THE Hyundai Tucson makes a huge amount of sense as a secondhand buy, with its stylish looks and bulletproof build quality.

Launched in 2015, the most recent model is a chunky SUV with all the right 4x4 pointers, but like so many in this class, most models are front wheel drive so they're cheaper to run.

Petrol engines are both 1.6-litre with either 130 or turbocharged, with 174bhp. The lower powered unit covers 0 to 60 miles an hour in 11.1 seconds, and will do 40 miles per gallon at best.

The 174bhp models are much quicker, sprinting to 60 in a good 8.7 seconds and should do 35mpg.

Diesels are 1.6, 1.7 and 2.0-litre, all designated CRDi, and the 1.6 has 113 or 134bhp. Both get to 60 in 11.4 seconds and are capable of a best of 45mpg.

The 1.7 comes with either 114 or 139bhp, and gives a best of 55mpg while getting to 60 in 11.4 seconds.

The 2.0-litre diesels have 132 or 184bhp and these are the only models that come with standard four wheel drive.

The 134bhp model covers the 60 sprint in 10.6 seconds and can do 50mpg, while the higher powered version does the sprint in 9.2 and should do 45mpg.

Gearboxes are either six speed manual or automatic, but as usual, the autos are less economical and slightly slower.

The great thing to remember about these and all Hyundais is the original five year, unlimited mileage warranty, which is transferable to new owners.

That gives real peace of mind for anyone buying one within the excellent time limit.

And another thing worth remembering is that Hyundais come with generous equipment as standard, and to spec another maker's similar car to the same level makes them much more expensive.

The Tucson is about the size of a Nissan Qashqai and if anything, offers better performance.

Secondhand, the most likely engine you'll find is the 1.7 diesel with the manual gearbox, and it's very impressive, quiet and refined and with plenty of low speed pulling power.

This model was a good improvement over the ix35 that went before, with a supple suspension system giving good comfort over all surfaces, and yet still managing to endow it with very decent handling and roadholding.

Stability control is standard but of course, the 2.0-litre diesels all have 4WD for complete security in all conditions.

This delivers power to the front wheels in normal conditions but if one begins to slip, some power is transferred to the rear to maintain momentum.

In seriously bad conditions, the 4WD can be locked on to give maximum traction.

All models come with alloy wheels, reversing sensors, air conditioning, electric windows all round, CD stereo with MP3 player, Bluetooth, USB connection and traction control.

Mid-range SE Nav adds sat nav, cruise, parking sensors and lumbar support.

If you're looking for a mid-size crossover, this one is pretty hard to beat.

Pay about £9,300 for a 15 or 65-reg 1.7 CRDi SE, or £13,300 for a 17-reg 1.6GDi Bluedrive SE.