Hyundai’s latest attempt at the small SUV segment, and successor to the ix35, is the Tuscon, built and engineered to take on the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga. The Hyundai Tuscon is no eye-catcher, we would even go as far as saying that it blends in with the crowd a bit too much. The bold, upright grille blends into the long headlights giving it a wide appearance and a dominating look in someone’s rear-view mirror, but isn’t that what every SUV is supposed to do? Where the Tuscon lacks in looks, it more than makes up for with standard kit, which is extremely generous. Entry level models come with 16-inch alloys, air conditioning, LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth connectivity and automatic headlights. Usually we recommend that buyers steer clear of entry level models, but that’s just not the case with the Tuscon. SE models upgrade to 17-inch alloys and add cruise control, front fog lights, LED taillights and rear parking sensors. Other luxuries include dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and a lane departure warning system. SE Nav models build on SE with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring TomTom LIVE services and a reversing camera. High-end Premium makes use of 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, electric front seat adjustment, heated outer rear seats, leather upholstery, front parking sensors and privacy glass. Automatic models also gain an electronic parking brake. In terms of safety kit, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot detection are all standard. The most expensive in the range, though, is Premium SE, costing around £30,000. Its equipment includes a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and go, an electric tailgate, a panoramic sunroof and LED headlights. There’s also an automatic parking system, and front ventilated seats. Most engines are available with front-wheel-drive, including the sole petrol. The 1.6-litre naturally aspirated ‘GDI’ unit produces 132 horsepower and 119 Nm. The 6-speed manual transmission helps it achieve a claimed 44.8 mpg, emitting 147 g/km. There’s also two 2.0-litre diesels. The standard unit produces 136 hp and 373 Nm. With two-wheel-drive and 6-speed manual transmission, it’s capable of 58.9 mpg and 127 g/km. There’s also the option of all-wheel-drive, with both a 6-speed manual and automatic transmission, the latter emitting 156 g/km.  The other 2.0 CRDi produces 185 hp and 400 Nm. It’s strictly available with four-wheel-drive, mated to either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, the latter emitting a very high 170 g/km making it a costly vehicle to tax (£210 per annum). The engine that Hyundai is most proud of, though, is the 1.7-litre diesel. There’s 116 hp on offer as well as 280 Nm from an incredibly low 1,250 rpm. With two-wheel-drive and 6-speed manual transmission, it’s the most economical in the range with claimed figures of 61.7 mpg and 119 g/km. Since June, Hyundai has also offered a dual-clutch automatic transmission for this engine, with a higher 141 hp and 340 Nm. Its running costs don’t quite match those of the manual. The 1.7 CRDi DCT is the model that we tested, and although not as smooth as Volkswagen’s DSG ‘box, the dual-clutch transmission works through gears smoothly and efficiently. Driving a DCT, no matter which manufacturer, requires a change to your driving style. For example, kickdown isn’t as responsive as a conventional torque converter automatic, so you need to step on the gas slightly before you actually need to go. The same applies for moving from a standstill – traffic lights for instance. With a kerb weight of almost 1,600 kg, our test car felt slightly underpowered on the open road, which is why we would recommend going for one of the 2.0 CRDi engines if possible. It’s a shame that there’s no tax-free model like the Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi 110 and Renault Kadjar 1.5 dCi 110. Nevertheless, other rivals like the Kia Sportage, VW Tiguan and Ford Kuga all have a long way to go before becoming tax-free, so the Tuscon isn’t alone.