All ix35s come with a substantial alloy spare wheel. That can be viewed as a pragmatic old-fashioned precaution or a waste of valuable space below the boot floor.
My vote goes to the former. However, under the chunky spare has been lurking residual moisture, which explains steamy windows on damp spring mornings. Another problem has been that the instrument panel on our ix35 continues to provide unwelcome distractions from an otherwise trouble-free driving experience. This time it is the semi-circular fuel gauge, that tumbles abruptly from full to one-quarter empty by deleting two of the eight fuel-level slabs without warning. These equate to 1.5 gallons each and with no gradual indicated decline the computer’s readout of remaining range has to provide back-up guidance as diesel is consumed.
But there are ergonomic positives including the Saab-like ability to black-out the infotainment/satnav screen at night or in gloomy conditions. That screen displays a useful rear view courtesy of the reversing camera and, unlike a recently driven Nissan Juke, there is the optional back-up of an audible beeper proximity warning.
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