KEVIN RITCHIE
ORIGINALLY a source of unfeigned mirth, the Sandton tractor is becoming a source of absolute fascination for me.
Perhaps it’s my advancing years and Walter Mittyesque yearning for armchair adventure or it may just be the seamless blending of technology and design into a car that really is easy on the eye and easy to handle.
Hyundai’s ix35 is a case in point. Older Hyundai fans will remember its previous iteration as the Tucson. The latest version is compact and has moved from plain to pretty, while retaining enough road clearance to hint at being capable over school kerbs or potholes. The mirror-mounted compass of yore has been retained, adding to the sense of fun, although it’s also very useful when you get into areas that your GPS doesn’t even recognise.
The ix35 is not going to win any street races, but with its five- speed box and the engine pushing 116kW, you’re not going to be left behind. The car comes in a fuelinjected 2-litre petrol or diesel, in 4x2 or 4x4.
Apart from being pleasing on the eye, it’s well equipped in terms of its price; keyless entry, push-button ignition, an alphabet soup of kit for everything from braking to roadholding; parking assistance, including a rear-view camera and front parking sensors in the top-end models. One issue is problematic: with only two airbags in the two bottom-of-therange models, both in the front, it seems a bit penny wise, pound foolish, given that most SUVs are produced with far more.
The ix35 comes standard with 17-inch alloy rims, which you can upgrade to 18-inch rims. Fog lamps are incorporated into the main lights, a nice touch, although motoring editor Brendan Seery hates fog lamps. The side mirrors are electronically foldable, heated and carry their own little indicator lights. There’s an electronic sunroof in the elite and executive models.
The big attraction for me is around the steering wheel interface with the onboard sound system and computer. There’s nothing to disappoint here. Intuitive Bluetooth means pairing your phone, and its music files, is easy.
The 4-inch touchscreen on the centre console is handy, quick and efficient. Music can be played from CD, USB or cellphone, while the onboard computer provides up-to-date, accurate information on fuel consumption and range, as well as any other onboard health indicators.
I can’t lie. I’m a big fan of Hyundai vehicles. I like the build quality, I like the service – and the service guarantee of 150 000km or five years, and roadside assistance chucked in for the same period.
When you buy Hyundai, you’re buying peace of mind. If you’re thinking of migrating into the SUV world but you’re on a bit of a budget, then, with a starting price of R334 900, the ix35 has to be near the top of your shopping list.