If you’re searching for a family car that’s far from ordinary, the Hyundai i30 could be quite a tasty number.

Ask the majority of drivers to name a medium-sized family car and the usual answers are “Ford Focus” or “Volkswagen Golf”. Such a response is no surprise, but for those that think outside of the box and – perhaps more likely, those that are ‘in the know’ – there’s another very worthwhile choice – the Hyundai i30.

Freshly revised and launched last month, the latest Hyundai i30 takes on all the sector’s ‘big guns’ and gives them more than a run for their money.

Recent drivers will be more akin to Hyundai’s latest offerings, but for motorists who still associate the brand with its previous efforts of the 1980s and 1990s, then it’s time to put those memories firmly to bed. Hyundai’s transformation from budget, ‘value’ manufacturer to producer of acclaimed cars is akin to the rise of Skoda – the only joke now is on car buyers who don’t consider them.

Check out the latest i30 and you’ll find it’s one of the best models Hyundai has ever produced. It builds on the success of the previous award-winning i30 and works to make the model’s package even more alluring. In brief, the crisp-looking new i30 has been enhanced with improved engines, a new seven-speed transmission, extra comfort and safety, plus refreshed styling.

The new front end treatment sees the i30 assume the same corporate look as its stablemates, but it’s what is under its purposeful skin that is likely to be of more interest. There’s now a choice of five engines and, thanks to advanced energy saving measures such as stop/start technology, the i30 emits as little as 109g/km CO2 and returns up to 78.4mpg (combined).

Versatility and peace of mind
Both diesels and petrols are available – although the diesel does carry a premium so worth weighing up if you really do need the extra frugality – and performance is more than adequate. Indeed, if you have a real need for speed then there’s a brand new 186PS 1.6-litre turbocharged version that’s good for 0-60mph in a respectable eight seconds.

There’s nothing lacking when it comes to equipment either – even the entry-level ‘S’ benefiting from keyless entry, USB and AUX connectivity, Bluetooth® with steering wheel remote control and air conditioning as standard.

Perhaps even more importantly, and especially as the i30 features in a sector where absolute reliability and dependability are key, the versatile hatchback or estate comes with one other vitally important extra – peace of mind. Choose the i30 and it comes with an exceptional five-year, unlimited mileage warranty and a comprehensive roadside assistance package. Even that alone must make it worth considering, right?