DESPITE economic and environmental issues continuing to surround the world of the 4x4, there never seems to be any shortage of choice for the prospective buyer.
In fact, these days even some of the current relatively minor players can boast more than a single representative in the go-anywhere-vehicle stakes.
One such company is Huyundai, with a three model line-up consisting of the Terracan, Santa Fe and Tucson.
Smallest of the trio is the Tucson. It comes in four-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive only form, boasts a trio of engine options, 2.0-litre and 2.7 V6 petrol power, plus a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with two trim levels comprising GSI and CDX.
Driven here is the Hyundai Tucson CDX powered by the 2.0-litre common rail turbo diesel. Despite being the smallest of Hyundai's off-roading trio, Tucson is a pretty roomy Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) delivering generous amounts of space to allow five adults to travel in comfort.
The wide opening five doors-only set-up allows for ease of access to all parts with plenty of legroom for the driver, while the good sized luggage bay includes rear seats which slide forward and fold at the pull of a lever to create a totally flat load bay to deal with the likes of mountain bikes.
The rear windscreen, too, is user friendly, flipping open independently of the tailgate to accommodate those last minute extra items.
Thoughtful areas for stowage have been provided with an underseat storage tray beneath the front passenger seat, overhead console with sunglasses holder, front door and front seat backs and a locking glovebox, while armrests front and rear plus a number of strategically sited cupholders add to the facilities.
Kit levels are hugely generous, too, all models getting the likes of air con, four-speaker sound system with CD, electric windows all round, electric tilt and slide sunroof, front and rear fogs and powered door mirrors, while safety items include ABS braking, six airbags, height adjustable seat belts, ISOfix child seat anchorage, childproof rear locks and remote central locking.
However, the CDX model adds even further to the equipment manifest, putting the winter chill at bay via the likes of heated front seats and door mirrors, really useful front windscreen de-icer and leather seat facings.
Although the driver's seat and steering wheel adjust for height only the driving environment is good and the overall vision is fine.
With the 2.0-litre diesel engine paired with a six-speed manual gear change progress is surprisingly refined with the front wheels pulling you along under normal driving conditions with engine and road noise proving not too intrusive.
Although the power steering could perhaps have been a little more responsive, body lean is well contained and the suspension delivers fairly supple levels of travel.
The Tucson employs a Borg Warner torque on demand four-wheel drive system which takes over temporarily from front-wheel-only propulsion when loss of traction is detected, dealing well with snow and ice covered road surfaces before returning to two-wheel-drive when the conditions allow.
Should permanent all-wheel-drive be required for extra control the touch of a button on the dash locks the four-wheel-drive in place at speeds up to 21mph.
The Tucson is quite a good-looking car in the metal, its wide yet compact shape successfully designed to catch the eye of interested bystanders and with generous, kit levels, stacks of room and competitive pricing, plus Hyundai's generous five-year unlimited mileagewarranty, the Korean car maker has provided plenty for the money.
FAST FACTS
Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRTD CDX
Price: £18,310
Mechanical: 138bhp, 1,991cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 110mph
0-62mph: 12 secs
Combined mpg: 39.8
CO2 emissions: 187g/km
Insurance group: 11
BiK rating: 28%
Warranty: 5yrs/ unlimited mileage, 6yrs anti-rust