Hyundai ix35 1.7 CRDi - Impressively Low Running Costs

Revisions aim to keep the ix35’s looks and road manners fresh

Hyundai is approaching that ‘difficult second album’ phase, where the high standard set by its original products needs to be improved upon by its successors, in this case a subtle refresh of the ix35. When this soft-roader was first launched, in 2010, it introduced the world to Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language and quickly became one of the best-sellers in the firm’s European history.

Hyundai has tweaked the steering to give a quicker response

The assembly line for the refreshed ix35 doesn’t get into gear until August but we tested a pre-production version of the 1.7-liter diesel, traditionally the biggest seller in the UK range.

Hyundai hasn’t tampered too dramatically with the ix35’s proven formula for this refresh. There are a few minor external styling changes, some upgrades to the cabin materials, an improved infotainment and sat-nav system and a few mechanical tweaks, more of which anon.

The cabin features improved materials

On the road, the 1.7-liter diesel pulls adequately when mated to the six-speed manual gearbox, although it often needs to be worked fairly hard. Because of this, it isn’t the quietest of units. What it lacks in grunt compared with the 2.0-liter oil-burner that’s also available, it makes up for with frugality, with the prospect of mid-40mpg economy a realistic one.

Even fitted with optional 18-inch alloy wheels, our pre-production ix35 rode very competently over pitted, patched-up roads in the Czech countryside. This new version is fitted with softer front suspension mounts to reduce noise and vibration, and it felt forgiving over imperfect surfaces.

Hyundai has tweaked the steering to give a quicker response. Precisely how much interaction you get depends on which of the three modes you choose from the Flex Steer system, fitted to the ix35 for the first time. Normal, Comfort and Sport modes adjust the level of power steering support and feedback.

The 1.7-liter diesel is up to the job, provided you don’t mind working it and the ensuing noise

But don’t think for one minute that prodding the button through to the Sport setting will unlock all manner of apex-clipping dynamic delights. Flex Steer doesn’t make any changes to the suspension or chassis settings, and if you harry this front-wheel-drive compact SUV through a corner, you’ll experience a surfeit of body roll and under steer that brings you sharply back to reality.

On the strength of this pre-production drive, the ix35 should definitely be on your test drive shortlist if you’re in the market for a vehicle that is equally capable on the school run, a trip to the flat-pack furniture store and the family holiday. The styling and mechanical tweaks are mild but sufficient to keep the is35 firmly in contention in this segment.

Prices are likely to rise slightly when this revamped ix35 is introduced later this year, and final UK specifications have yet to be nailed down. Nevertheless, it seems likely that Hyundai’s tradition of offering plenty for a reasonable outlay will continue, and long may it do so.