Hyundai ix35 SUV

There's no getting away from the fact that the Hyundai ix35 is a distinctive-looking car – its tall suspension, and prominent grille and headlamp combination help it turn heads wherever it goes. Crucially, the ix is 10cm longer than its rival the Nissan Qashqai, and as a result there's lots of room inside. The dashboard is clearly laid out and the car's fixtures and fittings feel solidly made. Premium trim cars offer climate control, heated leather seats, automatic wipers and a panoramic glass roof as standard, as well keyless entry. There are four engines on offer, including a powerful 134bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel. Also included in the line-up are 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol editions, plus a 1.7-litre diesel. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions are available. However, there's a slight chink in the ix35's armour… No seven seat-version is currently made, limiting ultimate versatility.