Test drive Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI vs Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDI: boys for everything
Content
Over the years, representatives of the compact SUV category such as the Ford Kuga i Hyundai ix35 have gradually evolved, becoming for many an attractive combination of versatility and elegance. A perfect addition to the dynamic looks of the two dual-transmission models are the spirited 163 and 184 hp XNUMX-liter engines.
The ambitious development of the compact SUV segment can unequivocally be described as a chronology of success, but the market position gained must be defended. In this regard, the situation is almost reminiscent of the history of vans, which have recently been successfully attacked by many countries - not least the representatives of the SUV category mentioned above. The new Hyundai ix30 and its European competitor, the Ford Kuga, illustrate the latest wave in the dual-drive compact trend. With their modern styling and powerful two-litre engines, performance is the focus.
Catchiness
Energy literally flows from competitors' external designs, reflecting surprisingly lofty bold ideas in advertising for both products. Kuga emphasizes the use of the Focus platform, renowned for its dynamic movement, showcasing a new interpretation of the stylistic philosophy of the company with the eloquent name Kinetic Design.
Not far behind is the successor to the Tucson in Hyundai's lineup, the ix35 is distinctly short with the ribbed lines of classic SUVs and moving towards a dynamic line crowned with an aggressive physiognomy with heavily squinted "eyes". The dramatic change in proportions of the new model also speaks volumes - the body of the ix35 is lower and wider, but a full nine centimeters longer than its predecessor. That height allows for more trunk and rear seat space, making the ix35 just as family-friendly as its Ford competitor.
In the living room
In view of the likelihood of frequent presence of children on board, it should be noted that almost all surfaces in the interior of the Korean model are quite easy to clean - unfortunately, this is perhaps the only advantage that the widespread use of hard plastics has. The interior design is certainly attractive, the workmanship is as it should be, but the feeling of touching economically selected materials is clearly not up to par. An ethereal sense of luxury can only be seen at the Premium level with leather upholstery.
Kuga's interior has become much brighter. The hard surface plastic here resembles aluminum, while the rest are pleasant to the touch. This model Ford justifies its higher price and demonstrates the quality of a higher class. Practicality has also not been forgotten by the designers, who have found a good solution for storing the easy-to-use folding boot lid - when not needed, it can be stored under the double boot floor, where there is plenty of space and plenty of storage compartments. other little things. With Kuga, you don't have to open the entire back cover when you want to store something small. Only the separately opening top can be used for this. The only major drawback in terms of interior functionality is the lack of storage space for large bottles of drinks.
The Hyundai model offers this opportunity among many other places where you can place everything you need for a comfortable trip. In this case, folding the rear seat backs results in a partially sloped surface of the cargo compartment, which limits its functionality. Missing (as is the case with the Kuga) is the ability to longitudinally adjust the rear row of seats, with which the two rivals in the compact SUV category still clearly lag behind the flexibility of vans.
However, in terms of equipment, the forces are almost equal. Even in the base version, the ix35 comes standard with air conditioning, an audio system with CD player, active driver and front passenger head supports, and aluminum wheels, and the Premium test car really pays homage to the name of this equipment level. Cruise control, heated seats, 17-inch wheels, a rain sensor, automatic air conditioning and the already mentioned leather upholstery are also standard. The Kuga Titanium version offers comparable opulence, but is limited to the combination of leather and textile in the seat upholstery, and heating them requires an extra investment. Here the advantage is clearly on the side of the ix35 - the Ford model is almost 2000 euros more expensive than the Hyundai with the optional automatic transmission.
On the road
Kuga manages to recoup in another discipline - in the dynamics on the road. The height of the body seems to melt, the car follows the steering commands exactly without any sway, and when you apply the brakes sharply or in a turn, the rear end gently reminds you of itself with a light presentation - the driver is left with the feeling that the transmission torque is instantly switching from the front wheels to rear wheels. Thrust distribution in the Kuga is handled by a Haldex 4 clutch, which ensures that the required amount is directed rearward if necessary. These sporting qualities may not harmonize perfectly with the slightly stubborn XNUMX-litre diesel, but thankfully, the Kuga's stable handling doesn't come at the expense of uncomfortable suspension work. On the contrary - the compact SUV overcomes bumps with commendable softness.
