Hyundai’s latest SUV will make its mark – and not just with the styling, says Martyn Collins.

SECTOR Compact SUV PRICE £27,900-£36,935 FUEL 42.2-50.4mpg CO2 127-160g/km

Whether you like or loathe the looks of the latest Tucson, you’ve got to admit that it has its own sense of style – something lacking in previous Hyundai models.

Outside, the muscular stance and sharply detailed arches are just part of the Tucson’s appearance. The most distinctive part is this Hyundai’s nose, with the daytime running lights hidden in the grille.

The Tucson’s interior is no less radical and is very well executed. Most of the controls are touch-sensitive buttons, there’s the latest 10.25-inch touchscreen, plus another screen for the instruments. Both screens are easy to read and use. The rest of the interior is spacious and there’s a useful 616-litre boot.

We tested the Ultimate trim range-topper, but it’s the well-equipped Premium spec that’s expected to be the most popular choice for fleet. Our vehicle was the full hybrid version, mating a 150hp, 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with a 1.49kWh battery and 59hp motor. The result is 230hp, 49.6mpg combined consumption figure and 131g/km emissions. There are also petrol and petrol mild hybrid versions of the same 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 265hp plug-in hybrid.

The Tucson hybrid starts smoothly and quietly in full-electric mode. Then, as speed builds, the 1.6-litre petrol seamlessly takes over, with the Hyundai moving between petrol and electric on the move too – saving fuel. In fact, the hybrid system masks the occasionally thrashy feel of the petrol engine.

There are two driving modes, Eco – which is the default driving mode – plus Sport, which makes the throttle more sensitive. Overall, the ride is supple, yet the steering is responsive and body roll well-controlled.

So, the new Tucson is brimming with talent and with its new plug-in version too, it will be even harder to dismiss.

FW Rating: 4/5