| First Drive | Isle of Wight | Hyundai ix20 |

Hyundai's latest offering is the ix20 - a compact MPV that's small on the outside and big on the inside. The Korean firm is hoping to use the new model to build on its massive success over the last two years and take an even bigger bite out of the UK car market.

In the Metal

The ix20 shares much in common with its sister car, the Kia Venga, which means it's tall with a large cabin, but short enough so that anyone that isn't confident with parking won't struggle. Rear leg- and headroom are particularly impressive and Hyundai's interiors have come on a long way from the cheap and tacky things that they used to be - it's all very robust and respectable. Practicality is a strong suit: the rear seats slide back and forth, while the boot extends to 1,486 litres when they're folded down.

The ix20's proportions make it even easier to see the similarities with the Kia from the outside, but Hyundai has certainly made the car its own. Where the Venga is upright and angular, the ix20 is classy and easier on the eye. The rippling headlights and softer front end have a more universal appeal, which is a wise move considering the sensible audience that Hyundai targets.

What you get for your Money

Prices start at £11,395 for the 1.4 petrol model and the diesel that we tested costs an extra £1,000. That's very little money for any new car, let alone a really rather practical mini-MPV. What's more, the petrol version's starting price undercuts an equivalent Venga by £100 and there's £395 (in the Hyundai's favour) between the basic diesels.

Neither company is renowned for short-changing its customers, but at this level, it's the ix20 that makes the more sense. Standard equipment is generous and it's always worth remembering the five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Driving it

We only got the chance to try the ix20 in 1.4-litre 89bhp diesel guise, but we reckon that it would be better suited to the 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol engines - it's no surprise to us that Hyundai expects the former to be the biggest seller.

Though the interior is refined, the engine is less so. The ix20 isn't designed to be fun to drive - it's practical and sensible - so we've no criticisms there. The engine is a bit on the agricultural side though - it clatters loudly and requires work to shift the car.

The ride obviously leans more toward the comfort side of things, but it can become bouncy on rough surfaces. It's very easy to drive, but it's worth remembering that there's nothing here for enthusiastic drivers.

Worth Noting

All models get a stop-start system as standard, which even renders the petrol versions seriously economical cars. Though we haven't tried it yet, the 1.4-litre petrol engine promises 50.4mpg and 130g/km, so road tax will set you back a mere £90 each year. The diesel is particularly cheap to run with 65.7mpg and 114g/km emissions.

Summary

It's hard to knock a car that offers so much for so little. Running costs are pleasantly low and Hyundai dealers have a fine reputation for customer service. We've made it clear that the ix20 is not a car for driving fans, but that should have been apparent from the outset. Look at it for what it is and the Hyundai is an excellent choice for buyers on a budget.