WITH rugged lines, quality technical features, excellent fuel efficiency and a warranty that other manufacturers can only dream of, Hyundai's ix20 is really making its way onto the buyers' wish list.

And when you consider this compact multi purpose vehicle has a price tag of just over £14,000, its popularity is set to soar even further.

First impressions are vital when buying a new car and the ix20 has plenty of eye-catching features including 16-inch alloys, body coloured door mirrors and handles, a grille that seems to grin mischievously at you and neat light clusters.

And the trim level inside is no let down either with plenty of creature comforts such as a multi-function leather steering wheel, intelligent stop/start technology, an eco drive indicator that helps you select the right gear for maximum efficiency, a great sound system with iPod option, Bluetooth connectivity, air con and rear parking sensors.

Because the ix20 is designed with comfort in mind, all occupants are treated to plenty of leg and head room and thanks to its high sides and large windows, plenty of light floods the cabin from all angles.

The driver benefits from a high seated driving position which means excellent all-round visibility and all the controls, dials and read-outs are perfectly positioned for ease of use.

There is a real sense of space inside the ix20 and the storage options are plentiful too. The generously sized boot can easily be enlarged thanks to the folding, sliding rear seats and there are plenty of other options throughout the cabin including an under-floor tray, cup holders and a cooled glove box.

So the ix20 has looks, great features and a price tag that will leave your bank manager smiling, but what about its performance?

Well, in and around town, it cruised through the busy crowds and the great visibility was a real bonus when watching for pedestrians.

Then out on the open road, despite being a little slow off the mark at times, it easily held its own with faster moving traffic. The 1.4-litre engine delivered plenty of power and the six-speed manual transmission was smooth and responsive.

Cabin noise was relatively quiet, but I did find driving in very gusty weather a bit of an issue due to the vehicle's high sides, but that was to be expected really.

The ix20 boasts a very comprehensive list of safety specifications, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, hill start assist, numerous airbags and lots more.