FIRST impressions are vital when it comes to selecting a new vehicle so when I first laid eyes on the Hyundai ix35 I thought: “That is going to set you back mega bucks”. That’s because apart from its striking good looks complete with tinted windows and rugged shell design, the ix35 is crammed with quality features such as heated leather seats - front and rear - a state-of-the-art media pack and a plethora of other eye-catching features. So, my first port of call was to check out the price tag and that’s when I realised Hyundai really meant business. You see, the ix35 top-of-the-range Premium model, complete with four-wheel-drive, was priced at £20,745. Admittedly, this model had a few added extras, but even with all the trimmings, it came in at just over £22,500. I appreciate that’s not exactly cheap, but when you compare it to the rival manufacturers producing very similarly styled models, the outstanding value for money is really put into context. The spacious interior offers a very light environment mainly thanks to the massive panoramic roof and the comfort quality throughout is second to none. Many vehicles offer great equipment levels for front seat occupants but the rear passengers are often neglected. Not so the ix35. The leather rear seats are like your favourite armchair and even boast heat settings for those cold wintry mornings. Legroom is very generous and there are plenty of little storage areas to stow away your goodies. Up front, the dashboard has a specially styled central console with every control, dial and readout at your fingertips which means the driver is not distracted with fiddly little buttons that are hard to find and can concentrate on the drive itself. And believe me, that doesn’t disappoint either. The two-litre diesel-powered engine provided ample power both in and around town and out on the faster open road. It was both responsive and very smooth as it moved effectively and quietly through the six-speed manual transmission. The list of creature comforts seems almost endless with the stop/start keyless entry, reversing sensors, rain-sensing wipers, follow-me-home headlights, an iPod compatible sound system and plenty more besides including a neon blue night-time setting which illuminates all dials and controls like a spaceship. Of course, Hyundai has packed the ix35 with plenty of top quality safety specifications which include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, numerous airbags, hill-start assist control and a great security system to keep unwanted attention at bay. Finally, when you take into consideration the ix35 is a four-wheel-drive vehicle and it boasts Hyundai’s five year, unlimited mileage warranty, it’s clear to see just it‘s turning so many heads. FAST FACTS Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi 4WD Premium Manual Price: £20,745 Mechanical: 134bhp, 1,995cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox Max speed: 112mph 0-62mph: 10.2 seconds Combined mpg: 47.9 Insurance group: 19 CO2 emissions: 154g/km BIK rating: 15% Warranty: 5yrs/ unlimited mileage | 
