Road Test: Hyundai IX35 1.7 CRDi S 5dr 2WD

Hyundai has spruced up its ix35 crossover with a few tweaks: a minor facelift, some small chassis amendments and some more equipment. As with anything, there are Good Things and Bad Things.

Bad first. The 114bhp, 1.7-litre diesel engine remains a grumbly old thing, rattling to 62mph in 12.4 seconds (best option the stop/start - if you plump for this engine over the 2.0-litre diesel). The steering is still devoid of any feel, and the chassis tweaks - new dampers and coil springs - haven't turned the ix into a B-road monster.

Now the Good. It's very comfortable, that altered set-up ironing out the old ix's roughness, for a softer ride. The facelift with new LED daytime running lights keeps it looking sharp, refined and quite handsome, and you get quite a bit of kit. Things like 17in alloys, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, cruise control, heated front and rear seats, LED tail lights, upgraded audio and satnav systems including USB/aux connectivity, plus a leather steering wheel and gearknob. And the 591-litre boot is pretty massive.

All in all, then, nothing hugely revolutionary, but as a smart, comfy family cruiser, it's great.