HYUNDAI has always been associated with value for money - but now the Koreans want the word 'quality' to pop into your head as well when you think of their cars.
Thus the i30 Estate is part of a push to take on the traditional big hitters in the European market with a range of models from superminis to people carriers that combine a bank account-friendly price-tag and excellent warranty with the fit and finish expected in western markets.
The strategy is ambitious but looks perfectly timed given the credit crunch is making buyers far more picky before splashing the cash on a new motor.
The result of all this hard work on the i30 Estate is a thoughtfully designed package that promises to be a powerful draw for families.
It's comfortable, spacious and comes with an amazing amount of equipment included as standard.
On the downside, the 1.6-litre diesel engine is a bit gruff - although it does offer decent fuel economy - and the car is not tremendously inspiring to drive.
However, as the i30 is aimed at mum and dad drivers with the kids in the back - and not the average boy racer - this is perhaps not as big a drawback as it might be.
The i30's exterior is neat with smooth lines that are easy on the eye. It doesn't break any boundaries, but ticks all the boxes when it comes to contemporary design.
Sit behind the wheel and it is clear a lot of careful planning has gone into the car's interior as everything is logically placed while large buttons and switches are simple to see and use.
It is a bit bland despite the blue hue that lights up the CD player, but funky styling obviously wasn't on the menu and again it's unlikely to put off the i30's target market who will be more interested in value for money.
I found a decent driving position reasonably quickly, but those over six feet tall may find things a little more difficult if they want to lower the seat - as although the steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach, the range of adjustment isn't that great.
The i30 Estate offers decent levels of storage space and a useful underfloor compartment where various bits and bobs can be stashed away. Various cubby holes dotted about the cabin give the car the flexibility to cope with most families' needs.
There's a standard luggage net with hooks that makes the job of securing loads easy to accomplish. But the best thing about the i30 Estate's cabin is the amount of space for passengers in the back - allowing the most long-limbed of adults to stretch out.
There's a stack of kit included with even the entry-level Comfort model fitted with air conditioning, a decent audio system that caters for iPods, alloys, four electric windows, a cooled glovebox and electrically folding door mirrors.
Step up to the Style model and you get part-leather seats, automatic lights and a tyre pressure-monitoring system. The range-topping Premium I drove adds heated leather seats, climate control and reversing sensors.
The i30 is a major step forward for Hyundai, and anyone considering a compact family estate should have it on their shortlist.
FAST FACTS
Hyundai i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Premium
Price: £16,345
Mechanical: 113bhp, 1,582cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 117mph
0-62mph: 11.9 secs
Combined mpg: 57.6
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 128g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 5yrs/ unlimited mileage, 10yrs anti-rust