Hyundai i30 review

The i30 ought to come into its own here, with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty no doubt a major draw for buyers looking for something rational. Only Kia’s seven-year warranty might be a bigger pull.

Running costs should be nice and low, too, with all engines claiming decent mpg and CO2. There is no plug-in hybrid version to help company car drivers dodge BiK, but Hyundai has other options for those who want/need more than just a mild-hybrid. Meanwhile the i30’s boot space – 395 litres with the back seats in place, 1,301 litres when they’re dropped – is more than a Focus or Golf.

Entry-level spec is called SE Connect. It does without the big infotainment system, but otherwise gives you everything you need – air conditioning, cruise control, a parking camera and phone mirroring. N-Line adds sporty i30N-like bumpers, alloy wheels and spoilers, while the i30 Premium keeps the look of the standard car but comes fully loaded.

Prices start at just over £20,000, with the automatic gearbox costing around £1,200 more than the manual.