Aiming high with the Hyundai Tucson

That car sold quite well but somehow, never quite captured the imagination of the buying public. The Tucson though, is a leaner, meaner-looking contender that might well catapult the Korean brand into credible contention in this important growing segment.

Back in 2004, Hyundai launched what should have been a ground-breaking model. Three years before Nissan's Qashqai launched the buoyant market for family-sized Crossovers, the Tucson could have been that car. As it was, the Tucson was marketed as a small SUV, sold poorly and was eventually replaced in 2010 by a model the Korean brand did pitch as a family Crossover, the ix35.

Now though, the Tucson name is back, this badge attached to a design that replaces that rather apologetic-looking ix35 and which brings a fresh sense of dynamism to Hyundai's presence in the Crossover sector.

People have come to expect a lot when it comes to driving Crossover cars. Although they want a lofty perch, they also want to feel like they could be driving a hatchback. The Tucson delivers exactly this blend of virtues, hence its very road-biased suspension setup – and the overwhelming emphasis on two wheel drive models across the range.

At the lower end of the range, there's a choice of a 132PS 1.6 GDi petrol or a 116PS CRDi 1.7 diesel. Move a little higher and you can upgrade to a turbocharged 1.6 GDi with 177PS. Diesel fans will find a 2.0 CRDi with either 136PS or 185PS. If you want 4WD, then you'll need the turbo petrol or one of the 2.0-litre diesels.

That 4WD system is fine for slippery surfaces but don't expect a great deal of mud plugging ability. As usual with Hyundai models, there's the option of varying the feel of the steering feedback, via different modes.

It's in this area that Hyundai has arguably made the biggest step forward. With an imposing hexagonal grille and sleek Santa Fe-style headlights, the Tucson is a good looking Crossover.

Climb aboard and the overall fit and finish is a big improvement on the ix35, with a well laid out dashboard.

If you find the interior a little dark, then there's the option of a cream lower half to the fascia which does brighten things up significantly.

There are 513-litres of seat up boot space available (or slightly less if you go for 4WD); fold the seats down and this capacity increases to 1503-litres (or 25-litres less for 4WD).

Rear seat space is good, although the rear doors are a little on the small side.

The range may start at less than £19,000 which gets you entry level S trim with the non-turbo 1.6 petrol engine.

Spend another £1,500 or so and you can opt for the 1.7 CRDi diesel.

If you want the bigger diesel, then you'll need to look at 'SE Nav' trim at just over £24,000, with a further 4WD option adding nearly £2,000 more.

If you want auto transmission or the higher output 185PS diesel and 177PS petrol engines, you'll have to pay for 4WD.

Even base 'S' trim comes with kit like a DAB digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity, plus USB and AUX connections, 16" alloy wheels, air conditioning and auto headlights.

Next up is the 'SE' grade which adds 17" alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, heated front seats and dual zone climate control, plus the option of an 8" touchscreen sat nav system.

Plush 'Premium' trim includes sat nav as standard, plus 19" alloy wheels, leather seats, front parking sensors, auto wipers and heated rear seats.

Finally the top 'Premium SE' grade adds a heated wheel, keyless entry, a Smart Parking Assist System on autos, an electric tailgate, LED headlights, an opening panoramic glass roof and ventilated front seats.

All models get six airbags, ABS with brake assist, traction and stability control. Plusher models gain a Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Rear Cross Traffic Alert Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD). The higher the model, the safer you'll be.

So, what do we have? The tough looks of an SUV, the sensible practicality of a five-seater mini-MPV and the affordability of a family hatchback. These are the facts behind a Tucson model good enough to attract many new buyers to the Hyundai brand.