Hyundai claims its new ix35 will meet both the rational and emotional needs of small SUV buyers. Robert Barry recently drove the Tucson replacement at the Taupo media launch and discovered it is a more than worthy replacement.

Hyundai says the ix35 will appeal to rational and emotional buyers, meaning some will buy it purely on the rational basis that is offers versatility, safety and economy while others will buy it because they like the style and comfort the vehicle has to offer as well as technical features such as iPod integration and the cluster ioniser. 

When you look at the side profile of the ix35 you can see the clear relationship of the shape to big brother Santa Fe, but it has a far more sculpted look.

Then there is the issue of the black plastic side trim on the lower part of the doors which isn’t just for looks, it also offers protection against the elements and miscreant parking.

It also matches nicely with the black plastic cladding on the front and rear under-bumpers and side sills. 

The ix35 sees the introduction of a new 2-0 litre R series diesel engine as well as a 2.4-litre Theta II petrol engine in the 4WD variants while a Theta II 2.0 litre engine remains in a front-wheel-drive variant which is an entry point vehicle tailored for the fleet market.

All three ix35 variants receive a new six-speed automatic transmission which was designed, developed and manufactured in-house.

The 4WD ix35 models also have the option of being specified in Elite trim which adds leather upholstery with seat heaters, a rearview camera, a proximity sensor and key, a push button start and dual zone climate air-conditioning. 

All that said, Hyundai New Zealand says it finds itself in the embarrassing situation that all the vehicles ordered prior to the official launch date have all been sold to customers and dealers. 

And with global demand ramping up for this new model, getting more production for our small market may prove problematic.

That’s a pity because the ix35 is a much better vehicle than the ungainly looking Tucson it has replaced and is a far better drive. It certainly looks a great deal more contemporary, though how people will fare for rear vision when parking without the use of the reversing camera in the Elite specification vehicles will be interesting.

An emotional buyer might not consider this a problem but I’m picking a rational buyer will. Also the high window waistline of the rear doors means that small children may not be able to see out of the vehicle unless they have much taller booster seats, which could also present problems for the rational buyer.

In keeping with its target buyer the media drive route included a stretch of state highway and then a short stretch of gravel road which led to Poronui Ranch where we were able to test the hill descent control and other electronic stability features of the ix35 on private roads and grassy fields.

On-road this vehicle feels more like a sporty hatchback than an SUV - body roll around corners is negligible - but the 18 inch wheel and tyre combination does produce a great deal of noise on any surface other than smooth asphalt.

On a three hour return drive to Auckland from Taupo, the road rumble was quite noticeable and became tiring, possibly because the engine and transmission are so quiet and vibration free.

Ride quality is good and supple, and we found that on-road and off-road the ix35 does not appear have any nasty vices in the suspension department and its brakes are responsive and effective at stopping even on combinations such as gravel and dirt and wet and dry grass.  

The 2-litre R series diesel has to be the pick of the three engines for performance and economy and if buyers can afford it, the Elite specification is also the way to go.

The ability to travel in climate controlled comfort with a heated seat over a long journey is beyond a rational or emotional decision.

Prices: 2.0 2WD $39,990; 2.4 4WD $44,990; 2.4 4WD Elite $48,990; 2.0R 4WD CRDi $49,990; 2.0R 4WD CRDi Elite $53,990.