Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Active (110ps) Auto 5dr Car Review - May 2013

The engine is designed to be efficient rather than swift, and this is reflected in the acceleration which is rather ponderous, going from 0-62mph in 12.3 seconds. The top speed of 112mph is more than enough for the majority of owners who will be driving an i30, although it isn't the quietest cabin while travelling at speed, with road noise clearly audible and a little engine rumble too. One of the plus points for the i30 as a family car is that the ride is very good, dealing with all of the lumps and bumps of British roads, although the steering is a little vague.

The comfortable seats offer plenty of support for the driver, while it is also easy enough to find a good driving position, with the steering wheel adjusting for both height and reach. The centre console is very user friendly with a logical layout of chunky buttons that won't distract drivers too much while driving.

Trying to make a hatchback that stands out too much is often not a good idea for a fringe brand like Hyundai, so the i30 is an attractive car that shares many different traits with some of the main players in the market. The dynamic angular headlight cluster is reminiscent of a Ford Focus, with a tidy rear end and a chunky rear bumper that has taken its cues from the VW Golf. Inside, the silver trim adds a touch of class to the look in a classy but unremarkable interior.

The Active level of trim is a reasonable balance between equipment and price, with a few luxuries such as cruise control and a rear parking sensor both helping to give the car a polished finish. As well as the usual security features such as an alarm and immobiliser, a secure spare wheel is a welcome addition.

One of the greatest plus points for the i30 is that it is a very practical car, with plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers in the back of the car, while it also enjoys one of the largest boot spaces in its class. The seats fold forward for extra space, and the low boot lip makes it easier to get those larger loads into the back of the car.

As you would expect with a car such as the i30, it does enjoy a very good safety record, achieving top marks of five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests, while stability control and ABS helping drivers to avoid any accidents. Hyundai has also achieved a very good reliability record that outstrips many of its major rivals in the mid-sized hatchback market.

When it comes to the list price of £18,800, Hyundai dealers are known for being willing to negotiate on the price, which can help to make the i30 a very attractive proposition. Along with good fuel efficiency of an average 51.4mpg, low tax and insurance costs, the i30 makes for a great proposition that should retain its value a little better than some of the other models in the i30 range.

One of the really attractive features of the i30 is that it comes with the excellent warranty and breakdown assistance package, which covers the car for unlimited mileage for the first five years, and roadside assistance throughout those five years with the RAC. This is well above what is being offered by many of the i30's rivals in terms of on the road packages.