Sweet 'n' juicy to the core

The compact SUV class is important to Hyundai. For its Tucson was second only to Toyota's RAV4 in that segment last year, and second to the new Mitsubishi Outlander in 2010 despite being on run-out.

It's vital to Hyundai's plans for world domination that its ix35 successor does as well - or better.

What's new
The new platform also underpins a Kia sibling later this year. But ix35 shares its part-time, four-wheel-drive system with Santa Fe, urge heading to the front wheels unless slip is detected, when up to half charges rearwards. You can lock to a 50-50 split at up to 40kph.

The ix35 uses the baby brother of Santa Fe's R-Series diesel engine, at 2.0litres with 135kW and 392Nm from 1800 to 2500rpm, a generous boost on the outgoing Tucson and now matched to a six-speed transmission.

There are also 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol motors, the latter more powerful and more frugal than the Tucson's 2.7.

The company line
Brand manager Devyn Cantley says ix35 is an ``emotional-logical' buy you make because you love it or because it just makes sense.

She also talks up value. The car is priced from $39,990 in 2.0-litre petrol front drive, including ABS, ESP and six airbags, to $53,990 for the 4WD diesel Elite, which is loaded with fruit, including leather heated seats, keyless entry and start, dual zone climate air and much more.

What we say
Unlike its RAV4 competitor, the ix35 is certainly not dull, either inside or out. But early impressions suggest it drops the ball in one or two places vital to the family market.

That aggressively swoopy styling imparts a sharply rising waistline. Only taller kids will see out the back, while littlies in baby seats could lose their view entirely, and any rear passenger will feel claustrophobic. If you're a parent check that rear seat before buying, and consider comparing this car's glass house with the airier Skoda Yeti or Nissan Qashqai.

Those cars also blitz ix35 in terms of rear and rear three-quarter view.

Hyundai's launch cars all featured reverse park warning and camera, but entry-level models won't, and though the large side mirrors do their best they can't fill the gap. My last niggle? A minor one _ there's no reach adjust for the wheel.

All that said, in the flesh this car looks sharp inside and out. The cabin design is a touch busy but it's logical to use, while the boot's a decent 729 litres with all seats occupied.

On the road
Hyundai's ix35 is impressive on road, with a fuss-free diesel engine that'll pull strongly even from open-road speeds. Watch that speedo until you're used to it though.

Our launch drive avoided urban running, but a cruise down the shores of Lake Taupo confirmed the body remains well controlled through bends. Evaluating bump absorption and round-town performance awaits a home-roads test.

As for off-road, the ix35 is designed more for fishing and camping access tracks than anything too gnarly _ it's an urban family wagon with attitude, not a countryman's delight.

Why you'll buy one
You want a stylish, high-riding, four-paw wagon with good safety standards, a strong diesel option and reasonable on-road handling.

Why you won't
You carry small children; you like to see out the back; you don't like the too-high level of open-road wind noise.