Manufacturers seem to be falling over themselves to offer ‘crossover’ cars these days.

Yet the crossover market didn’t even exist until 2007, when the Qashqai showed how chunky SUV looks could be blended with family practicality and a decent on-road driving experience.

The pioneering Nissan has been a big success and was still the fifth-best selling car in Britain as recently as last month – which is an outstanding effort because there are plenty more rivals now, including Hyundai’s replacement for its Tucson, the ix35.

This Korean crossover is shorter than an Astra but looks bigger thanks to its squat, chunky design.

The car comes with a two-litre engine (petrol or diesel) and either two or four-wheel drive can be specified.

All models are wellequipped, especially the flagship Premium, which is distinguished by its huge panoramic roof.

Diesel ix-35s start at just under £18,000 for a Style but the test car was a Premium fitted with optional Individual and Media packs for just over £21,500 on the road.

The Individual pack offers full (instead of part) leather seats for £700, while the Media pack includes a thumping seven-speaker audio system, with touch screen sat nav and a reversing camera.

It really is excellent value at £800.

Spacious

The ix35 is a practical family car with plenty of room for five adults and their luggage. In fact, the ix35 is so spacious it has got to be a viable alternative to Hyundai’s larger Santa Fe for those who do not need seven seats.

The dashboard is bit plasticky but everything is laid out sensibly and the touch screen sat nav turns out to be extremely easy to use.

Visibility is somewhat compromised to the rear but the parking camera makes reversing a doddle.

To start the car you have to open the centre console storage box because that’s where the ignition lives. And once you have fired up the 134hp diesel it soon becomes clear that it’s a powerful, torquey unit.

It can propel the ix35 to 60mph in just under 11 seconds but feels much quicker.

The engine can sound a tad gruff when pushed but it’s fine when cruising.

Fuel consumption should be around the high 30s – with up to 45mpg possible on a run.

The ride is firm, especially over rough surfaces. Roll, however, is reasonably well-controlled for a car of this type.

4×4 capability

The test car came with two rather than four-wheel drive and Hyundai reckons as many as 90 per cent of ix-35 customers will forego 4×4 capability in order to save a few quid.

I wouldn’t. The two-wheel drive car can lose grip when pushed through bends and it’s easy to spin the front wheels when attempting a quick getaway.

I would have thought four-wheel drive is be the way to go for those who want to feel more securely planted to the road.

All in all, however, the ix35 looks an appealing package when it comes to practicality and value for money.

It will happily tow a two tonne load and benefits from Hyundai’s attractive five-year warranty.

Although the crossover market is still young, there are already plenty of strong contenders in the form of the Qashqai, the new 3008 from Peugeot and Skoda Yeti.

Slightly higher up the price scale are established SUVs like the Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V and VW Tiguan.

But the ix35 can compete with any of them in the value stakes and should be on the shortlist of anyone looking for a wellequipped, spacious all-rounder.