The sleek and contoured lines of this burly AWD provide it with a softer and more sporty appearance and with a range of eight different colours, there is something to capture the attention of everyone. The exterior is based on Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design philosophy “with a muscular presence, sweeping curves and sharp creases that create a sophisticated athletic look”. The Elite also boasts 17 inch alloy wheels, chrome door handles and front grille and a rear roof spoiler.
Once in the car, you get a sense of spaciousness and comfort. As typical with all Hyundai car’s, the ix35 Elite is easy to navigate around inside. It is very easy to find a comfortable driving position with the drivers chair being fully adjustable, including lumbar support, and the steering wheel is tilt and telescopic adjustable.
Storage throughout is adequate with a roomy center console, glovebox compartment and bottle holders in the center and in the door pockets. Rear occupants also have fold down armrests with dual cup holders. The cargo area has a sizable amount of room with an elastic storage net and a retractable cargo area security blind.
Push the button to start the car and the media system comes to life, which is MP3 compatiable, has Bluetooth connectivity, 6 speakers, AUX and USB connections and steering wheel controls. The steering wheel also has cruise control mounted functions and is very comfortable when driving.
Equipped with a trip computer displaying average km/h, trip km, distance till empty and average and instant fuel economy, any information drivers need is at the tip of their fingers. The Elite does let itself down with only having manually adjustable air conditioning as opposed to dual climate control, which you would think this model would have.
Powering this car is a 2.4L AWD petrol engine which produces 130 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 227 Nm of torque @ 4000 rpm. The Elite only comes in an automatic, with only the 2.0 2WD ix35 coming in manual and automatic. This car is the perfect family car in terms of its size and space but also with a 1600kg towing capacity, the car is perfect for towing light camper trailers, seadoos or a run-about boat for a family weekend away. With a combined fuel consumption of 9.2L/100km and an urban consumption of 12.4L/100km, however, I found it to be a bit more thirsty.
With a 5 star ANCAP safety rating, the ix35 is jam packed with features to ensure the safety of all occupants. The Elite has ABS, ESC, TCS and also the helpful Downhill Brake Control and Hill Start Assist. Automatic headlights turn on when you enter a dark tunnel or when the sun sets. All ix35 models are fitted with rear park assist sensors to alert you when you are nearing a stationary object while reversing and front, side, rear and curtain airbags. The Hyundai ix35 has rear and front crush zones, side impact intrusion bars and impact absorbing bumpers to maximise safety for all occupants. All seats are fitted with seat belt pre-tensioners and the front seats have anti-submarining base steel pans. HALO (Hyundai’s Active Locking Operation) is also fitted in all models which includes speed sensing auto door locking and auto door unlock when in park.
At $36,390 drive away (Sydney price) the Hyundai ix35 Elite is an incredibly comfortable car for young couples, families or retirees to run about town and to enjoy a luxurious weekend away. While this car isn’t an ideal choice for p-plate drivers, it isn’t a bad car to drive around if your parents are letting you drive their car around every now and then.
