The combination of the words Vauxhall and 4x4 in the same sentence has not, up to now, been a particularly happy mix.

The firm's foray into the off-road world in the 1990s produced the Frontera. It received a bad press, topped by TV motoring presenter Quentin Willson's outstretched arm memorably holding a set of Frontera keys and suggesting the best thing to do with them was to drop them down the nearest drain.

Like those keys, the second-hand value of the vehicle that stopped production five years ago, plummeted.

But that's unlikely to be the situation with the Antara.

This is the five-seater, Korean-built sister vehicle of the Chevrolet Captiva, but the styling changes, inside and out, give the Antara an identity all of its own - at a price.

Those prices range from £19,995 to £27,795 - several thousand more than the Captiva - and for that you get the style and practicality of a family-friendly 4x4, without the drawbacks of a big off-roader.

Rugged styling, a classy, solidly made, interior and a suspension system similar to that used on the Vectra and Signum, delivers a softish ride combined with car-like feel and handling.

Off-road, advanced electronics include a Descent Control System, as standard, which allows the vehicle to safely maintain a constant speed even down steep inclines, without the driver needing to brake.

Vauxhall is aiming to attract new buyers to the 4x4 market and tempt owners of larger 4x4s to downsize without feeling short changed, so equipment levels naturally are high.

The entry-level E model starts at just under £20,000, and includes an electronic stability program (ESP), air conditioning, alarm, front fog lights and 17-inch alloys.

Diesel versions have self-levelling suspension and a trailer stability program, which automatically recalibrates the ESP to allow for towing.

Moving up the range, the S adds goodies like electronic climate control, heated front seats and a chilled glovebox.

The flagship SE adds yet more luxury, like a DVD-based satellite navigation system with a six-CD changer, xenon headlamps and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Engine choice is simple - a 2.4-litre, 140 horsepower four-cylinder petrol and, as most buyers in this market want diesels, a 150 horsepower, 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel.

It is significant that in Vauxhall's beautifully produced press pack, mention of the Frontera is brief and limited to descriptions such as 'classic' and 'robust'. And that's fair enough. The Antara is in a different league.

Auto facts Vauxhall Antara S 2.0 CDTi auto

  • Price: £24,000
  • Ins group: 12
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 32.8mpg
  • Top speed: 110mph
  • Length: 457.6cm/181.7in
  • Width: 185cm/72.8in
  • Luggage capacity: 13 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 14.3 gallons/65 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 238g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles