Overall rating:

Hyundai's first foray into the mini-MPV niche is a success. Perhaps not as much of an instantaneous hit as the original i30, but a credible entry nonetheless that brings the brand's values and strengths to the market place and it will have some established players looking nervous. It's a little dull and lacking in character, but the same could be said of many of its rivals, and a lack of flair doesn't ultimately detract from the overall capability of the package.

Key Facts

Model tested: Hyundai ix20 1.4 CRDi Classic Blue Drive
Pricing: £13,645 (details updated on 10 Oct, 2011)
Engine: 1.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: five-door compact MPV
Rivals: Nissan Note, Toyota Verso-S, Vauxhall Meriva
CO₂ emissions: 114g/km
Combined economy: 65.7mpg
Top speed: 104mph
0-62mph: 14.5 seconds
Power: 90hp at 4,000rpm
Torque: 220Nm at 1,750-2,750rpm

Inside & Out:

Designed, developed and manufactured in Europe this is a car aimed squarely at the European market and is tailored accordingly. It slots into the B-segment as a contemporary compact MPV, rivalling cars such as the Vauxhall Meriva, and its high roof line gives it the characteristic of a modern family chariot. The Hyundai ix20 wears the corporate styling proudly and whilst it may be no beauty, it manages to incorporate modern styling with supreme small car practicality.

That high roof line lends itself to a spacious and airy cabin that feels roomy and houses its occupants in comfort, style and safety. The rear seats fold, slide and recline to combine flexibility and versatility with accommodation to offer an interior that has as many uses as the average family could need. The dashboard is dominated by the alloy effect centre console, which incorporates controls and vents - and the blue backlighting gives it a sense of class after dark.

Ride & Handling:

Outright driving thrills are not the order of the day in small family cars such as this and the ix20's chassis is set-up accordingly, with a focus on comfort that translates to a well-mannered and forgiving cohort for urban journeys - though it also makes a decent fist of back roads. At a cruise, lightly laden at least, the ride is occasionally choppy and unsettled by the rolling undulations we encounter on UK motorways, but elsewhere it is more than acceptable. The handling is competent and secure with no undue surprises that can sometimes be the case with relatively high-bodied small cars.

Engine & Transmission:

The 1.4-litre diesel engine is the cleanest and most economical engine in the ix20 range at present, delivering a consistent 50mpg (in real life) thanks to its long-legged gait and additions such as a gear change indicator and integrated stop-start. Economy isn't at the expense of pleasure though, as the 220Nm of torque and slick shifting gearbox are conducive to a relaxed and smooth driving style that make achieving impressive economy figures a doddle, not a chore.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Our test car came with a comprehensive list of equipment with comfort orientated features such as tinted rear windows, a panoramic sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity and an iPod adaptor, as well as the full complement of safety features such as ESP and front, side and curtain airbags. In addition, stop-start and hill start assist add to an impressively well specified and round package.

The purchase price of £13,645 is more than competitive given everything that's on offer here and Hyundai's extensive warranty package promises five years of worry free motoring. Insurance, servicing and tax costs are appealing and economically, fuel economy of up 60mpg is pleasing in the context of the ever rising price of diesel. In summary, it's hard to fault the ix20 from a value perspective.