You're looking at this Hyundai ix20 thinking, 'I've seen that before'. And to be fair, you have, well, sort of. It bears a striking resemblance to Kia's Venga and that's hardly surprising as the two Korean manufacturers reside under the Hyundai Motor Group umbrella.

Hyundai is now the world's fourth largest car manufacturer by volume and the past couple of years has seen the car-maker from Seoul overhaul its range, introducing new models that raise the bar for the company and offer buyers genuine alternatives to European brands.

A major step in encouraging European buyers to consider Hyundai, is the opening of both an R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, where the ix20 was penned and a production facility in Nošovice, Czech Republic (a village with a population of less than 1,000 people when last counted in 2006), where the ix20 is built.

There's no doubt that as far as compact-MPVs go the "ix" is a good-looking car. There's a wacky "leaf skeleton" pattern on the grille – which is mirrored in the cabin – the headlamps are well-styled and despite its proportions it looks pretty dynamic.

These are just a couple of the sackful of surprises that come with the ix20. Climb aboard and marvel at the clever use of the available floorplan. Although a B-segment car – think Ford Fiesta – a little work with the wheelbase and plenty of height in the cabin make a car that is a smidgen over four metres-long feel substantial inside.

And that includes the rear. Whether five adults would travel in comfort is debatable, but three children and two adults certainly would.

Moreover, that extra height means Hyundai can employ a spilt-level boot system that, when in its lowest position, could easily swallow some quite substantial items.

The ix20 is offered with a choice of three equipment levels – Classic Active and Style. Whichever model you chose you'll get these goodies as standard.

There's a height adjustable driver's seat, ESP, air conditioning, six airbags, active head restraints, radio/CD audio system with six speakers, plus CD, MP3, RDS and USB-/AUX-/iPOD-input capabilities.

The model Hyundai expects to sell more of than any other is the mid-range Active. In addition to the Classic specification it gains 16ins alloy wheels, body coloured door handles and mirrors (which are electrically adjustable and heated) and reversing sensors.

In the cabin you'll discover Bluetooth phone connectivity, electric rear windows and audio controls on a leather-trimmed steering wheel. So what can you add to everything above? For starters there's a dual-panel panoramic glass sunroof, which brightens the cabin considerably, fog lights and electrically folding wing mirrors with integrated side repeater indicators.

On the road, the high driving position married to the deep-raked screen and well-considered split A-pillars with quarter-lights offers a good forward view.

Rear vision is not so good, impeded somewhat by the headrests in the rear. That said, decent-sized wing mirrors and the fairly up-and-down tail end ensure you know where the "ix" ends.

And, despite the compact appearance, the size and flexibility of the load space is one of the car's major pluses.

With the false-floor in its highest setting, and the rear seats folded flat, you're presented with an entirely flat loading area, with plenty of depth.

The dashboard is deep and well-presented.

All secondary equipment is housed in the metallic/ piano black centre console, with a rather extravagantly styled collection of controls for the air-con.

The driver's seat is fully adjustable and that includes height. In tandem with the rake and reach adjustable steering wheel, it should prove easy enough to find the ideal seating position.

Another pleasing feature is the feel of the switchgear, it wouldn't be out of place in a more expensive brand.

Out on the road a 1.6-litre petrol engine married to a four-speed automatic transmission is never going to set the world alight and so the figures prove – 60mph is more than 12 seconds away. There's no doubting its ability to maintain good motorway speeds though. Hyundai's official figures claim 114mph for the top speed – it may take a while to get there though. It's a shame this combination of gearbox and engine isn't more engaging as the handling and ride of the ix20 suggest it is capable of bringing a smile to your face along your favourite country lanes.

Luckily, a couple of diesel variants are available, promising considerable more punch than is on offer here.

Keep your right foot in check and you can expect decent returns from the diminutive Korean – official combined figures claim 43mpg – not bad at all, although I would wager real world figures would be nearer mid-30s.

Finally, safety is a key consideration in any car that carries your nearest and dearest. Hyundai has installed stability control in every ix20, along with front, side and curtain airbags, active anti-whiplash head restraints and Hillstart Assist Control (to prevent roll-back when starting on an incline).