Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai ix35

Is this diesel version of Hyundai's striking ix35 crossover the best we've tested yet? We take it out on UK roads to find out.

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Hyundai ix35
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

We’re big fans of the ix35 – and this diesel version is the pick of the range. It might be a bit on the noisy side but its punchy performance and low running costs more than make up for the din from the engine. The looks may not be to everyone’s taste, and the ride is rather bouncy, but the space, plentiful equipment and security offered by Hyundai’s five-year warranty mean this is an ideal car for families looking for something just that little bit different. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Think you’re seeing double? Don’t panic – it’s because there’s lots in common between the styling of the Vauxhall Antara and Hyundai’s ix35 crossover. The Korean challenger is more edgy, with lots of creases, lines and angles – but to our mind that’s a good thing, making for plenty of distinctive kerb appeal.

In fact, twice during our first drive of the eagerly awaited 1.7 turbodiesel model, we were stopped by admiring owners of fellow crossover models. The first asked us which BMW it was, and the second what our new Ford Kuga was like to drive!

We’ve been impressed before by the petrol ix35 – so what do we make of the CRDi oil-burner? Well, the first thing to say is that it’s not for anyone who wants a quiet life. This is a diesel with plenty of clatter to keep you company. Be prepared to turn the radio up when you’re on the road.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

On the plus side, it’s a punchy powerplant with plenty of torque. What’s more, the six-speed gearbox is smooth, and Hyundai claims 48.7mpg combined economy. An extra £205 gets you the firm’s ISG stop-start system, which boosts economy to 54.3mpg and cuts CO2 emissions from 139g/km to 135g/km. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The ix35 rides and handles well enough, too. It’s a bit harsh and bouncy, but still safe and predictable, if a little bland in corners. Even though it’s two-wheel drive, our car coped admirably with uneven, gravelled tracks as well as the tarmac that most of these vehicles spend the majority of their time on.

Equipment is good on this top-spec Premium model. Standard features include air-con, a rear parking camera and sensors, Bluetooth, touchscreen sat-nav, heated seats, six airbags and smart 17-inch alloy wheels.

There’s plenty of space for passengers and their luggage. Materials are a mix of soft-touch and harsher plastics, with chrome trim on the centre console, multifunction steering wheel and gearknob.  The icing on the cake is Hyudai’s five-year warranty.

The ix35 is a surprisingly good car. It’s close, but not quite up there with the best in class. Yet no one can argue with what you get for the money – or that this is a very cool-looking Korean indeed.

Rival: Nissan Qashqai 

More like a raised family hatch than an SUV, the excellent Qashqai offers a car-like driving experience, plenty of space and a quality cabin. A similarly specced 109bhp 1.5 dCi model costs £19,395. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,505Avg. savings £4,317 off RRP*Used from £19,564
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,540Avg. savings £3,974 off RRP*Used from £15,633
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,405Avg. savings £2,749 off RRP*Used from £12,220
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £37,870Avg. savings £2,955 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced
Opinion - expensive cars

It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced

Not matter how good a new car might be, Mike Rutherford thinks it will ultimately fail if it's overpriced
Opinion
16 Feb 2025
New Kia EV4 revealed at last! Volkswagen ID.3 rival incoming
Kia EV4 saloon - front

New Kia EV4 revealed at last! Volkswagen ID.3 rival incoming

First official images of Kia’s electric family car have surfaced, and it looks all but identical to the concept
News
16 Feb 2025
New Nissan Leaf and Micra confirmed for 2025, plus next-generation hybrid tech for Qashqai
New Nissan Leaf - front 3/4

New Nissan Leaf and Micra confirmed for 2025, plus next-generation hybrid tech for Qashqai

Nissan’s big plans for 2025 may also include a new plug-in hybrid system for the X-Trail
News
17 Feb 2025