Hyundai ix35 SUV (2009-2016) - Interior & comfort

Hyundai ix35 dashboard

The Hyundai ix35’s interior design looks good at first, with big, clear buttons and blue backlighting for all the major instruments giving a high-quality feel. However, when you actually touch the dashboard, you realise it’s made mostly of hard, rough-feeling plastic.

The worst parts are the door-mounted switches for the electric windows and mirrors, as well as the indicator stalks. They’re made from shiny, flimsy plastic rather than the thick, soft-touch stuff some other manufacturers use. But although some of the trim feels a bit brittle, the major controls on the centre console are big and easy to use.

31

The seats have quite short squabs, so if you have long legs, you might find long drives uncomfortable. The steering wheel and seat aren’t quite as adjustable as you might like, although most drivers can get reasonably comfortable behind the wheel.

Equipment

When buying used, it makes sense to choose the best-equipped model you can find for your budget. Even the entry-level S model has air-conditioning, alloy wheels and all-round electric windows. Even so, we’d recommend you hold out for at least an SE, which gets must-have items such as Bluetooth, a USB port for music devices, a multifunction steering wheel, heated seats and cruise control.

31

Go for an SE Nav model and you get the same generous kit, plus an intuitive touchscreen sat nav. Top-spec Premium cars are even more luxurious, with leather trim, powerful xenon headlamps and large 18-inch alloys. Premium Panorama models get all this kit, plus a large glass sunroof that floods the cabin with light to create a bright and airy feel.

Buyers of the ix35 FCEV paid over £50,000 when new and the standard equipment list reflects this, with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, touchscreen sat nav, a rear-view parking camera, cruise control, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker stereo all included.