IF you were to use a price-comparison site when seeking out a compact SUV, then you would see that Huyndai's ix35 ticks all the right boxes.

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 boot of up to 1,436 litres when the rear 60/40-split seats were folded.

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 of which proved to be the choice of the majority of buyers, thanks to its impressive performance, decent fuel-consumption figures and low emissions.

These were then quickly followed by a 1.7-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre petrol, the latter of which came in Style trim only.

An all-wheel-drive system was also offered as a £1,000 option on the larger diesel model, which added an extra dimension to those who needed a proper SUV as a matter of necessity.

Safety features were to the forefront, 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 steep descents and hillstart assist and you can see the car came well protected.

Then there's the matter of pricing, and again the ix35 excelled. Starting with the petrol front-wheel-drive Style model at £16,495, they didn't come much cheaper than this little beauty, for it undercut the entry-level C-sector hatchback offerings from most top-flight manufacturers.

However, it was the diesel with its £1,500 premium which proved to be the top dog for Hyundai. Prices started at £17,995 for the two-wheel-drive Style rising to £20,745 for the range-topping all-wheel-drive Premium spec model.

The £18,995 four-wheel-drive oilburner in Style trim offered an all-round package that was certainly hard to beat. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the Euro 5-compliant diesel unit was a compact version of the class-leading 2.2-litre engine then fitted to 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 CO2 emissions of 149g/km.

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

As with all SUV machines, the car's raised driving position gives the driver a clear view of the road ahead and the range of adjustment in both seats and steering wheel, means a comfortable, relaxed driving position is quickly found.

There's no doubt Hyundai have now come of age, and with the ix35 with its fine mix of SUV, MPV and hatchback credentials combined into one neat package, it makes a great used flexible friend which will put a big smile onto any driver's face.

Price-wise, you should be looking at paying from around the £11,300 mark up to £14,100 for a 2010 10-plate, all-our-wheel-drive, two-litre diesel version in Style trim with 30,000 miles on the clock.

A similar spec two-wheel-drive model should come in at between £10,400 and £13,000, while a smaller 1.7-litre oilburner should be between £400 and £500 cheaper.