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Hyundai ix35: Fourth report

Our publisher loves the ix35, but was intrigued to find out how it compared to its classy Kia Sportage cousin

Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage

By James Burnay

October 2011

Is the grass always greener on the other side? After months behind the wheel of our Hyundai ix35, I’ve grown used to seeing its Kia Sportage equivalent parked in the office car park. Curiosity finally got the better of me, so I grabbed the keys to both to see how they compare.

The styling of these cars signalled a real change of gear for their manufacturers, and while a quick straw poll of the office shows the Sportage is more popular, I think they both look fantastic. I love the creases that run down the flanks of the ix35, and its distinctive headlights really look the part. The shape of the side windows also gives the Hyundai a sporty profile, so in terms of visual appeal, I don’t think I’m missing out at all.

Interior quality is excellent in both models, too. They share the same engine and transmission, so choosing between them boils down to personal taste. And after a thorough examination of both of them, I’m not sure the grass is any greener in this comparison.

The two models have something else in common: they’ve required an unscheduled trip to the dealer. In Issue 1,182, we reported how staff photographer Pete Gibson needed a fresh set of alloy wheels for his Sportage after spotting corrosion on them. And our ix35 has suffered from an electronic glitch. In my last update, I reported problems syncing my smartphone with the car’s Bluetooth system. I’m happy to report that this issue has now been resolved, although it did take three weeks to sort.

Originally I was told the car’s entertainment unit needed a new screen, and that this would have to be shipped from South Korea. After hearing nothing, I chased the dealer, Hyundai London in Hendon, a couple of times to find out when it would arrive. In the end, the fault was actually fixed with a simple upgrade to the electronics, which could have been done the first time I took the car in!

Once this solution had been identified, the staff at Hyundai London dealt with it very efficiently, and I’m now able to link my phone to the car with no problems.

One thing that can’t be fixed by a software update is the sat-nav’s inability to recognise full postcodes when entering your destination. You can input the first four digits, but a full entry would save time and reduce the chances of turning up at the wrong place.

Still, this is hardly a deal breaker, and the sat-nav comes as part of the reasonably priced £950 Media Pack. The handy package of extras also includes a reversing camera, which is perfect for someone like me, who rarely drives their car outside of London. The folding door mirrors are another helpful feature, and I make sure they’re tucked in at every opportunity, whether I’ve parked in a crowded multi-storey or on the narrow suburban street where I live.

Other useful touches include extending sun visors – really handy when the sun is low in the sky – and a slot in the central cubby to hold the key (it has push-button ignition).

All of which shows the ix35 is more than just a pretty face...

For an alternative review of the latest Hyundai iX35 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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1 Comment

The handy package of extras also includes a reversing camera, which is perfect for someone like me, who rarely drives their car outside of London.

Dont get me wrong, I dont have an issue with 4x4's SUV's in the right environment, but that sentence sums up exactly why there is so much hatred for them, why do you need something this big in London, answer - you dont! I would also argue what is the point of a diesel if you are only pottering around town, the price differential does not make it any cheaper to run than an equivalent petrol engined vehicle unless you are doing big mileage.

By Shaun34 on 9 October, 2011, 9:41am

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Pictures

Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage
Hyundai ix35 rear three-quarters
Hyundai ix35 detail
Hyundai ix35 panning
Hyundai ix35 reversing camera
Hyundai ix35 number plate
Hyundai ix35 badge

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Other Reports

REPORT

[+]
It's great to have lots of equipment in your car, but sometimes it can prove to be a bit of a distraction. For example, when driving at night on familiar roads, I prefer to switch off the sat-nav screen to reduce the strain on my eyes. Helpfully, the Hyundai allows you to do this at the touch of a button.
[-]
I’m really clutching at straws here – which is always a good sign! I haven’t found much to complain about during my time with the Hyundai, but I have spotted one irritating detail. The screws that attach the number plates have started to rust. It’s a small point, but now I’ve seen them, my eye is always drawn to them.
On fleet since:December 2010
Price when new:£19,450
Running costs:39.7mpg
Mileage:5,944
Engine / Power:1.7-litre 4cyl/114bhp
Options Fitted:Media Pack (£950)
Trade-in Value Now:£16,475
Insurance Group / Quote:14
Costs:None so far
Any Problems?:Bluetooth connectivity fixed with firmware update
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