IT'S a new breed, the adverts say - and much rests on the Hyundai i30 for the marque - it needs to stand out from the pack.
But, cutting through all the hype which surrounds a new model, can it cut the mustard and take established vehicles such as the Ford Focus, Renault Megane, Citroen C4 and Mazda 3?
I wouldn't put my neck on the block, but I think Hyundai has genuine cause for optimism.
This family friendly newcomer looks good, it is very spacious and practical and it runs smoothly. In addition, it is priced competitively.
Prices start at £10,995 for the 1.4 Comfort model, the sister car to my test car, the Style variant, which will set you back £12,545.
There are other petrol and seven diesel models, with the range topper, a 2.0 CRDi Premium coming in at £16,595.
The Koreans have been very careful in their planning. This car is designed and developed for the European market's C-Segment.
The build quality and engineering standards appear to be good and a journey in the car is generally relaxing because it is pretty quiet on the whole.
This is in part due to the fully independent rear suspension.
In addition, adding to the smoothness of the ride, an anti-lock breaking system featuring electronic brake force distribution ensures that stopping power is always distributed to the wheels with most grip.
This car's entry level, new 109PS 1.4-litre petrol serves up the winning combination of strong fuel economy and lively performance.
Official figures show it returning more than 37mpg on the urban cycle, in excess of 50mpg on the extra urban and more than 46mpg on the combined cycle.
It may not zip you along the 0-62mph sprint in an eye-catching time (12.6 secs), but how often do you really need massive acceleration?
At 40mph it appears pretty comfortable carrying two or three adult passengers, and that is more important to family drivers like me.
There is good space in the cabin, which is well laid out with an easy to read, if somewhat traditional dashboard.
There are three trim/spec levels on offer. Comfort features air conditioning, alloy wheels and integrated steering wheel audio controls as standard.
Style emphasises sporty styling and convenience and incorporates Hyundai's new tyre pressure monitoring system.
The top spec, Premium, features reversing sensors and climate control as standard.
Cars often claim to seat five occupants with comfort - here's a vehicle which lives up to it.
In addition, there's a good sized boot which has a 340 litre load volume with the rear seats upright.
With the 60/40 back seats pushed flat, the load volume increases to 1,250 litres.
All-round it's pretty impressive, although I am not convinced by the name.
Hyundai makes much of it - it links to an alpha numerical code that apparently highlights the bond between technology and the marque's core values.
As ever, the vehicles come with Hyundai's mouth-watering five-year unlimited mileage warranty.
And they all have the marque's new look badge. Hyundai wants a new, cleaner look where badging is concerned and the trim levels on the i30 will not be depicted anywhere on the car.
FAST FACTS
Hyundai i30 1.4 Style 5dr
Price: £12,545
Mechanical: 107bhp, 1,396cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 116mph
0-62mph: 12.6 secs
Combined mpg: 46.3
Insurance group: 4
CO2 emissions: 145g/km
BiK rating: 16%
Warranty: 5yrs/ unlimited mileage, 6yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust