We take a look over, in and out of Hyundai's small four-wheel drive, the ix35. When you've seen the photos, read more and watch the video in our ix35 review.
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Of fluids
The Tucson-replacing ix35 small four-wheel drive is the first car to sport Hyundai's new "fluidic design" principles.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Visual interest
"Fluidic design" calls for a swoopy outline, interesting cuts and creases, and lots of interesting details.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Big lights
Projector-style headlights only, with no option for xenon lighting.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Engines and transmissions
There are three engines available in the Australian ix35 range: 2- and 2.4-litre petrol motors, and a 2-litre turbo-diesel. A six-speed auto is the only transmission on most of the range.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Bling
Unfortunately, the Highlander and Elite models come with chrome grille that looks significantly worse on dark coloured cars.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Can't beat 'em?
LED indicators in the wing mirrors are a must have on anything over, say, AU$30k.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Pea soup
Front fog lights are standard on the Elite and Highlander models.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Of light and dark
Roof rails and a panoramic sunroof come gratis on the Highlander.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Trapped
Drive off and the ix35 will automatically lock the doors.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Fast lines
Vertical load space is reduced by the sloping roof line and tailgate.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Big wheels
The Highlander comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, making the ride rather firm.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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More than meets the eye
The interior design is pleasant on the eye, but the faux metal highlights on the steering wheel feel cheap and will probably rub off in time.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Dead cow
For full leather upholstery you'll need to opt for the top-of-the-range Highlander. After about 10,000km the driver's seat was beginning to look a bit sad and saggy.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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In times of trouble
A full-size spare wheel resides underneath the boot floor.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Butt!
Boot space is pretty good.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Take it lying down
The rear seats split fold, but don't lie completely flat.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Blind stowage
The rear cargo blind can be removed, and can be lain on the floor and affixed into moulded nooks in the boot wall (above).
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Stretch out
There's plenty of leg room in the rear.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Shot through the heart
The gun barrel instruments are pleasing on the eye.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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It's all over you
The electric blue lighting is funky, but can be trying on the eyes.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Protection
Fold-out flaps on the Elite and Highlander's visors provide extra sun protection. The front head rests are tilted too far forward to be comfortable.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Digital music
All ix35s come fitted with auxiliary and USB ports. A auxiliary and USB connector for iPod/iPhone connectivity comes at extra cost though.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Exclusions
Bluetooth hands-free and factory fit sat nav are notable for their absence. The former should be available in the ix35 from September onwards.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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From alpha to omega
Most music navigation is conducted using the Tune dial, so scrolling through your music collection is both quick and easy.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Finger on the pulse
Steering wheel audio controls are standard throughout the ix35 range.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Cruiser
Also standard is cruise control. Thankfully, the dashboard lights let you know when the system is on and also when a speed has been set.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Off road
Four-wheel drive ix35s come with hill descent control (middle button) that automatically moderates the car's speed as you steer the car down a hill. The normally part-time four-wheel drive system can be locked to 50/50 torque split when you're tackling the rough stuff.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Back it up
The Highlander's reversing camera is displayed in the left corner of the rear-view mirror.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Thank you for smoking
For smokers there's a cup-holder-friendly ashtray. Speaking of cup holders, there's eight of them in the ix35.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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Zone of control
Air-conditioning is standard, but Highlander owners get to enjoy multi-zone climate control too.
(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)
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