SA Roadtests
South Africa
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This is the home of automobile road tests in South Africa. We drive South African cars, SUVs and LCVs under South African conditions. It also just happens that most of the vehicles we drive are world cars as well, so what you read here probably applies to the models you can get at home.
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*Please remember too, that prices quoted were those ruling on the days I wrote the stories.
This is a launch report. In other words, it's simply a new model announcement. The driving experience was limited to a short drive over a prepared course chosen to make the product look good. We can therefore not tell you what it will be like to live with over an extended period, how economical it is, or how reliable it will be. A very brief first impression is all we can give you until such time as we get an actual test unit for trial. Thank you for your patience.
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Published in The Witness Motoring on Wednesday May 12, 2010
Let’s clarify something. Hyundai’s newest urban crossover, the ix35, will be known as “Tucson” worldwide except in South Africa, where it adopts the alphanumeric naming system used on the Korean firm’s other recent models.
Stanley Anderson, the local company’s Marketing Director explains: “The new car is so different from the old Tucson that we decided to call it ix35 in line with the H1, i10 and others, rather than continue the old name.”
Different it is, indeed. The new car is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, riding on a 2 640 mm wheelbase that’s 10mm longer than previously. At 4 410 mm and 1 820 mm, it is 85 mm longer and 20 mm wider than before, greatly improving interior cabin space. Reducing overall height by 20 mm to 1 660 mm has not affected headroom.
Engines and some gearboxes are also new. The 2,0 litre Theta ll engine boasts CVVT on both inlet and exhaust valves, increasing outputs to 122 kW and 197 Nm, vs. 104 and 184 on its predecessor. It is also 10 kg lighter. Replacing the 2,7 litre V6 is a 2,4 version of the Theta ll. In this form, it puts out 130 kW and 227 Nm of torque, compared with 129 kW and 241 Nm for the six.
Another change on the Theta ll is a two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) that enables switching between long and short intake manifold lengths, resulting in an across-the-board performance increase, especially as far as low-end torque is concerned. To reduce internal friction, engineers have applied various technologies - such as special, hardened surfaces – to moving parts.
On the diesel front, the old 1 991 cc motor has been replaced by a brand-new 1 995cc, 16-valve DOHC ‘R’ –family unit developing significantly more power and torque: 130 kW and 392 Nm, vs. 82 kW/245 Nm on the old. An electronically controlled variable geometry turbocharger and an advanced engine control unit eliminate turbo lag and ensure high levels of communication between engine and transmission. The R also has a lower balance shaft to eliminate vibration.
As far as gearboxes go, only the entry-level 2,0 litre GL 4x2 model uses the old five speed manual. Others, all to GLS-specification, are fitted with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The latter is the new, smaller and lighter unit introduced on the Kia Sorento last November.
To achieve optimum fuel efficiency, all ix35 models incorporate a state-of-the-art Alternator Management System (AMS). Its circuitry monitors electrical loads and the state of battery charge. During periods of low electrical demand coupled with full charge, a clutch automatically disengages the alternator, so reducing engine load and lowering fuel consumption.
Styling differs radically from the old model. Hyundai moved away from the distinctly hatchback proportions of the Tucson when penning its replacement, resulting in a sleek, low-line one-box shape. This "fluidic" design language breaks new ground expressed in sweeping, gently curved lines flowing rearward and providing a look of athleticism not typically associated with this class of vehicle.
To achieve this dynamic and sporty effect, ix35 gets an aggressively high waistline, coupled with a low-to-the-ground feel enhanced by 225/55 R18 wheels on all but the baseline model.
While the growth in wheelbase is minimal, careful packaging has helped to achieve maximum interior space. An additional 40 mm of front seat fore and aft adjustment increases legroom and headroom for taller drivers, while rear space is maximised by scalloping the rear of the front seats. Rear legroom is a few millimeters shy of one metre, as is rear headroom. Large door apertures ensure that the needs of those in the rear compartment have not been overlooked.
With most of the additional length achieved by increasing rear overhang, luggage volume has increased significantly to 591 litres, expanding to 1 436 with the rear backrests folded flat.
The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system has been upgraded with dual temperature controls for driver and front passenger. This is now more precise thanks to the use of new and improved sensors. The dual zone arrangement incorporates ambient-temperature readout in a liquid crystal display and is fitted to all but the base model. Both manual air conditioner and automatic climate control systems are characterised by a pair of large rotary dials permitting ease of use with minimal need to take one’s eyes off the road.
Features and equipment across the range include steering wheel-mounted audio controls, multimedia interface, reversing camera integral with the rearview mirror, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, roof-mounted sunglass holder, full-function driving computer (including instant and average fuel consumption, range to tank empty and average speed), alloy wheels, 60:40 split rear seat, auto-arming central locking and electric windows all round.
“ix35 is proving to be a runaway success in all other markets,” Anderson concluded, “and our biggest worry is whether we will be able to access enough stock.”
Retail Prices
2.0 GL 4X2 Manual R239 900
2.0 GLS 4X2 Manual R264 900
2.0 GLS 4X2 A/T R274 900
2.4 GLS 4X4 A/T R319 900
R2.0 GLS 4X2 Manual R299 900
R2.0 GLS 4X4 A/T R369 900
Warranty: 5 years 150 000km
Service plan: 5 years 100 000km
Service Intervals: 15 000km
This is a one-man show, which means that road test cars entrusted to me are driven only by me. Some reviewers hand test cars over to their partners to use as day-to-day transport and barely experience them for themselves.
What this means to you is that every car reviewed is given my own personal evaluation and receives my own seat of the pants judgement - no second hand input here.
Every car goes through real world testing; on city streets littered with potholes, speed bumps and rumble strips, on freeways and if its profile demands, dirt roads as well.
I am based in Pietermaritzburg, KZN, South Africa. This is the central hub of the KZN Midlands farming community; the place farmers go to to buy their supplies and equipment, truck their goods to market, send their kids to school and go to kick back and relax.
So occasionally a cow, a goat or a horse may add a little local colour by finding its way into the story or one of the pictures. It's all part of the ambience!
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SA Roadtests
South Africa
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