Good-looking Hyundai ix35 crossover has done much to raise the Korean car-maker's profile.

Hyundai is really raising its profile with smart models like the ix35 crossover, says Andy Russell.

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For a car-maker it is the bread-and-butter models that do the volume business and put the marque on the motoring map but it’s the niche models that do so much to get the marque noticed.

And even when you’ve got the volumes these ‘halo’ models, which are never going to be huge sellers by comparison, often showcase the latest styling and technology and help keep attention focused on the marque by giving would-be owners something to aspire to.

Having won more than 30,000 new customers as the big winner under the government’s scrappage scheme, Hyundai is doing much to keep its line-up fresh by revising its big-selling i10 city car last year, the i30 hatchback and estate in March and the i20 supermini in August.

But it is also has exciting new additions with the new Veloster coupe, i40 Tourer estate and saloon and the ix35 sport utility vehicle.

The latter has been around a couple of years now but at launch it took Hyundai to an exciting new era, with a new level of appeal when it comes to style, equipment and value.

The ix35 is still a good-looking crossover – blending hatchback practicality and driveability with popular sport utility vehicle styling and attributes like raised ground clearance and the higher driving position’s better visibility.

Since the initial launch the engine range has been tweaked and 133bhp 1.6-litre petrol and 114bhp 1.7-litre turbo diesels, both only two-wheel drive, have joined the 134bhp 2.0-litre two and four-wheel drive turbo diesel. There’s also a 181bhp 2.0-litre turbo diesel automatic with all-wheel drive.

If you plan to tow or go off the beaten track the 2.0-litre diesel is up to the job, but if you spend you time on road the 1.7-litre is up to the job.

I first drove the ix35 with the 2.0-litre diesel and was rather disappointed with 36mpg overall no matter how gently I drove it so the 45mpg the smaller engine averaged was much more pleasing. If you do a lot of city driving look at paying £205 more the the version with automatic engine stop/start which boosts economy by more than 5mpg.

It hasn’t got as much low-down pull as the 2.0-litre but it’s flexible enough with a healthy dose of torque from 1,250 to 2,750rpm so what it lacks by comparison is performance it makes up for by being relaxing to drive.

Stir it into life via the smooth-shifting six-speed manual gearbox, and wind it up and it can become a little gruff but it cruises comfortably and relatively quietly at motorway speeds although there is some tyre noise.

The ix35 boasts sophisticated car-like suspension, with a multi-link set-up at the back, so it handles crisply although there is quite noticeable body roll and a little bit of understeer when it is pushed through corners but not enough to cause serious concern. The ride has been geared for comfort and is pretty supple, soaking up the bumps and lumps well, but it can feel soft and bouncy on undulating roads.

Inside, you’ll love the spacious cabin with loads of headroom and abundant legroom in the back for tall adults to stretch out in.

The boot is large and well-shaped with a generous 591 litres of space with the seats in place and some underfloor storage around the spare wheel for nick-nacks. Rear seat backs split 60/40 and fold down to raise cargo space to 1,436 litres although they don’t go completely flat until they have some weight on them.

The trim materials and plastics are durable and hard-wearing with a faultless fit and finish and the stylish fascia works well with sensibly-sited controls, fuss-free instruments, good adjustment for the steering wheel and driver’s seat and useful storage space. It’s just a shame that the trim looks and feel a bit low budget compared to rivals.

The ix35 is well kitted out with Style including 17in alloy wheels, stability control, air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, heated front and rear seats, downhill brake control, four electric windows and heated door mirrors, six airbags, hillstart assist, radio/CD with MP3 and iPod connectivity and steering wheel audio controls, reversing sensors and trip computer.

Premium models add a full-length panoramic glass sunroof, automatic headlights and wipers, chrome trim, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, electric folding door mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, part-leather upholstery and roof rails.

The ix35 is a lot of car for the money when it comes to style and equipment while a five-year warranty gives peace of mind and will help resale values.