The Hyundai is the second generation of the Hyundai Tucson, a Korean car, engineered in Germany by BMW designer Thomas Buerkle at Hyundai Russelsheim design studio; is said to having been inspired by the idea of an “urban nomad”. Like most of Hyundai’s products lines, the ix35 was not to be left behind when it came to adopting various names across varied markets; as such the ix35 picked up the name Hyundai JM or Joyful Mover in Japan. The name Tucson was adopted from the name of the city of Tucson in Arizona. The Hyundai ix35 comes as a compact crossover SUV built and marketed by the Hyundai Motor Corporation.

The ix35 replaced the Hyundai Tucson ix, coming with better power, and with improved fuel-efficiency. It also now offers greater comfort and comes with much solid safety features. The compact sports utility vehicle has sweeping coupe-like lines, a premium vehicle feel and comes with features unavailable on its predecessor.

The ix35 comes equipped with either one of three engine variants: the all-new 2-litre diesel R engine or one of two Theta-II petrol engine variants, the 2.0L or 2.4L. The automatic transmission is Hyundai’s all-new six-speed design. The diesel engine meets the Euro-5 emissions standards and has a very economic fuel usage, going for 15.4 km with 1 liter of fuel, generating a maximum power output of 184 horsepower. The 2.0L petrol engine has a fuel economy of 11.7 kilometers per liter with the ability to generate 166 horsepower. In some markets, the diesel engine is offered in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive configurations, while the 2.0L gasoline engine is available only in front-wheel-drive.

Three trim levels are available for the US market, i.e. the GL, GLS and Limited, with All-Wheel Drive available for GLS and Limited trims. The GL comes with a standard manual transmission, but a 6-speed automatic transmission is available and is standard on GLS and Limited and has features that include steering wheel-mounted audio controls, hands-free Bluetooth phone connectivity, navigation system, and a standard iPod interface system including iPod cable. Its safety standards are quite high, having features such as the Hillstart Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control. A Proximity Key and Push Button Start system is available in the Korean market.

Other notable features on the Tucson include Vehicle Dynamic Control, which improves the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. The Down Brake Control allows the vehicle to maintain a safe speed on steep declines without having to use the brakes. It also has Emergency Stop Signal and in the event of a panic stop, this feature automatically triggers the emergency hazard lights whose flashing alerts the driver behind thus reducing the risk of rear-end crashes.

While shorter than the new five-door Vauxhall Astra, the ix35 is roomy, with reasonable rear-seat legroom and loads of luggage space, while the interior trim has a touch of quality and the driving position leaves you in total control. The ix35 is a good-value, well-packaged, comfortable, straightforward vehicle, which is just what you may want to order.