A REPLACEMENT for Hyundai’s popular ix35 and the crossover tasked with taking on the mighty Nissan Qashqai, this is the new Tucson.

And it’s all-new, in every sense of the word. From the engine range, gearbox, platform, styling and even the name have all been change over the model the Tucson replaces.

So it looks to have everything it needs to succeed. There’s high-powered petrol and diesel variant, two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models too, and not forgetting some of Hyundai’s most successful models have been spacious and well-equipped SUVs.

What’s hot?

• It’s priced from £18,695 so close enough to the Qashqai and new Renault Kadjar to be considered a serious threat. Prices climb to £32,345 for top spec four-wheel drive, automatic diesel versions.

• S, SE, SE Nav, Premium and Premium SE specifications all come generously equipped. Every model get alloy, wheels, Bluetooth and air conditioning. Jump up the range and Hyundai will throw in some kit you’d expect to see in premium executive cars such as ventilated seats and full length panoramic sunroof.

• The first thing you notice behind the wheel is how comfortable and effortless the Tucson feels. The new 181bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel pulls strongly from low revs without the raucous grumble you’d expect from a diesel engine.

• You can spec this version with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, but the manual is£1,500 cheaper and a pleasant enough gearbox to operate with weighty and accurate changes.

• Having been partly developed on UK roads the ride is unsurprisingly a highlight. It’s not a softly sprung as the Qashqai but strikes a near perfect balance between comfort and balance, making the Tucson feels no larger than a hatchback when cornering thanks to brilliant body control for such a large vehicle.

• It’s also very spacious. The 505-litre boot – larger than virtually all of its closest rivals ­– has a handy storage compartment beneath the floor. Plus if you opt for a top spec model you get an electrically operate tailgate.

• What’s becoming increasingly important in this sector is image, and the Tucson certainly has the box ticked. Well-proportioned with enough exterior detailing to make it look classy rather than crass will certainly appeal to increasing style-conscious buyers.

• Better still, the expected top seller – the 115bhp 1.7-litre diesel – emits only 119g/km of CO2