THE compact SUV market is fiercely competitive with potential buyers wanting great looking vehicles that are fully loaded with technology, offer outstanding driving dynamics and even have an attractive price-tag - no pressure then.

So with competition from the likes of the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai most prominent, Hyundai's ix35 certainly had to up its game and the latest model does just that.

The car looks stunning, is packed to bursting with technology, offers excellent economy and has an asking price that will even leave you on speaking terms with your bank manager. And just like South Korean stablemate Kia, the Hyundai model comes complete with no hidden extras.

The ix35 looks striking from any approach. It's not as chunky as some of the premium brand SUV models, but it still maintains a sleek sporty and ready-for-action stance with 18-inch alloys, roof rails, body-coloured door bumpers and wing mirrors, chrome door handles, a rear spoiler with integral brake light, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights, heated door mirrors, solar control glass and tinted windows.

The interior is equally impressive with a bright spacious cabin and techno treats galore to be explored.

Being the Premium model, the test car featured the likes of a seven-inch colour touchscreen satellite navigation system with reversing camera and seven-speaker sound system which is compatible with modern media devices. There is also Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, leather upholstery, rear parking sensors and much more besides.

Powered by a 134bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, the ix35 skips along at quite a pace with plenty of power on tap. It can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 12.1 seconds and tops out at 113mph. According to official figures, it can deliver 41.5mpg on a combined run with carbon emissions of 179g/km.

The high seated driving position results in excellent all-round visibility and the vehicle's high roofline means back seat passengers are treated to plenty of head room. There is space for four adults to travel in comfort - five at a squeeze and the generously-sized boot accommodates 591 litres of luggage (1,436 litres with the split folding rear seats lowered).

In and around town the ix35 cruised effortlessly through the congestion and parking was made simple thanks to the reversing camera and sensors. Then out on the faster roads the car easily kept pace alongside fast-moving traffic. The six-speed automatic gearbox is nice and responsive and you can change through the transmission manually via the gear stick if you decide to take a little more control. There is also an eco mode to help maximise efficiency along the way.

Safety specifications are comprehensive too with anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, downhill brake control, electronic stability programme, a tyre pressure monitoring system and that all-important four-wheel-drive system to keep you on the move during the colder months.

All the instrumentation is easy to operate and my only slight gripe after a lengthy test drive in the glorious sunshine was some glare issues on the central console.

But that aside, the ix35 was a delight to drive and with its asking price of £25,750 is yet another option for buyers who are currently bombarded with SUV options.