BORN from the boxy and somewhat anonymous-looking Hyundai ix35, the Tucson cast off its plain jane looks back in 2015.

With success came new confidence and six years ago the fourth generation model was unveiled - a still more radical design with jewel-like grille covering geometric daytime running lights.

The new, racy look hit the spot, and attracted new buyers placing the Tucson among the best-selling mid-size SUVs, a huge and fiercely competitive marketplace.

Styling - especially that dramatic grille - was tweaked in 2024, and the cabin design was upgraded. All engines are based around the established 1.6-litre, turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine. We opted to review the plug-in hybrid version, a model that holds strong appeal for its tax advantage to company users.

With no less than 250bhp to call on, it's unsurprising that the PHEV has ample get-up-and-go. But the generous amount of power is directed at ease of driving and easily accessible mid-range acceleration rather than sportiness.

To complement this, it's extremely quiet with little mechanical intrusion and almost no wind noise. Only when pressed hard does the four-cylinder engine start to sound somewhat thrashy.

On a full charge, it can travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone, which will benefit many commuters. It is, however, a shorter range then some of its newer rivals.

Two driving modes are available - sport and eco, both self-explanatory. Take-off from rest in electric is swift, particularly when ‘sport' is selected. On the economy front, we averaged around the 39mpg mark during fast cross country running.

Despite reasonably compact dimensions - the Tucson measures 4.5metres - the cabin is extremely spacious. Five adults can sit in comfort without their heads ever getting close to the roof lining and legs can be stretched out both front and rear. The fascia and cabin detailing is both smart and durable and lends an element of classiness to the car.

It's good to see actual buttons for key tasks such as heated seats, as well as the ubiquitous touchscreen. The gear selector is an arm off the steering wheel which frees up the area between driver and passenger seats for more oddment space. A large glove box, generous door bins and pockets in the backs of the front seats accommodate further clutter.

The boot is easily large enough to absorb a family's holiday luggage, though some space is sacrificed because of the PHEV workings. It has a capacity of 558 litres with the split rear seats in place and up to 1,721 when they are folded.

Ride and handling are more than competent, though cannot be regarded as class-leading. Body lean is well controlled and the usual road irregularities are easily absorbed thanks to better than average vertical suspension movement. Intelligent four-wheel-drive adds to the security in poor conditions and aids towing.

With a five-year warranty Hyundai offers one of the best covers in the business, an obvious attraction to family buyers.

Few mid-size SUVs offer such a wide range of qualities and so few shortfall areas yet remain affordable.

£44,075

1.6-litre, 4 cyl, 250bhp, petrol hybrid engine driving all 4 wheels via automatic gearbox

116mph

: 8.2sec

217

23

29g/km

9%

5 yrs/unlimited miles

4.4