Best in class: Hyundai Tucson
It's worth pointing out that the Tucson, a largish, relatively expensive crossover, has been Ireland’s bestselling car for the past few months, ahead of former favourites such as the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Corolla. From a brand that a decade and a half ago was barely on most buyers’ radars.
That’s a demonstration of the combined power of styling (the Tucson, almost all versions of which are front-wheel drive, looks every inch a rugged 4x4), practicality (big boot, enormous back seat), pricing (a €25,000 starting price looks tempting) and that five-year warranty.
Plus the Tucson has pulled a fast one on its cousin the new Kia Sportage by being identical mechanically but far more handsome. To drive it's only ordinary, indeed occasionally a little underpowered, but overall you can see why buyers flock to it.
Best buy: Tucson Executive 1.7 CRDI, from €30,495. Prices start at €25,745. PCP packages from €252 a month.
Also try: Renault Kadjar
It's worth remembering that everything we say about the Kadjar goes equally for its more famous, more established cousin the Nissan Qashqai. Under the external and internal skins the two cars are pretty much identical, so choosing between them is simply a matter of deciding which one you prefer the look of.
And in the looks contest we think it’s an easy win for the Renault. The Qashqai is handsome but the Renault is more so, especially with those big, C-shaped LED running lights.
The cabin is big, comfortable and well put together, and the driving experience, though perhaps a little unexceptional, is entirely pleasant. The only thing that trips the Kadjar up, relative to the Qashqai, is its touch-screen infotainment system, which is fiddlier and less consistent than the Nissan’s.
Best buy: Kadjar 1.5 dCi Dynamique Nav, from €28,490. Prices start at €25,190. PCP packages from €199 a month.
Also try: Toyota Rav4
Way back in 1991 the original Rav4 was the progenitor of the fun-but-practical crossover explosion. Since then, like its rivals, it has grown up and become a little more sensible. Facelifted earlier this year, the Rav4 now looks a little more smoothed off and, in some paint finishes, faintly futuristic.
Shame you can’t say the same for the dashboard, which is still a little too plain, a little too grey. Still, the Rav4 compensates for that by being unusually spacious (it surely has the best rear legroom in the class) and quite good to drive, with sharp steering and well-controlled suspension.
A 2.0 D4D diesel engine is the default and best choice, but the hybrid, still somewhat compromised by the CVT gearbox, is worth a look for those who do most of their miles around town.
Best buy: Rav4 2.0 D4D Luna Sport, from €33,950. Prices start at €29,950. PCP packages from €287 a month.
Wild card: Dacia Duster
To be honest, this is the only car you'll ever actually need. The Duster is not stylish (although there is something of the anti-fashion cool about it), not fun to drive (although it is at least comfortable and holds the road with reasonable tenacity) and not very quick (what did you expect from a 1.5 diesel in a relatively large body?). It's not the most spacious car in the class (although it's at least adequate), nor can it offroad in the manner of a Land Rover Defender (although with 4WD it'll get farther than you might think). What it is is just enough car for just about anyone. Goes. Stops. Carries people and things. Reliable. Costs buttons. What more do you actually want?
Best buy: Duster Signature 1.5 dCi 4x4, from €18,390. Prices start at €16,390. PCP packages from €298 a month.
Buying used: Skoda Yeti
Is it just us or does the Yeti look more like the perfect Tonka toy you always wanted in childhood than any other vehicle on sale? It’s four-square looks haven’t captured the hearts of buyers in the same way that the Qashqai has managed, but the Yeti is roomy, reliable, good to drive and exceptional value for money. Buy a 1.2 TSI petrol if you live in town or a 2.0 TDI 4x4 if you’re out in the country.
Best buy: 2013 Yeti Ambition 1.6 TDI Greenline, for about €17,000.