Hyundai i30

Sharing its underpinnings with the Kia Cerato, Hyundai goes one better with the i30 by adding surprisingly tidy styling to this mechanically sorted package.

• Comfort

  The i30 and Cerato both ride remarkably well, given that they also handle – a very tricky balance to strike. It may lack that certain Germanic something that makes cars like the VW Golf feel so cosseting, but it’s really not that far off.

  

• Performance

  The i30’s small petrol engines don’t do much for it in the performance stakes. In fact the only option that can muster halfway respectable figures is the larger of the two diesels.

  

• Cool

  It’s a bit of a leap of faith, but the i30 is quite cool right now, turning heads and sparking debate as it passes. Who knows if that’ll last, but at the very least it’s got people talking.

  

• Quality

  Nothing to worry about here – Hyundai have been building decent, reliable cars for a while and besides, there’s a monster warranty as back-up if anything does go wrong.

  

• Handling

  While the i-30 may not handle quite like the BMW 1-Series it’s so clearly trying to resemble, there’s still a composed and entertaining chassis to exploit, supported by direct and informative steering.

  

• Practicality

  As family hatchbacks go, the i30 ticks the required boxes. It’s got five-doors and a boot, is relatively spacious in the back and has folding rear seats. No strokes of genius, but none required.

  

• Running costs

  Expect the i30 to hold its value fairly well. Couple that with its relatively cheap initial purchase price and you’re on to a winner. Hyundai also offers a five year warranty with this, so you’ve nothing to worry about should something go pop.