforms most power units from rival manufacturers, with 134bhp of power and 320Nm of torque.
It benefits from a third-generation common-rail fuelling system that delivers diesel to the engine at incredibly high pressure – 1800 bar – with an exacting degree of accuracy to limit the car’s fuel consumption.
The chain-driven unit (no expensive cambelt changes in years to come) has an electronically controlled variable geometry turbocharger with a 32-bit microprocessor, along with a close-coupled diesel particulate filter to ensure optimum efficiency.
In two-wheel-drive form, the engine delivers a combined fuel economy figure of 51.4mpg (57.6mpg extra urban/42.8mpg urban with CO2 emissions of 147g/km.*
The four-wheel-drive variant, using the same engine, is capable of 49.6mpg on the combined cycle (55.4mpg extra-urban/42.2mpg urban) with CO2 emissions of 149g/km.*
The petrol engined model is powered by Hyundai’s high-output ‘Theta II’ engine, a Euro 5 compliant 2.0-litre twin cam unit with dual continually variable valve timing to deliver peak performance, economy and emissions. The all alloy unit delivers a lively 161bhp of power and 194Nm of torque – enough to power the car from 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 114mph.
Offered as a two-wheel-drive model only, the petrol ix35 returns 37.7mpg on the combined cycle (46.3mpg extra-urban/28.8mpg urban), with CO2 emissions of 177g/km.
Later in 2010, two new models will be offered to ix35 customers, each bringing new innovations. A new 1.6-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) petrol engine will be introduced, offering lower fuel economy and emissions along with greater performance. The unit will deliver 140bhp, and further technical details along with fuel consumption and performance data will be announced closer to its introduction.
The other new unit is a smaller capacity diesel. Dubbed ‘U2’ by Hyundai, the new 1.7-litre engine represents the edge of oil-burning technology, yet unlike the band of the same name, it doesn’t Rattle and Hum!
Indeed, thanks to a new latest-generation common-rail system and variable geometry turbocharger, chain driven cam and torque curve that allows up to 90 per cent of the car’s pulling power to be available from only 2,000rpm, it promises to be one of the quietest, most refined and most economical units in its class.
Full performance and fuel economy data will be available later in the year, but power from the unit will be 113bhp, with a CO2 rating of 139g/km thanks to the fitment of ISG – another Hyundai innovation.
Already available on i30 models and due to be available on 1.6 GDi and 1.7 CRDi ix35s, ISG stands for Intelligent Stop & Go, a technology which drives down CO2 and gives the ix35 even greater appeal to fleet customers as well as those concerned about the environment.
The system automatically shuts off and then restarts the engine in congested city driving and helps reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions.
Other innovative fuel-saving technologies fitted to ix35s include a gearshift up-down indicator on all manual models, an active ECO Drive switch for diesel automatic models (available from late 2010) and a power-saving alternator management system.
*Refers to Style models, without glass roof.
Transmissions and drivetrains
Two or four-wheel drive, new six-speed automatic due late 2010
A car designed to cross the boundaries between SUVs, MPVs and compact hatchbacks has to appeal to buyers of all three types of vehicle. In the case of the ix35, the transmissions and drivetrains on offer will cater for these customers’ diverse desires.
The 2.0-litre petrol version is offered with five-speed manual gearbox, while all other variants have a six-speed manual shift fitted as standard. An all-new six-speed automatic transmission will be offered on 2.0 CRDi models from late 2010.
In both diesel ix35s, the standard six-speed manual features multi-cone synchronisation, with reduced weight and enhanced efficiency helping to contribute to the models excellent fuel efficiency and emissions. The unit is sealed for life and is filled with low viscosity oil, requiring no servicing during the life of the vehicle.
Petrol ix35s come with a two-wheel-drive drivetrain, while the 2.0 CRDi is offered with the option of four-wheel-drive.
