Mid-size crossover that’s hard to beat
BETWEEN 2010 and 2015 Hyundai dropped the name Tucson for its smaller crossover in favour of ix35.
It has now returned to Tucson for the latest similar model launched in 2015, but the ix35 makes a strong case as a secondhand buy.
It’s a good looking, chunky vehicle with all the right 4x4 pointers, but like so many in the class, most do not come with four-wheel drive so that they are cheaper to run.
Engines are 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol with either 133bhp or 161bhp, or 1.7 and 2.0-litre diesels with 113bhp or 134bhp. There is also a 2.0-litre diesel automatic that has 181bhp.
The great thing to remember about these is the original five-year, unlimited mileage warranty is transferable to new owners.
That gives real peace of mind for anyone buying one within the excellent time limit.
And another thing worth remembering is that Hyundais come with very generous equipment as standard, and to spec another maker’s similar car to the same level makes them much more expensive.
The ix35 is about the size of a Nissan Qashqai and if anything, offers better performance.
Secondhand, the most likely engine you’ll find is the 2.0-litre diesel with the manual gearbox and it’s very impressive, quiet and refined and with plenty of low speed pulling power.
All of these have four-wheel drive (4WD), while all the 114bhp 1.7 diesels have two-wheel drive (2WD).
These are a fair bit slower but more economical, managing a government figure of 48.7mpg.
Originally, there were 2.0-litre and 1.6 petrol engines but the 2.0-litre was dropped, leaving just the 1.6 with 133bhp. It is reasonably quick, with a 0 to 60mph time of 11.1 seconds and it is only available with front-wheel drive.
The ix was a huge improvement over the previous Tucson with a good suspension system giving a comfortable ride over all surfaces and yet still managing to endow it with very good handling and road holding.
Stability control is standard but of course, the 2.0-litre diesels all have 4WD for security in all conditions.
The system delivers power to the front wheels in normal conditions but if one begins to slip, some power is transferred to the rear to maintain momentum.
In seriously bad conditions of off-road the 4WD can be locked on to give maximum traction.
All models come with alloy wheels, reversing sensors, air conditioning, electric windows all round, CD stereo with MP3 player and Bluetooth, USB connection and heated front and rear seats.
If you’re looking for a mid-size crossover, this one is hard to beat.
Pay about £12,900 for a ’13 13-reg 2.0-litre diesel Premium, or £16,600 for a ’15 15-reg SE with the same sized engine.