SOMETIMES making a foray into foreign territory can end in disaster.

Vauxhall's departure from predominantly saloons to MPV was a huge success with the Zafira and now its recently facelifted  SUV/crossover, the Antara, seems to have copied that success.

Crossovers are in an increasingly competitive sector with some star players offering excellent choices, but the Antara, has plenty going for it with sharp styling, good equipment levels, a spacious well-built cabin, excellent practicality and refined, economical engines that perform almost as well as a hot hatch.

In addition there is the option of two or four-wheel drive, excellent towing capacity and all for a starting price of just under £20,000.

Another plus is with advanced engineering, even big beasts like this have carbon emissions that match some older saloons on road tax and even escape the highest level of benefit in kind taxation. With emissions of 175g/km this was certainly true of this particular vehicle.

On the down side, some of the interior plastics feel low rent and the ride is harsh, particularly on less well-maintained roads. Having said that, is quite a good looker, with a sporty stance enhanced by striking alloy wheels  with low profile tyres and integrated roof bars.

Exterior revisions early in the year included new rear lights, an updated grille and chrome bezel, while the interior has revised trim and upholstery, upgraded console and instruments, extra storage compartments and a new electric parking brake.

The feel of the interior trim is functional rather than luxurious with plenty of plastics evident throughout the cabin.

That does not mean the interior does not feel well made and it is a comfortable enough environment with firm seats and light and airy feel thanks to plenty of glass and a commanding driving and passenger position with ample head and leg room.

Practicality comes mainly throught the multi-folding rear seats that offer a number of combinations with seats folded or removed.

The boot holds up to 402 litres with its rear seats up rising to 795 litres when the back seat is folded down and up to 1,391 litres when loaded to the roof. The 60/40 split rear backrest and the front passenger backrest can be folded down to accommodate objects up to 2.63 metres in length, while the integrated roofbars add to carrying capability.

The diesel engine line-up comprise two 2.2-litre units with two output levels. The 163ps entry level and the tested top end 184ps diesel that has plenty of grunt. It zips from 0-60mph in just 9.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 124mph.

Good performance, but it still delivers a claimed 42.8mpg.

Like many SUVs and crossovers, the Antara will rarely go off road, but when required the  electronically controlled all-wheel drive system delivers the drive required for the prevailing conditions.

While the engine normally powers the front wheels, if the system senses axle slippage, the power is distributed to both axles.

It also has an updated  chassis that gives good handling, but the ride suffers, particularly on poorer roads and can be quite uncomfortable.

Safety systems includes a revised ABS system, hill descent system, standard hill start, traction and stability control programmes. It also features six airbags.

The version I drove offered some nice goodies on top of what is a comprehensive list with leather seat facings, xenon hadlights, daytime running lights and anti-dazzle mirror to name just a few.

SUVs are not usually a pretty sight, but the Antara is a decent looker that comes at a competitive starting price. Last but not least, there's that 100,000 mile/lifetime warranty