Both two and four-wheel-drive models come with two important safety innovations, courtesy of the standard Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). The first of these is called HAC, which stands for Hillstart Assist Control and helps prevent the car from rolling backwards in a hill-start situation.
The second is DBC, or Downhill Brake Control, and limits the car’s speed on steep descents. It allows the driver to maintain full control without needing to feather the brakes or hold in a low gear.
The four-wheel-drive option is expected to prove popular with customers coming from the conventional SUV market, who might use their vehicle for towing, or who live in areas often affected by inclement weather conditions.
The drivetrain is a single ratio 4WD system, with a default status that delivers all of the engine’s torque to the front wheels during ‘routine’ driving. This set up allows for better overall fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Whenever a front wheel loses grip, a percentage of the car’s available torque is automatically transferred to the rear wheels to maintain forward motion. But if the driver wants to engage the 4WD system permanently, either in slippery conditions, or for greater traction when towing, ‘Lock Mode’ can be selected. This splits the torque equally between the ix35’s front and rear axles for better stability, up to a maximum speed of 25mph.
Set to be introduced later in 2010, the 2.0 CRDi automatic features an all-new six-speed self-shifting transmission that is smaller and lighter than any other six-speed automatic offered anywhere in world.
As well as the obvious economy and emissions benefits (full data will be published later), the system uses a uniquely-shaped torque converter to reduce its overall size, and features three planetary gears and four pinion differentials.
Although it offers smooth and precise gearshifts throughout the rev range in fully auto mode, the gearbox can also be used like a sequential six-speed manual. A gate-type shift pattern allows the driver to choose between fully automatic or clutchless manual ‘Sport’ modes, which offers even more driver involvement and a more rewarding driving experience beyond the city limits.
Comfort and Convenience
For most people, a short test drive is enough to convince them whether they like a car or not.
As a result, Hyundai has gone to great lengths to ensure that the ix35 delivers first impressions that are hard to beat, yet remain with the owner long after they have taken delivery of their new car.
Few models offer as much space or comfort as the ix35, nor can anything at the price hope to match it in terms of equipment levels.
With a good driving position assured, the rest of the cabin layout is intuitive and well-finished – ahead of the driver, a soft-touch leather-trimmed four-spoke steering wheel has full tilt and telescopic adjustment, and incorporates controls for the audio, phone and cruise control (the latter only on Premium models).
The instrument binnacle features a classic twin-dial layout with clear and simple graphics, while a trip computer display amid the two offers a wide selection of information including average fuel consumption, distance to empty, and exterior temperature. ‘SuperVision’, which bathes the instrument cluster in a brilliant blue light, is offered as an option on Premium models.
All ix35 models come with air conditioning as standard, while on Premium models the system is upgraded to a dual-zone automatic set-up to further enhance passenger comfort.
And for music on the move, the ix35 has a state-of-the-art six-speaker stereo system, which incorporates MP3, USB and iPod connectivity with a CD and RDS radio. Customers who upgrade to the ix35’s all-new touch screen navigation system will also benefit from an external amplifier and single woofer, hidden in the car’s cargo bay side trim, to deliver incredible acoustics. All models also have Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phones.
Other high-tech features – all standard on the Premium model - include Smart Card keyless entry complete with ‘start/stop’ button and a ‘follow me home’ lighting function, while Premium models can be ordered with an optional tailgate-mounted exterior camera, which projects its image onto the sat-nav display screen to enable safe manoeuvring.
Passengers in the back get to enjoy excellent levels of comfort, too, with wide-opening rear doors themselves proving a boon to those with young children who need to be strapped into safety seats. We haven’t forgotten adults either – all ix35s have heated seats for all passengers, not just those in the front.
Yet the multipurpose appeal of the ix35 goes beyond just its passengers. The load bay is impressively spacious, offering 591 litres of space with the rear seats up, or up to 1436 litres when all folded flat. The rear seat back folds 60:40 at the pull of a lever, while for security all models feature a roller-blind style luggage cover.
