Midweek roadtest : Hyundai add to the market mix with its "fluidic" ix35

	The Hyundai ix35 has SUV styling with deeply sculptured body lines, sloping roof Coupe looks from the side and MPV practicality with its seating layout and large rear tailgate. At launch there is the choice of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, with the petrol engine available only with front wheel drive and the diesel with two or four wheel traction. There are two trim and equipment levels, Style and Premium plus Media and Individual option packs. Prices top out at £20,745, while likely best selling model, the 2.0-litre CRDi diesel, 2WD with Style trim costs £17,995.
A 1.6-litre GDI direct injection petrol engine and a 1.7-litre CRDi diesel unit will join the line-up later this year as will a six-speed automatic transmission option. The interior is light and airy, but the high waistline means that the side windows are fairly shallow and visibility to the front and rear quarters is limited so there are blindspots. The controls are logical and well positioned. The seating is generally comfortable but the rear seat backs do not fold down completely to form a level load floor (see below).
	As for the running gear: Based on the class-leading 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine which made its debut in the 2010 Santa Fe, the 2.0-litre turbodiesel common-rail unit is Euro 5 compliant with 134bhp of power and 320Nm of torque. In two-wheel-drive form, the engine delivers a combined fuel economy figure of 51.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 147g/km. My test car returned 37.8mpg driven over rural roads with no motorway cruising. Top speed is 113mph and 0-62mph takes 9.9 seconds.
The four-wheel-drive variant, using the same engine, is capable of 49.6mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 149g/km. My test drive returned 33.2mpg, again for rural driving and the performance figures are 112mph and 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds. The petrol engined model uses a Euro 5 compliant 2.0-litre twin cam unit with dual continually variable valve timing to deliver peak performance, economy and emissions. The all alloy unit delivers a lively 161bhp of power and 194Nm of torque – enough to power the car from 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 114mph. Offered as a two-wheel-drive model only, the petrol ix35 returns 37.7mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 177g/km. The test drive figure was just 29mpg but that included stop/start commuter driving. In real life it should do better. Both units, whilst not outstanding, are perfectly acceptable, quiet and refined and all that most customers will want. For the record four wheel drive versions use an on-demand system. Basically in normal use the driving torque goes to the front wheels but a percentage of the power will automatically be transferred to the rear wheels when extra grip is needed on slippery surfaces or when towing.
	There is also a ‘Lock Mode’ which can be selected and this splits the torque equally between front and rear axles and can be used for speeds up to 25mph – off road or in deep snow for instance. There is also Downhill Brake Control which limits the car’s speed on steep descents when off-roading. All sensible, makes financial good sense and rewarding to own and drive. Ride comfort can be a bit on the harsh side though thanks to our potholed roads. ©David Miles

MILESTONES	Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi 2WD Style
Price: £17,995	Insurance: From 15E
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder 134bhp,	6-speed manual, on demand 4WD
Performance: 113mph, 0-62mph 9.4 seconds	51.4mpg (37.8mpg on test)
CO2 147g/km, VED £125.	Load area 591-1,436-litres
For: Good looks, right size at the right price, high safety and equipment levels, long warranties, emerging popular brand.
Against: Harsh ride at times, front/rear quarter blind spots, rear seats do not fold down completely flat.