We review the Hyundai Tucson from price to economy and all its features

YES, Hyundai has brought back the globally recognised name dropped 5-years ago for their most popular crossover and turned its rugged-yet-urban appeal right up.

No longer a gawky-looking, jacked-up hatch, which although sold well inspired considerably less – this second most expensive car in Hyundai’s line-up is the second bestselling having chalked up over 61,000 sales since the ix35 arrival in 2010.

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With its more aesthetic, elongated proportions, imposing vertical grille and wide stance the European design team have excelled themselves with the Tucson’s new-found premium looks.

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But this comes at a price. Spec for spec, the all-new Tucson demands between £1,000 to nearly £3,000 over the price of the ix35.

Funky details like the asymmetrical wheel arches and sexy zigzag crease lines in its chunky rear haunches help the Tucson stand out in the crazy-crowded crossover market.

It’s just a shame the US-designed interior doesn’t quite cash the cheques the exterior writes with scratchy plastics in undesirable places and a mundane layout – especially in black.

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However, if upgraded with the more expensive two-tone beige or red wine leather interior of the Premium trim models the interior ambiance improves significantly.

It’s an impressively roomy affair though befitting its family hauling calling with an impressively wide boot opening and legroom a-plenty.

This all makes the Tucson feel considerably bigger than the outgoing ix35 ever did.

But to that end it feels bigger to drive too and definitely needs its reversing camera option box ticked as rear visibility – sacrificed for the boot’s sleek design – is heavily compromised.

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On the road and the Tucson is markedly refined in both petrol and diesel flavours – and with a reasonably broad range of engines to pick from including a new range of new 2.0 litre diesels and even a 1.6 turbocharged petrol that boast a well-suited 7-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox option.

Available in both two and four-wheel drive it has a decent enough ride that only improves at motorway speeds.

But get the four-wheel drive Tucson off road, as we did, and we guarantee you’ll be seriously impressed at just how capable this ‘soft-roader’ really is.

One niggling issue however is the steering. It’s a little inconsistent at times and feels overly assisted – although it can be weighted-up by selecting the Sport drive mode – it’s not as rewarding to drive as the Nissan Qashqai.

Where the Tucson claws itself back is in its bundled equipment. As standard, every Tucson packs Bluetooth, USB connections, aircon and automatic dusk-sensing headlights.

But plumb for the pricier Premium SE top-of-the-range and you’ll get a set of hot 19-inch alloys, heated and vented front seats, heated rear seats, panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate and Hyundai’s hands-free parking system.

VERDICT: The Tucson has returned in fine style and it will do wonders for raising the Korean car brand’s image to quality SUV wanting Brits. So get used to Hyundai’s confident new face as you will be seeing it around, a lot.

WE LIKE: Exterior design, refinement, capability, generously equipped entry-level

WE DISLIKE: Interior design, steering, expensive top end