There’s good stowage space, too, throughout the cabin – a capacious cooled glovebox and 6.2-litre centre console cubby help cater for all the usual paraphernalia experienced by active families, while the rear seat incorporates a folding centre armrest with twin cupholders.
Of course, comfort isn’t just down to space and flexibility, and that’s why Hyundai’s engineers worked hard to ensure that the ix35 also has class leading NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels. The bodyshell is constructed using high tensile steel, while a number of tailor-welded blanks result in a stiffer, safer and more refined vehicle.
Certain areas of the bodyshell, such as the front MacPherson strut top mounts and rear trailing arm mounts, A-Pillars and rear wheelarches received special attention to reduce the intrusion of road noise into the cabin. Upgraded sound deadening materials under the bonnet, on the bulkhead and behind the trim panels further enhance the model’s overall refinement.
Dynamics and Safety
Sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, full active and passive safety systems, ESP standard across the range
In order to reduce build costs, many manufacturers use simple torsion beam suspension at the rear of their cars. Compact and lightweight, the passive nature of a torsion beam allows for neutral and predictable handling, suitable for most applications.
But enthusiastic drivers can tell the difference, and with a torsion beam there’s always a slight trade off in terms of ride quality and dynamic ability.
That’s why the Hyundai ix35 has an advanced multi-link, fully independent suspension set up on all models. Normally found on more expensive cars, the design incorporates a separately mounted damper and coil spring to reduce intrusion into the interior space.
In addition to the multi-link set-up, the ix35 features Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD), which combine the ability to deliver a smooth ride on broken town and city streets with firmer control at higher speeds, or when traversing bumpy country roads.
At the front, the set-up uses the tried and tested set-up of Macpherson struts and coil springs, with new side-load coil springs to deliver even better control and ride comfort.
Both front and rear suspension components are mounted on lightweight hydro-formed subframes, with advanced bushes to help isolate passengers from irregularities in the road surface. The separate subframes also helps keep repair costs low in the event of an accident, as the front or rear suspension can be removed and replaced as a complete unit.
The good dynamics are further enhanced by variable-assistance power steering, which is speed sensitive so it delivers a light, low effort feel when parking or driving in town, yet delivers much more substantial feedback when driving on motorways or fast A-Roads. The steering requires less than three turns (2.96) lock-to-lock and is fully electronic. It also delivers an exceptionally tight turning circle.
Talking of tight spots, ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) is offered as standard across the entire model range, even though some manufacturers insist on it being an expensive option. The feature helps keep the car stable in emergency situations, and is allied to the ABS braking system. All UK ix35s also come with reverse parking sensors as standard to further add to safety levels.
Customers who order the optional ‘Media Pack’ will also get a rear-view camera, which is mounted on the car’s tailgate. This is fitted with a 130-degree wide angled lens that transmits images to the sat nav screen in the car’s dash.
Of course, even with the very best in active safety systems, the inevitable can sometimes happen. The ix35 has been designed to deliver the best possible levels of protection if an unavoidable accident does occur.
The widespread use of high tensile steel gives the body extra stiffness around the main passenger compartment, while load paths throughout the body distribute crash impact energy throughout the structure to reduce severity. Six airbags come as standard – two front, two front side and two full length curtain airbags, while the car’s B-Pillar has been designed in such a way that it also acts as an internal rollover bar if required.
Front seats have Active head restraints as standard, and all on-board safety systems, such as the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, work in conjunction with advanced rollover protection sensors within the ESP system to determine which safety aids need to be deployed in an emergency situation.
Although it hasn’t yet been tested by Euro NCAP, both a five-star rating in these tests and maximum score in the USA’s two crash testing programmes were benchmarks during the ix35’s development, and a good performance is expected. In fact Hyundai’s safety expertise was demonstrated when the ix35’s little sister – the i20 – scored higher in Euro NCAP tests than an SUV from a well-known Swedish manufacturer!
