HYUNDAI'S ix35 workhorse certainly ticked all the right boxes when it was first introdced and it quickly became a major challenger to the likes of Nissan's top-selling Qashqai and Ford's dashing Kuga.

Similar in shape and size to both these competitors, the ix35 was also up there when it came to matters of build quality, running costs and pricing.

Launched in 2010 as the crossover replacement for the then outgoing Tucson, it offered a Tardis-like interior with masses of space all round, while it also led the field with its class-leading carrying capacity of up to 1,436 litres.

It also scored high in the looks department, the ix35 instantly recognisable as a sleek soft-roader with a hint of coupé DNA thrown in for good measure.

Initially, it came with a choice of a two-litre petrol or similar-sized diesel, the latter being the choice of most buyers, thanks to its lively performance, decent fuel-consumption figures and low emissions.

An all-wheel-drive version was also offered as an option on the diesel model, which added an extra dimension to those who required a "proper" SUV as a matter of necessity.

Safety features were also to the fore, with prolific use of high tensile steel to give car body extra stiffness which also added to the cabin protection.

Add on six airbags, active head restraints on the front seats, rollover protection sensors within the vehicle's ESP system, downhill brake control to limit the speed on steeper descents and hill-start assist and you can see the car came well protected.

The all-wheel-drive oilburner in entry-level Style trim offered an all-round package that was certainly hard to beat.

Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the diesel was a smaller version of the class-leading 2.2-litre engine then used in the Santa Fe.

It came with the third-generation common-rail fuel system which in return helped deliver a fuel consumption figure of 49.6mpg, along with a CO2 emissions figure of 149g/km.

Out on the road, the ix35 performed and handled well and thanks to its firm suspension set-up had little roll through the corners.

Being actually smaller in length than a Vauxhall Astra, it also meant it handled more in tune to a family hatchback than a chunky mud-plugger and while being easy to manoeuvre in busy city traffic, it also proved something of a breeze when it came to reversing or parking.

As with all SUVs the car's raised driving position gave the driver a clear view of the road ahead and the range of adjustment in both seats and steering wheel, meant a comfortable, relaxed driving position could be quickly found.

A 2012 12-plate ix35 2.0-litre diesel front-wheel-drive Style example should cost between £8,995 and £11,320, while a similar-spec 2013 model in SE trim will set you back between £11,175 and £13,855.

Similar aged all-wheel-drive examples are also great value for money, with a 2012 example costing between £9,820 and £12,360, while a 2013 13-plate range-topping Premier model with full leather upholstery will have a price tag in the region of between £12,665 and £15,710.