Hyundai ix35i 1.7 diesel South Africa
What is it?
A new 1.7-litre turbo diesel for the Hyundai ix35 with 85kW/260Nm and as the badge suggests it slots above the current 2.0-litre petrol and below the 2.0-litre diesel in both price and torque figures. The engine, developed in the Czech Republic, is an entirely new unit and at this stage it seems that it will remain exclusively a Hyundai product – what we mean by that is Kia seem unlikely to offer it in their models. For now the 1.7-litre diesel is only available in this bodyguise but expansion across current models can’t be ruled out.
What’s it like?
Smooth, vibration-free and quiet with more than enough power to pack with some heavies or pull a trailer. The rest of the car remains as is; soft, squishy and well insulated while the drivetrain feels wrapped in cotton wool, the steering twirls around under the lightest pressure and gearbox and clutch are perfect for congested roads. That’s crucial because there’s no auto version which despite Hyundai’s claiming that manual models outsell autos in the ix35, still seems a potential deal breaker.
Communication with the road is on a need-to-know basis so rather let the light and hollowed suspension absorb ruts and bumps and revel in the ix35’s new level of forward surge. Gravel roads pose no problem and the new 17-inch alloys have good sidewall profile to deal with the odd sharp stone. Faults? That touchscreen is smaller than most cellphones nowadays and anybody with slightly stubby fingers will have trouble getting to corner items. No dual climate in a family SUV is bound to cause inter-family squabbles.
Should I buy one?
If, like us, you found the petrol engine to be slightly listless the Euro 5 1.7 diesel adds a slug more torque and better fuel consumption figures. You’ll also need to form part of a small group happy to live with a manual gearbox. The star of the show here is the engine, not necessarily the car which could still do with a more modern and interactive interior display.
The prices of the ix35 range, including the new ix35 1.7 Premium turbodiesel, are:
2.0 NU Premium 6-speed manual (petrol) R 324 900
2.0 NU Premium 6-speed auto (petrol) R 339 900
2.0 NU Executive 6-speed manual (petrol) R 359 900
2.0 NU Elite 6-speed auto (petrol) R 385 400
U1.7 Premium 6-speed manual (turbodiesel) R 359 900
R2.0 Elite 6-speed manual (turbodiesel) R 409 900
R2.0 Elite 6-speed auto (turbodiesel) R 469 900
