Hyundai ix20 MPV (2010-2019)

The ix20 is Hyundai’s rival to the Toyota Verso and Nissan Note MPVs, as well as popular European models such as the Ford B-MAX, Fiat 500L and Citroen C3 Picasso, against which the Hyundai is very competitively priced.

While the ix20 rather blends into the crowd compared to its more stylish rivals, many will appreciate its unpretentious, plain-talking nature. However, it has been kept up to date and now features a prominent grille not dissimilar to the Ford B-MAX, and looks like a quality product.

The real beauty of the ix20 lies under its unspectacular metalwork. Hyundai has packed a huge amount of interior volume into a very compact body and that means that five can sit in comfort with plenty of space left for luggage.

It’s well equipped, too – the entry-level SE has air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic headlights, electric windows and rear parking sensors, while an upgrade to SE Nav introduces a touchscreen infotainment system with sat nav. The range-topping Premium Nav adds a panoramic sunroof and privacy glass for the rear windows.

The spacious interior is made welcoming and airy by the ix20’s big windows, which mean that all on board have a great view out. Those in the back sit on individual seats that can be moved forwards or backwards, which enables legroom and boot space to be varied as required. Even in their furthest-forward position, there’s plenty of space for most adults to fit comfortably. The only interior limitation is that the ix20 is a relatively narrow car, so three adults in the rear may feel a little cramped around the shoulders.

The 440-litre boot is well shaped and can take bulky items with ease, although a high loading lip can be a struggle to heave weighty packages over. When maximum load-lugging capacity is needed, the rear seatbacks drop to provide 1,486 litres of cargo room.

The 1.6-litre diesel engine is economical and can return 64.2mpg. The 1.4-litre petrol engine is well suited to those who cover less than 12,000 miles or so every year – its50.4mpg fuel consumption isn’t as good as the diesel’s, but it’s cheaper to buy, so may be more cost-effective for many in the long run. If you need an automatic gearbox, you’ll need the rather less economical 43.6mpg 1.6-litre petrol engine – both other engines use a slick-shifting five or six-speed manual gearbox.

None of the above can deliver a particularly thrilling driving experience, but that’s more because the Hyundai was designed for comfort rather than an entertainment. If you’re looking for a small, practical car that’s fun to drive, the more expensive Ford B-MAX remains the one to beat. The Ford might not match the Hyundai for ease of ownership, though. Not only does the ix20 undercut its rivals on price, but it boasts a longer, five-year warranty.

Safety credentials are strong, with the ix20 achieving the maximum five-star rating in independent Euro NCAP crash-testing, scoring highly for both adult and child occupancy protection. All the mandatory safety equipment you would expect is included, with all models getting hill-start assistance, too.

Not enough ix20 owners contributed towards our 2017 Driver Power satisfaction survey for it to be individually listed, but Hyundai finished in a reasonable 10th place overall, with owners praising low maintenance costs and interior comfort.

The ix20 isn’t an inspiring car, but it delivers on the key attributes of a practical family car. Economical, reasonably priced and easy to own, the Hyundai is a refreshingly honest all rounder, if a little lacking in sparkle.