WITH a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and a model that returns more than 60mpg, the Hyundai i30 is a formidable contender in the hotly contested hatchback market.
Hyundai, previously known for somewhat cheap and cheerful models set out to change its image in Europe and the i30 was tagged as the most important car the company had launched in the UK.
So the i30 had to be a class act and it is. Light years away from Hyundai's early offerings such as the Stellar and the Pony, it drives a forward a whole change in people's perception of the Hyundai brand.
Quality is a major factor in the i30 and the model I drove demonstrated exceptional panel-fit, finish and trim. And this is essential because the modern driver looking for a medium-sized car is very demanding. Most manufacturers have a car in this class and if something is not up to the mark it will fall by the wayside.
But Hyundai is now up there with the best. The i30 is not just an also-ran with a good warranty, but one of the top choices with the overall feel of a premium Japanese-built car.
Unlike some Hyundais of the past you will find no rough edges on this European-styled quality hatchback that is winning friends fast.
The model comes in three trim levels, all with exceptional safety and specification. Alloys and air-con are standard items on every model and the range starts at a very attractive £11,160.
But it is the 1.6 CRDi diesel that is the talk of the range because of it remarkable economy. The combined economy figure for this model is 62.8mpg with a CO2 emissions figure of a low 119g/km thrown in.
I drove this car on a variety of routes and the mpg claim is no mere market hype. I was easily getting 60mpg and this places the 1.6 diesel in a very enviable position.
It costs £13,400 on the road and the model is locked in battle with the best of European makes in its class.
In a first for Hyundai, an electronic stability program is fitted as standard to all models in the i30 range, providing a real improvement in safety.
The system assists the driver in the event that he or she is forced to swerve the vehicle, to avoid a collision for example, or if traction is lost when cornering. ESP helps to keep the vehicle headed in the intended direction where it might otherwise unavoidably slide, or worse, spin out of control.
Other range-wide safety features include active front head restraints to reduce the risk of whiplash injury; passenger, driver and full length curtain airbags, a passenger airbag deactivation switch, seatbelt reminder system, belt pretensioners and ISOfix childseat fixing points in the rear.
Added comfort and equipment features fitted to all i30 models include front fog lights, remote locking, glovebox cooling, electrically heated door mirrors and a trip computer.
Other engine options are 1.4 and 1.6 petrol and a more punchy 2.0 diesel.
But the 1.6 CRDi is no sluggard with a maximum speed of 117mph and a 0-62mph sprint of 11.6 seconds.
Overall it is a comfortable, silent and very well-built offering which has one major issue to contend with.That is the number of people who have pulled back from buying a Hyundai because of the rather everyday image the marque had a few years ago.
Once that hurdle has been left behind then the i30 will be unstoppable.
FAST FACTS
Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi
Price: £13,400
Mechanical: 113bhp, 1,599cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 117mph
Combined mpg: 62.8
0-62mph: 11.6 seconds
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
BIK rating: 15%
Warranty: 5yrs/ unlimited mileage