YOU don't easily mistake the Hyundai Tucson.

The once bland mid-size SUV that emerged two decades ago was redesigned as a sassy, sporty looking family high rider in 2020 and has recently been treated to a subtle makeover, a wider model range and a bit of extra kit.

The sharp lines, novel headlight design and everyday practicality remain and the basic formula is undiluted. And no wonder because last year the Tucson was one of the best selling crossovers in UK.

Possibly the most interesting model in the current range is the Plug-in Hybrid version, which blends electrification with petrol to allow a decent driving range. And with no less than 248bhp, it's an entertaining drive.

Biggest change in the latest model is an improved cabin. The facia now follows a similar pattern to that in the larger Santa Fe which means it's more user friendly with fewer touch sensitive controls. There's loads of stowage space in both the front and the rear with deep, wide door pockets and a large central divider with a bin for oddments.

Front seats feel softer yet very supportive which is further plus. Ample room both front and rear for passengers to stretch their legs and there's plenty of headroom.

The N-Line version we drove comes with power tailgate - a tad slow in operating - which opens to reveal a large, well shaped boot capable of carrying 558 litres of luggage.

With an electric only range of nearly 40 miles, the Tucson is pretty economical to run. We averaged 44mpg during general running with the 50mpg mark coming when a light right foot is applied.

The immediacy of acceleration offered through electrification is a constant pleasure and very useful when joining a traffic queue or at a roundabout. The 1.6-litre turbo engine soon takes over from the electric motor and is reasonably subdued unless revved hard.

Cruising is relaxed with little mechanical or wind noise and the automatic gearbox - though not the quickest witted - works well in most circumstances. It is operated by a stalk on the steering wheel which frees up the space on the central divider for bits and pieces to be stored.

Cornering is secure and grippy with well contained roll. Despite the fairly firm suspension, bumps and road irregularities, of which there are countless, are mainly successfully absorbed without jolting the passengers. Steering is quite light but has reasonable feel and the lock is tight enough to make easy work of car park manoeuvres.

The Plug-In model comes with four wheel drive, which though useful in snowy or icy conditions, is of little benefit in everyday driving in UK. Inevitably, the 4WD system adds weight and increases maintenance. Cornering and handling in the cheaper front-drive versions is perfectly capable without the extra driving axle.

Owners who have a short commute to work will definitely find the Plug-In version appealing, and others will benefit and enjoy its extra torque and mid-range acceleration.

£44,075

1.6-litre, 248bhp, 4 cyl petrol hybrid engine driving 4 wheels via automatic gearbox

116mph

8.5sec

42.8

23

142g/km

33%

5yrs/100,000 miles

4.7