CROSSOVERS are the hot commodity at the moment with car makers clambering over each other to produce definitive market leaders.

Hyundai's stylish new ix35, a replacement for the Tuscon, will certainly give its rivals something to think about. It undercuts most by quite a bit and also offers the peace of mind of a five year warranty.

It has stylish off-road type of looks with a nice high driving position much favoured by 4x4 drivers. Is is practical and above all cheap, with two-wheel drive which makes it cheaper to tax and run, although four-wheel drive will also be available.

The Korean manufacturer has managed to give the car a streamlined and sporty look with a distinctive grille and alloy wheels and stylish light cluster.

The car is a five-seater that offers occupants plenty of space, particularly headroom and a decent sized boot which offers 591 litres.

This can obviously be massively increased to 1,436 when the rear seats are flat. Those seats folds 60:40 at the pull of a lever, while for security all models feature a roller-blind style luggage cover.

There's good stowage space, too, throughout the cabin with a large cooled glovebox and 6.2-litre centre console cubby help store other bits and while the rear seat incorporates a folding centre armrest with twin cupholders.

The build quality does not quite match up to most of its European competitors, but is sturdy enough while the interior is generously equipped, with even for the base model offering 17-inch alloy wheels, ESP, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, heated front and rear seats, electric heated door mirrors with integrated LED-type side repeaters, leather steering wheel and gearknob, reverse parking sensors and a trip computer.

The Premium adds 18-inch alloys, a double-length panoramic glass sunroof, automatic headlights, chrome door handles, chrome interior trim, cruise control, dual zone climate control electric folding door mirrors, front windscreen wiper de-icer, keyless entry with engine start/stop button, rear privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, part-leather upholstery and roof rails, plus optional leather seats, touch-screen sat-nav and a reversing camera.

An impressive list in anyone's language, clearly designed to tempt the undecided buyer with a starting price of £16,495.

Initially there are two engines and two-wheel-drive models only. The petrol returns an average 37.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 177g/km, while the diesel model tested 51.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 147g/km.

The diesel 134bhp unit pumps out plenty of power, but as the figures show it a moderate drinker of fuel. It can be a bit noisy, but there is plenty of power on tap right the way through the rev range, particularly useful on the motorway. It is mated to a six speed gearbox which delivers smooth changes and a relaxing drive.

Acceleration is brisk, the car hits 60mph from a standing start in under 10 seconds and has a top speed of 113mph.

On the road the car becomes unsettled on rougher roads, but generally the ride is good, although the steering is light with a vague feel. Despite being a tall car, there is little wallow on corners and it generally handles well.

Hyundai says it expects the ix35 to appeal to a broad cross section of the motoring public, but it will be particularly popular with active families, both young and more established.