Overall rating:

This revised Hyundai i30 does not represent the same epiphany as the original did and it's hard not to be slightly disappointed as a consequence. However, it's a more rounded package that is in actual fact more capable than before and brings appreciable gains that build on Hyundai's recent progress to create an offering that represents a very credible competitor and continues to scare the establishment and appeal to a broad range of buyers.

Key Facts

Model tested: Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic
Pricing: £13,780 (details correct as of 10 Oct, 2011)
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol
Transmission: five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: five-door hatchback
Rivals: Honda Civic, Kia cee'd, Mazda3
CO₂ emissions: 142g/km
Combined economy: 46.3mpg
Top speed: 116mph
0-62mph: 11.6 seconds
Power: 110hp at 6,200rpm
Torque: 137Nm at 2,000rpm

Inside & Out:

As a marque, Hyundai has begun to forge its own identity and as a consequence this latest facelifted version of the i30 is slightly less derivative than the original, which bore more than a passing resemblance to the BMW 1 Series - though it's some way off a radical change. Up front a new bumper and a new grille change the face, while revised mouldings on the sills and rear have subtly altered the i30 to give it its own look.

Even in its most basic form, this new entry level 'Classic' trim, the i30 looks good, though this appeal is obviously enhanced by the larger alloy wheels available on the more expensive models. Interior-wise the i30's practicality is hard to fault; a range of cubbies and bins, as well as a fundamentally generously sized space, make it an ideal family chariot and it's also comfortable and well specified and finished - not to Volkswagen standards, but enough to give the sector's middle order food for thought.

Ride & Handling:

No huge transformations here; the Hyundai i30's capabilities were always sound and more than a little competitive at launch. In summary, the i30 stops, steers and handles as well as the majority of the opposition with ride quality, particularly on the modestly shod basic models, that is pleasingly comfortable and yet firm enough to provide good body control and secure cornering when pushing on. Things have moved on again in this class but only cars like the Ford Focus, new Astra and recently improved Volkswagen Golf truly shade it.

Engine & Transmission:

Given the majority of family hatches sold today are diesel powered, and in most cases they're all the better for it, it's becoming a novelty to test a petrol-fuelled hatchback, even more so a non-turbocharged unit. Hyundai isn't famed for its expertise in the engine department but the 1.4-litre unit in this i30 is an excellent entry level powerplant. It's not outrageously powerful, offering as it does a fairly average 110hp, but the way it serves up those horses is pleasing; it's keen to be used, as well as managing to deliver reasonable torque in the lower rev range, too.

The resultant performance of 0-62mph in 11.6 seconds and a maximum of 116mph are, again, average for the class, but thanks to the engine's enthusiasm, aided and abetted by a smooth and precise gearchange, using a decent proportion of that performance is straightforward and fun.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Even though this is the most basic model in the i30 range it offers a generous standard equipment list. This is backed up by the usual Hyundai warranty of five years with unlimited mileage, sensible servicing costs and an economy figure just under 40mpg, which make this a worry free and cheap way to motor. Bear in mind the £13,780 on-the-road list price and the overall competence of the i30 and it's very hard to argue against the value on offer.