Midlife makeover for ix35

The ride quality is excellent on tar and gravel and under normal conditions it is not easy to unsettle it.

In addition to making its popular sports utility vehicle look a little prettier, Hyundai has also tweaked the four 2-litre petrol engine derivatives and introduced a new six-speed manual gearbox.

The refreshed six-model range consists of a 2-litre Premium model with either manual or automatic transmission; an intermediate 2.0 Executive model with a manual transmission and three Elite derivatives, of which one is petrol-powered and the other two are oil-burners.

The range flagship is the 2-litre turbo-diesel with six-speed auto shift and all-wheel drive that sets it apart from the other five front-wheel only driven versions.

Try a bit of Flexing

Also new is a FLEX steering system that allows the driver to choose between three driving modes - Normal, Comfort or Sport. At the launch, I tried all three modes and although I could not notice a big difference between Comfort and Normal, the Sport setting that makes for sharper turn-ins and a "firmer" on-road feel certainly suits this sprightly SUV.

It is worth noting that even the most basic ix35 has an impressive range of standard gear.

The ride quality is excellent on tar and gravel and under normal conditions it is not easy to unsettle it, even if you are pouring on the coals. I have liked the ix35 since I first drove it in 2010 and the latest version certainly strengthens its appeal.

Of the two revamped models I drove at the Media launch, I much preferred the diesel-engined models. They felt considerably livelier (and steadier) than the petrol versions which have had their power outputs lowered from 122kW and 197Nm to 116kW and 192Nm.

This is what you get for tour money...

Hyundai says the new engine performs better and is more environmentally friendly but it does feel a tad sleepy whereas the diesels are quick on the uptake (although quite a bit more expensive) and its on-paper fuel consumption of a claimed 6.5 litres/100km is also better than the petrol's given figure of 8.5 litres.

I have liked the ix35 since I first drove it in 2010 and the latest version certainly strengthens its appeal.

The ix35 is available in Premium, Executive and Elite with prices starting at R319,900 and going up all the way to R449,900 for the range leading turbo-diesel Elite Auto AWD which dirt riders will love for its adaptive all-wheel drive system which varies power from front only or both front and back depending on the demands of the terrain. Drivers can also select to lock the 50-50 split to distributes power evenly between the front and rear wheels.

The two upper echelon specification levels have stability control, downhill brake control and hill start assist but in general all models are very well specced with features such as a fully-adjustable steering wheel, an upgraded sound system (including Bluetooth) and adjustable rear seats for extra comfort.

To be candid about that camera

Rather disappointingly, a fancy touch-screen audio system linked to a rear-view camera is not standard on the two Premium versions, which also don't benefit from the new Flex Steering system.... But as the saying goes, "you gets for what you pays". In this instance the entry models is a whopping R130,000 less expensive than the flagship which makes a very real difference when it comes to purchasing decisions, particularly in the case of younger, budget-conscious families.

The load space is ample for most needs.

It is worth noting that even the most basic ix35 has standard gear such as steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, electric windows and door locks, keyless entry fold-away mirrors, ABS brakes with EBD, passenger protection in the form of crumple zones and guard beams on all four doors, three point seat belts for all five passengers, child seat anchors and dual front airbags.

Join the blue-light brigade... the nice one

Factor in Hyundai's groundbreaking five-year/150,000km warranty, five-year/90,000 maintenance plan and five-year/150,000km roadside assistance and it is easy to understand why the ix35 is one of Hyundai's most popular sellers.

Now with the added benefit of 60/40 reclining split rear seats, blue light cabin interior, fancy updated Audio system, reshaped headlight, LED tail lights, roof side rails with panoramic sunroof, nifty new alloy wheels and other nice touches the ix35 should continue to be the SUV darling of buyers and Hyundai sales personnel.

Specifications

Hyundai ix35 (2013 - 2014)

2014 Hyundai ix35 CRDi (Hyundai Tucson) - Exterior, Interior Walkaround - 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show