NOW admittedly I did spend most of the time with Hyundai’s ix20 either on local trips around town or bashing down the motorway.
But even so, I was surprised at the poor average fuel consumption. I got of just 44 miles per gallon when the official figure is 65.
I drove the 1.4 litre diesel with a reasonable power output, but even so, it was hardly man enough for the extra weight of the ix, which is rather like a mini-MPV.
On one blustery day driving against the wind down the motorway, it would not go faster than 60 miles an hour in sixth gear, and I had to drop down to fifth.
That said, in almost every other way, the not-so-little Korean hatch was a great companion. It has a very comfortable ride over virtually all surfaces, and was also agile enough to out-corner other similar and supposedly much better cars.
It is refined and quiet, with a smooth engine and at lower speeds, a perky nature.
Interior
There is plenty if room for four or occasionally five, the driving position is very good and the boot is also a decent size.
It has 60/40 split-folding back seat, four electric windows trip computer and Bluetooth, plus economy aids such as stop/start, regenerative braking and low rolling resistance tyres.
FAST FACTS
Hyundai ix20 1.4 CRDi Style
Price: £15,640
Mechanical: 89bhp, 1,396cc, 4 cylinder diesel driving the front wheels via a 6 speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 104mph
0-62mph: 14.5 seconds
Combined mpg: 65.7
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 114g/km
BiK rating: 13 per cent
Warranty: 5 years/ unlimited miles
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: Renault Clio Estate