Hyundai Tucson Problems

The diesel is definitely the better engine choice in the Tucson, but you'll be giving up some headroom in the Highlander as — like virtually all sunroofs — it pinches a bit of roof clearance.

The Kuga is a good drive but, like Rob, you should get her to test drive the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson before making a decision.

The Tucson gets The Tick from me and rates above the X-Trail, but my first choice is the all-new Kia Sportage.

You have clearly done your homework, from which you should be able to decide which is best for you. Without knowing what your needs and wants are all we can advice is that the three cars you have honed in on are good choices.

Kia and Hyundai are both good, with the Tucson currently ahead, but before he commits he should also drive a Mazda CX-5 as it's best in class today and gets The Tick.

Both get The Tick from me but I rate the Sportage as best in the compact SUV class today and that means it would be my pick. As for the ride, you are being misled — I find it's a great drive in all conditions thanks to local tuning by suspension guru Graeme Gambold.

You left out my choice, which is the Kia Sportage.

That's good to hear. I know there were plenty of waves at Hyundai HQ after we highlighted the poor performance of the "Blu-toot" in many of the group's cars.

Suzuki is a classy brand and the Grand Vitara gets The Tick, even if I'm not a fan of the constantly variable transmission.