Hyundai ix35 Style Up

If there’s one Korean manufacturer that has proved its ability to match European car market standards, it’s Hyundai. Okay, Kia as well, but this article is not about the Sportage. It’s about the freshly face lifted ix35.

Three years into its lifecycle, Hyundai is determined to further increase the ix35’s popularity with improved styling both inside and out, as well as updates to the engine and a comprehensively retuned suspension setup.

From the outside the most notable change is the headlights, which get square projector housings with darkened background which Hyundai says is “very now”. New alloys and roof rails finish up the exterior update. For the uninitiated, it would be fairly difficult to tell the difference between the face lifted model and its older brother

On the inside the base model gets new seat upholstery while the mid and high spec now come with soft touch trims as well as silver highlights around the cabin. The satellite navigation system has also been updated to the latest generation with a 7.0-inch screen (previously 6.5). It still remains a practical cabin with plenty of space and storage compartments while providing a boot large enough to fit an oversized pram and more. The Hyundai ix35 can carry four adults for long distances without complaints. Those with kids will also be pleased with the second-row seating position that allows easy access in and out for the little ones. Noise is well controlled further adding to long cruise pleasantry.

The cabin is, as with the previous model, filled with too much black, but a few choice silver highlighted bits eases the pain slightly. Hyundai have tried too hard to try copy VW here and it shows.

While the previous ix35 has done wonders to show that Hyundai is ready to play with the European boys in styling, design and spec level, the competition trampled it in the handling department.

The most obvious change for the better is the spring rate, which has gone up by 28%, meaning there’s now less body roll around corners and the ix35 settles quicker after hitting a bump. The front sub frame mount has been modified while the steering has gone from 2.99 to 2.83 turns lock to lock, allowing for a more responsive steering system, which is also helped by the upgrade from a 16 to 32-bit processor for the Hyundai power steering system computer.

It’s instantly obvious this is not the old ix35 with a nip-tucked face. The steering still can’t match the alacrity of a Mazda CX-5, or the reassuring mid-weighting of a Volkswagen Tiguan, but it is tighter and more direct than before. There’s a confidence in its steering and ride that was never there before. Where it once bounced around and lost its cool over bumps, it now simply absorbs and moves on. It’s still on the firm side, no doubt, but it’s more like the Volkswagen Tiguan where it’s not firm just for the sake of it, but because it improves the cornering ability overall. Dirt is also no issue for the Hyundai, with much better body control.

Unfortunately, the engine choices remain the same for the new Hyundai: a 2.0l 116kw petrol motor and a 2.0l 130kw diesel lump. We’re gonna keep it simple, get the diesel because it’s smoother, torquier and generally better to drive.

Is the facelift/refresh justified? In our opinion, yes; the improved handling dynamics alone make it worth the effort. The improved styling and rear PDC is just a bonus. Now if only Hyundai would give us some more motor choices.

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