Drivers constrained by Vauxhall-only policies will be rejoicing come next spring. That's when the company's new £20k compact 4x4 is launched, which hopes to snare 5000 buyers each year.

Forget the old Frontera; the Antara does more than look good. Though its lines really are something, drawing heavily from the GTC concept car and displaying all the Luton maker's recent deftness of touch. Chrome detailing screams 'premium' too; it has the presence to stand up to the new Freelander.

The interior is even better though, Land Rover will have to pull out all the stops if its to challenge the futuristic look, and adds to the commanding stance and quality feel. Slightly angled steering wheel aside, the high driving position is comfortable, while the firm, sporty seats feel like they're from an Astra SRi.

Built in Korea alongside the forthcoming Chevrolet Captiva, the five-seat-only Antara shares many but not all components. All the bits you can see are different, while much of the suspension is reconfigured. The front, for example, uses the expensive dampers from the Zafira.

This helps make for a tidy drive. The cars on the pre-launch event were hand-built prototypes, but remained slack-free, with accurate steering, keen front-end turn-in and a well-damped ride. The 18-inch alloys did yield a fidgety feel on some surfaces, descending into wheel shudder at higher speeds, but generally this is another 4x4 that, more obvious body roll apart, feels car-like.

Normally front-driven, a clever 4WD system, aids traction by seamlessly sending up to 50% of drive rearward when necessary. You can't sense the shift and it's good enough to rarely trouble the standard anti-skid system.

There are many other items standard; climate control, 17-inch alloys, heated front seats, CD. S models add 18-inch alloys, part-leather seats and cruise control, with the SE boosting this to full leather, satnav, Bluetooth phone, Xenon headlamps and electric sunroof. There will be no options, to aid build and delivery from Korea.

Only two engines too, a 29.4mpg, 140PS 2.4-litre petrol that barely 10% will buy, and a new 2.0-litre diesel in 150PS or (later) 127PS form. This is a Chevrolet unit that's unlikely to be used in other Vauxhalls; pity, as it's smooth, with a linear power delivery and lack of vibration, only lethargy off-boost spoils things a touch. And if we're being really picky, a bit more soundproofing wouldn't go amiss.

Prices span £19,500 to £24,500, with diesel adding £700 and £1000 jumps between trims. With predictions of a 50% retail split aiding RVs, 5000 annual volume looks conservative.

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