Monthly Motor - June 2014

New Entrant
2014 Hyundai ix35 – Tweaked
looks, enhanced performance
Initially, the ix was the Hyundai Tucson. The Tucson made its maiden
debut in 2005 and represented Hyundai’s first entry into the longestablished
small crossover SUV segment. The first-generation Tucson
became Hyundai’s official “entry-level” SUV, and it offered a favourable
combination of attributes, including an available V6 engine, a generous
list of standard equipment and a lengthy warranty.
However, the Tucson looked rather
dowdy, had a decidedly low-budget
feel to its interior, and never
really registered on most consumers’
radar as a mainstream option.
That changed with the second-generation Tucson,
which premiered all over the world as the Hyundai
ix35, in 2010. The second generation featured sharp
exterior styling and a slick interior to match. Four
years later, Hyundai has released an updated version
for 2014.
Looks
The 2014 Hyundai ix35 combines dynamic,
sculpted, performance-oriented styling with
thoughtful everyday utility. With an overall
length of 173.2 inches, a width of 71.7 inches
and a height of 66.3 inches (with roof rails),
2014 Hyundai ix35 has a great stance and road
presence. The design team fused a light, elegant,
and sporty upper body with belt lines flowing
off both the front and rear wheel arches, to a
tough, planted lower body so that it is assertive
in the way it sits on the road.
The profile of 2014 Hyundai ix35 features
a sports car-like theme with a double-zigzag
treatment for the wheel arches that wrap around
the available wheels. The concave sills have a
wedge-shaped profile that extends rearward
and wraps around into the rear bumper. New to
the 2014 Hyundai ix35 are LED Daytime running
lights and positioning lights. The hexagonal
grille, bisected by a bold chrome styling line,
remains unchanged. Curvaceous pressings on
the front and rear fenders remains unchanged.
Its dramatically sloped rear glass features a pronounced
rear spoiler, which improves on the
2014 Hyundai ix35 aerodynamics.
Performance
One of the most significant upgrades for
the model is the replacement of the 2.0-litre
Theta II petrol engine with a new, superefficient
Nu 2-litre Multi-Port Injection engine.
The new engine offers a more even and efficient
delivery of power and torque – with peaks of
116 kW (155 hp) at 6 200 r/min and 192 Nm at
4 000 r/min. respectively. The new petrol engine
is available in combination with a new six-speed
Rating:
Value:
Presence:
Interior:
Styling:
Equipment:
Overall:
The 2014 Hyundai ix35 combines
dynamic, sculpted, performanceoriented
styling with thoughtful
everyday utility.
manual gearbox or an improved, very responsive,
and smooth-changing six-speed automatic
transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control.
To make the 2014 ix35 even more versatile,
Hyundai engineers added an advanced electronic
AWD system. The AWD system is auto-
matically activated under any driving condition
when needed, distributing the power equally,
and optimizing driving performance.
Interior
The high-tech cockpit is fitted as standard
with Hyundai’s signature blue lighting, tilt
and telescopic steering wheel, steering wheel
mounted audio and cruise controls, electrically
powered windows and door locks, remote keyless
entry and fold-away mirrors with electric
control. The front cup holders are illuminated
with blue light as well. The 2014 Hyundai ix35
has always had outstanding rear legroom and
now second row passengers can recline their
seats for even more comfort. The rear seats
feature 60:40 split for increase of boot space.
The interior of the 2014 Hyundai ix35 the upper
door trims are now finished in higher-quality
materials. All models have dashboard air vents
that are ringed in chrome, and the windscreen
receives a shade band, completing the visual
refreshment. The spacious interior is further
enhanced by the panoramic sunroof. A 4.3-
inch colour touch screen audio with a standard
rear-view park-assist camera is in charge of
the entertainment. The system plays compact
discs, accesses digital music files employing
Bluetooth streaming audio and allows driver
and passenger to access their personal listening
devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs.
Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from
a phone to the audio system.
Verdict
The 2014 Hyundai ix35 remains a great
choice for anyone looking for an affordable and
well kitted crossover.
The latest updates make the smallest SUV
from Hyundai more competitive and better to
take on its rivals. Order the 2014 ix35 from
Hyundai East Africa, located along Mombasa
Road in Nairobi County.
What we like
Spacious and comfortable interior
Plenty of standard equipment
Efficient engine
What we dislike
Aging design
Struggling badge identity in Kenya
Limited power plant choices.
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MOTOR JUNE 2014
MOTOR JUNE 2014
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