The Hyundai ix35 is the latest of the so-called crossover vehicles that are increasingly becoming the favourite mode of transport for modern families.
Crossovers offer the advantages of larger SUVs within a package that enables them to drive just like a conventional hatchback.
The Hyundai ix35 achieves the best of both worlds by offering a choice of economical front wheel drive or the rugged capabilities of four wheel drive.
It costs less than its rivals despite boasting masses of equipment and comes with the reassurance of a five-year warranty; such is the quality, reliability and durability of the Hyundai brand.
This gives new owners peace of mind whilst making the vehicles highly desirable on the second-hand market and thereby safeguarding residual values, which lessens whole-life ownership costs.
Equipment levels are extremely high, especially considering the relatively low prices of the vehicles. Included are power steering, electronic stability control, air conditioning, electric mirrors and windows, cruise control, front and side air bags plus alloy wheels.
Even the ix35 Style models also have Bluetooth, a USB and rear parking sensors plus rear seats that fold flat to create a cavernous loading bay. There is also a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.
The Hyundai ix35 is brimming with safety and security features including power assistance for the steering, electronic stability control, central locking, and engine immobiliser, non-drowsy air conditioning, electric operation of the mirrors and windows, cruise-control plus seat-belt pretensioners and airbags to the front and sides.
The diesel ix35 model achieves economy of 48mpg with CO2 emissions as low as 147g/km and the petrol model averages economy of 38mpg with CO2 emissions of 177g/km.
The Hyundai ix35 comes with a choice of petrol and diesel engines driving either the front wheels only or all four. The two-litre turbodiesel engine has a capacity of 1995cc, four cylinders and 16 valves. It generates 134bhp of power and 320Nm of torque, or pulling power from just 1800rpm. Power is transmitted to the wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and in the case of the 2WD model there is acceleration to 60mph in 9.4 seconds with a top speed of 113mph, economy of 48mpg and a CO2 rating from 147g/km.
In the case of the 4WD version the CO2 rating is 154g/km, the 0-60mph acceleration time is 10.2 seconds and the top speed is 112mph. The four-cylinder 16-valve petrol version has a capacity of 1998cc and generates 161bhp of power and 194Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels only, via a six-speed manual transmission, which translates into a 0-60mph acceleration time of 10.4 seconds with a top speed of 114mph, economy of 38mpg and a CO2 rating of 177g/km.
The vehicle is 4410mm long, 1820mm wide and 1660mm high. Braked towing weights are 2000kg for 4WD versions and 1900kg for those with 2WD.
The entry-level Hyundai ix35 is the petrol-powered 2WD Style model costing £16,495.
The two-litre turbodiesel version of this Style model costs £1,000 more and there is a lavishly-equipped Premium version costing £19,745.
There are also Style and Premium models with 4WD, each of which uses the turbodiesel engine.
Prices are £18,995 for the 2.0 CRDi 4WD Style and £20,745 for the 2.0 CRDi 4WD Premium.
