When investigating the European market in late 2009, SBD noted that most volume manufacturers had smart key available on at least one model, but there were a few notable exceptions. At the time, we predicted that it wouldn’t be too long before those VMs without smart key systems joined the majority.
One year later, and one of those exceptions, Hyundai have introduced the ix35 with their first smart key system, Keyless Entry with Engine Start/Stop Button as standard on the top grade. The ix35 joins other models in the popular crossover segment, such as the Nissan Qashqai, Suzuki SX4 and Volvo XC60 that offer this convenience feature as standard. With Peugeot and Skoda both showing their first smart key systems in other segments at motor shows in the past 12 months, it looks very much like our prediction is coming true.
Like the SX4 and the Qashqai, the ix35 smart key has a single push button on both front door handles to operate smart lock and unlock. SBD have warned against using a single input for this in previous benchmarking studies to avoid customer confusion over the locking condition (single-lock, double lock and selective unlock combinations). However, Hyundai have overcome this by limiting the functionality to either unlocked or double locked. The only slight inconvenience of the system is the slow unlock cycle which often means the handle needs to be pulled twice before the door can be opened.
Inside the ix35, the stylish push-button follows the current industry trend for smart start that we recently reported on from the Paris Motor Show. Push button start is more appealing than turn knob style ignition (used on competitor vehicles) from a styling and customer desirability perspective – giving the Hyundai the ‘wow-factor’ that good smart key systems should have.
SBD conducted top-level performance benchmarking on the ix35 including tests on the functionality and range of the system. There were no serious issues, and we believe that the system would have no trouble meeting the Thatcham smart key criteria if it were subjected to a complete set of performance tests. In particular, we were impressed by the clear instruction and warning messages the system uses and the internal and external warning sounds it provides to alert the customers to any mis-lock scenario.
SBD’s VERDICT: Overall a good first offering from Hyundai that is comparable with systems on other vehicles in the same segment. The push button ignition gives the ix35 the edge over its competitors, but Hyundai should improve the convenience of the smart entry function on future models if they want to compete in other vehicle segments.
Hyundai are just one of several manufacturers to be launching their first smart key system during 2010 and 2011. For more information about our benchmarking and strategic market and technical recommendations for smart key systems, contact Juanita Appleby on jappleby@sbd.co.uk.