Johannesburg - One of our favourite test-cars a couple of years back was a BMW 520d. It wasn’t particularly powerful or exotic but the car just gelled together as a perfect package with decent performance, great fuel consumption and a sane pricetag. It was a “sleeper” car that lurked under the radar delivering the goods while more powerful 5-series Beemers like the 530d stole the limelight.
I feel the same way about the new ix35 1.7-litre CRDi, which Hyundai has just introduced as a cheaper turbodiesel alternative to the existing 2.0-litre CRDi. Despite being down on power, it gels together well as a solid all-round package that’s difficult to criticise.
It’s economical, powerful enough for most situations if towing isn’t necessarily your first concern, and is loaded with a decent level of comfort and spec. At R359 900 the front wheel drive 1.7 offers a hefty saving over the 2.0 front-wheel-drive ix35 which sells for R422 900. It comes with the same five-year/150 000km warranty including roadside assistance, and five-year/90 000km service plan, as the other six derivatives in the ix35 lineup.
COMMANDING, CUSHY RIDE
The ix35 1.7 CRDi Premium isn’t available with all-wheel drive and has no pretensions of being an offroader, but its elevated ride height and high-profile tyres do make it sail more smoothly over dirt roads or pothole-infested tar than the average car. It delivers a particularly cushy and comfortable ride, along with the higher “command” driving position that so many drivers seem to like.
Compared to the 130kW and 383Nm outputs of the larger 2-litre CRDI, the new 1.7 CRDI might seem a little flaccid with its 85kW and 260Nm, but it doesn’t feel underpowered on the road. There’s still a gutsy amount of torque that gives this medium-sized SUV the ability to cruise comfortably in the fast lane, while delivering semi-respectable factory-quoted performance figures of a 173 km/h top speed and 0-100 km/h in 12.4 seconds.
It’s an easy, low-revving power delivery with the 260Nm peak torque on call between 1 250 and 2 750 rpm, and there’s no significant turbo lag. No auto version is available, but it’s a smooth-shifting six-speed manual with a light clutch action that doesn’t cause undue driving fatigue in heavy traffic.
The economy’s good too and our test vehicle averaged a budget-friendly 7.4 litres per 100km (Hyundai claims 6.5 litres).
Smoothness is the overriding theme here, and this ix35 seems to cocoon you in silk with its pillowy ride quality and soft-spoken refinement. While it’ll never be an exciting vehicle it’s just so darned pleasant and comfortable to drive. You feel like you’re slipping into your comfiest slippers and settling into a Lazyboy chair.
It does all this without feeling particularly wallowy in the corners, and the traction’s good.
You miss out on a couple of gizmos compared to the 2-litre CRDi, such as rear-passenger air vents, electronic stability control, and a light in the glovebox. But the 1.7 Premium is still quite highly specced with aircon, audio, electrically-powered glass, automatic headlights, reversing camera, and a tilt- and telescopically-adjustable steering column. Front and side airbags and ABS brakes deliver the requisite safety.
The infotainment is accessed by a small LCD touchscreen, and all the necessary connectivity is there including aux and USB ports and Bluetooth.
The large family-sized cabin is packed with enough storage spaces and cupholders, and it’s an attractive interior with blue lighting and cloth-and-leather seats that help raise the upmarket ambience.
The boot’s large and carries a full-size spare, and the rear seats flip down to create a giant-sized hold.
VERDICT
The Hyundai ix35 1.7 CRDI isn’t an SUV that wows you with performance, but it does woo you with a silky ride, frugal fuel economy and an ample list of gadgets – while still delivering decent real-world gusto. The 63 grand price saving over the 2-litre version is the clincher.
The all-new Tucson makes its world debut at this week’s Geneva Motor Show, effectively replacing the ix35 while reverting back to its predecessor’s name. The South African launch is scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year and the local engine line-up will be made known closer to the time. -Star Motoring
FACTS
Hyundai ix35 1.7 CRDi Premium
Engine: 1.7-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel
Gearbox: Six-speed manual
Power: 85kW @ 4000rpm
Torque: 260Nm @ 1250rpm
0-100km/h (claimed): 12.4 seconds
Top speed (claimed): 173km/h
Consumption (claimed): 6.5 litres per 100km
Price: R359 900
Warranty: Five-year/150 000km
Service/Maintenance plan: Five-year/90 000km