HYUNDAI'S sales continue to rise, thanks partly to the diversity of the range, which is building on the firm foundations of the popular Accent model.
This is the likeable small family hatchback that has been the mainstay of the Korean company's line-up since its arrival here a decade or so ago.
The Accent's driving dynamics are not at the top of class, but it is easy to handle, economical, cheap to insure, and reasonably well equipped.
The Accent also lasts extremely well, so it is highly prized on the second-hand market, which gives it decent residual values.
As an overall package for the money it is hard to beat, undercutting the cheapest Ford Focus by £3,000, for example.
Whilst no one could argue that the Accent is in the same league as the Focus, its satisfied owners are really not bothered that the Ford can corner faster.
The Hyundai is extremely easy to drive, with feather-light steering, a slick gear change and excellent all-round visibility.
The basic 1.3-litre three-door model at £7,995 has remote central locking, alloy wheels, four electric windows and a CD player. Move up to the five-door CDX model at £10,495 and you get air conditioning and side airbags too.
The additional pair of doors obviously make it easier to get in and out of the rear, but there is a weight penalty, which takes the edge off the performance slightly.
The engine produces 83bhp, which is good for a 1.3-litre unit, being ten horsepower more than that of a 1.4-litre Focus, for example. However, the downside is that the Hyundai manages just 86lb/ft of torque, or pulling power, in comparison to more than 90 in the Focus.
This means that although the Accent is quicker off the mark, the Focus copes better with making mid-range progress, especially when heavily laden.
In order to match the Ford's superior pulling power it is necessary to move up to the 1.6-litre Accent which, at £9,195 is still more than £3,000 less than the equivalent Focus.
In engineering terms, the Accent does not feel as solid or as well put together as some of its European rivals, but the record shows that this has nothing to do with the car's reliability or long-term durability.
This is why Hyundais have always had the sort of warranties that rivals such as Ford and Vauxhall are frightened to match.
Indeed, it is only relatively recently that giants such as Ford and Vauxhall increased their warranties from one year to three, and they still have mileage restrictions.
In the case of the Hyundai the warranty lasts for five years, with no mileage restriction at all, is fully transferable to subsequent owners and comes with RAC breakdown cover for the first three years.
The Accent may not be the greatest car on the road, but it is an honest workhorse, and pleasant enough to drive.
It has proved to be generally reliable, and extremely durable. For the money it is hard to criticise.
FAST FACTS
Hyundai Accent 1.3 GSI 3dr
Price: £7,995
Mechanical: 83bhp, 1,341cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 108mph
0-62mph: 12.9 secs
Combined mpg: 47
Insurance group: 4
CO2 emissions: 144g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 5yrs/ unlimited mileage; 6yrs anti-rust