At first glance, the ix35 does a good job, too, but the first series of short undulating impacts leaves the good impression, which puts the chassis in a state of not very comfortable high-frequency vibration, which freely penetrates the legs, bodies and heads of passengers. We haven't encountered such an obvious weakness in our tests for a long time. At the corners, the new Hyundai's body shows a noticeable tilt, and its steering response shows some lag. Too fast cornering results in a strong tendency to understeer, the front tires protest loudly and the ESP system intervenes quickly, braking vigorously. During this time, the driver has the opportunity to detect a lack of lateral support in the front seats.
Off road
The Hyundai ix35 can only outperform its rival on rough terrain, although the Kuga's robust floor protection instills more confidence and ambition when tackling rough terrain. In fact, it is more of a decoration of the action, and the Haldex two-speed clutch does not give the driver the ability to individually select and control the 4x4 system on rough terrain.
In the Hyundai ix35, the center differential can be locked using a button on the dashboard, and the model is also equipped with a hill descent assist system. The higher engine torque of the Korean SUV also helps to drive over rough terrain and, of course, has a positive effect on the dynamics of overtaking on asphalt roads. The two-liter ix35 turbodiesel works roughly but powerfully pushes the compact SUV off and gives excellent acceleration results. At the same time, the more powerful engine than the Kuga manages to outperform its competitor in the cost section, delivering about half a liter less average fuel consumption per 100 kilometers. Eco mode can also be activated at the push of a button, in which the engine does not use its full power and the automatic transmission tends to shift early and maintain higher gears. Thus, the average consumption of the ix35 can be reduced to just over six liters per hundred kilometers.
Advantages and disadvantages
However, the biggest savings is the purchase of the Korean model. Kuga, additionally equipped with 19-inch wheels, almost 2500 lv. More expensive than its competitor, its furniture is more modest, and maintenance is more expensive. Hyundai is also taking its warranty terms seriously, offering five instead of the statutory two years that Ford adheres to. However, Kuga has the option to extend the warranty for an additional fee.
Why is the ix35 a lesser choice in this situation? The main reason for his backlog is weaknesses in the security section. There are no xenon headlights for the Hyundai model, and the brake system performs mediocrely, accompanied by a noticeable drop in braking force under load. With such dynamic ambitions and capabilities, safe stop-and-go driving is part of an absolutely mandatory program.
text: Marcus peters
a photo: Hans-Dieter Zeufert
Front wheel drive versions only
Recently, the demand for SUV models without the classic dual drivetrain in the segment is constantly growing. The common denominator of these versions and the traditional representative of this category is limited to the appearance and higher seating position, but these factors seem to be more significant for the modern consumer than the advantages of the 4x4 scheme. The front-wheel drive Kuga variant is only available in combination with a 140 hp diesel unit, while the Koreans offer a choice of the 163 hp 136-liter petrol engine. and the same volumetric XNUMX hp diesel.
Evaluation
1. Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 4 × 4 Titanium – 471 points
Even in terms of safety and comfort, the Kuga managed to beat the ix35, and even the fuel economy, acceleration and price of the Ford failed to push it out of the test.
2. Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi 4WD Premium – 460 points
The Hyndai is much cheaper and better equipped than its rival, but its good performance in the cost section cannot make up for inconclusive brake test results and disadvantages in terms of driving comfort.
technical details
| 1. Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 4 × 4 Titanium – 471 points | 2. Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi 4WD Premium – 460 points | |
|---|---|---|
| Working volume | - | - |
| Power | 163 k.s. at 3750 rpm | 184 k.s. at 4000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | - | - |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h | 11,1 with | 9,5 with |
| Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h | 40 m | 42 m |
| full speed | 192 km / h | 195 km / h |
| Average consumption fuel in the test | 8,9 l | 8,3 l |
| Base Price | 60 600 levov | 32 040 EUR (in Germany) |
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