What is it?
Hardly seems like any time at all since the Hyundai range began its glow-up, but the fourth-generation of the Tucson medium-sized family SUV was launched in 2020 and has earned its mid-life facelift.

The bold styling still works for us, which is just as well because the outside has just had a light tinkering, with the money spent on keeping the interior fresh. Whether you like the look of its Parametric Hidden Lights or not, it’s surely got your attention alongside the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga and VW Tiguan.

Still, eye-jolting aesthetics are just one half of the bargain. If it can’t back up the looks by working where it counts then the efforts of whichever brave designer looked at a drinks crate with a glint in their eye will all come to nothing.

Are Hyundais a bit cool then?
Seems like it. We're enjoying seeing a Hyundai that's strident and confident, with an impressive consistency across its entire range. Just look at what it's done with the Santa Fe lately.

The Tucson name first appeared in 2004, on a quirky looking car that put value for money above all else. The two generations which followed (one of which was called ix35 in the UK) sacrificed any aesthetic interest in order to chase the tidy dynamics and interior quality of rivals. Now Hyundai’s nailed those, interesting styling is truly back on the menu.

The latest version features a slicker interior that’s been brought into line with newer models in the Hyundai line-up – it’s much more stylish, centred around a duo of 12.3in screens, the left one being the touchscreen infotainment system and the right one the driver’s digital instrument panel.

Is it good to drive?
The Tucson drives respectably enough without being at all memorable, which is enough to justify it getting on the family car shortlist. It would be unfair to expect dynamic revelation from it, though, so we'll make do with a smallish SUV that goes well down the motorway and keeps roll in check so passengers aren't chundering all over the upholstery.

The model offers a well developed electric powertrain that’s unobtrusive, and if you’ve got charging capacity at home the PHEV version is worth looking at. Potential company car win, innit?

So what engines are available?
Well, engine. Backing up the bold styling is a menu of powertrain options all built around the same workhorse 1.6-litre turbo petrol. The various flavours run like the Nando’s menu, from unassisted lemon and herb petrol through mild hybrid, standard hybrid and extra hot plug-in hybrid assistance. Although it’s not actually that spicy.