In the past few years, Hyundai has managed to transform itself from a brand once seen as the budget option to a carmaker that commands genuine respect.

A lot of that success has come thanks to its i30 hatchback, its biggest European seller. Aimed straight at the competitive family hatch segment, it still doesn't command the same respect as names like the Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus, but it has a lot to offer nonetheless.

It's proven so popular, in fact, that Hyundai says it specifically had to ramp up production of this new facelifted 2015 version at its Czech Republic factory to keep up with demand. So what's it like to drive?

Performance

Power for the i30 range comes courtesy of a range of 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines, along with 1.6-litre diesel options. Entry-level S and SE hatchback versions get the 1.4-litre petrol, which has an output of 99bhp and CO2 emissions from 138g/km.

The 1.6-litre petrol has an 118bhp output, while the diesels are offered in a choice of 108bhp or 134bhp. Smooth and punchy, the 108bhp diesel is the pick of the bunch, with plenty of pull and stop-start technology to reduce consumption. A choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox is an option on the diesel engines, though the automatic does tend to get clunky when you put your foot down and gear changes can feel awkward.

If speed is your thing, there's also a new i30 Turbo warm-hatch version. In addition to a slightly sportier appearance, also comes with a more powerful 183bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that can take the Turbo from 0-62mph in just over eight seconds.

Ride and Handling

As a family car, naturally comfort is the aim of the game when it comes to driving the i30.

As a family car, naturally comfort is the aim of the game when it comes to driving the i30. In this respect, it's excellent with a decent ride quality and supple suspension that soaks up most of what the road throws at it. Larger bumps can still be felt a little, but it's overall composed and confident around the corners, though steering that's a little lacking in feedback means that it's admittedly not the most compelling drive around. The i30 Turbo version is naturally a little more lively than its regular counterpart, but if an engaging drive is what you're after, in all honesty you're probably better off with something like a SEAT Leon FR.

Interior and Equipment

At Hyundai's factory in the Czech republic, every single new car is personally given a test run by an inspector after it leaves the line.

Hyundai's approach to comfort extends to the interior, with a smart-looking dashboard and neat infotainment system greeting drivers who set foot inside the cabin. Various extra gizmos have been added to the facelifted i30 to boost its appeal, and as a result it comes loaded with touches like two massive smartphone docks with USB and auxiliary inputs, plus two 12v sockets. It also comes with a handy connector specifically for iPods, which will be welcome news to tech fans. Other mod cons include comfortable seats, huge storage binnacles dotted around the cabin, plus a reversing camera, cruise control and DAB digital radio. Is it perfect? Well, no. The plastic-y panels can look slightly cheap, while the infotainment system and controls are a bit fiddly, but overall things are comfortable and well laid out. This extends to the rear, with loads of leg and headroom, plus ISOFIX attachments for child seats and two cupholders in the back. 60:40 folding seats make easy work of loading large items, while the boot dimensions have remained unchanged from the last version, boasting a massive 1,316 litres that's bigger than all it's main rivals, including the Focus, Golf and the Leon.

Cost

As standard, all i30 models also come with Hyundai's five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

With prices that start from £15,195 for the entry-level trim, it’s around two grand more expensive than the basic Focus, but undercuts the Golf by about the same amount. Likewise, the i30's range of engines are frugal, with claimed fuel economy of up to 78.4mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 94g/km when you specify the 1.6-litre BlueDrive version, which keeps costs and tax down. As standard, all i30 models also come with Hyundai's five-year unlimited mileage warranty. It's not quite as good as Kia's seven-year warranty, but it's still an attractive proposition for buyers.

Our Verdict

While it mightn't have the ability to attract serious performance fans, when it comes to family drivers the comfortable and well-equipped i30 will certainly appeal. Matching smart style, substance and some seriously low running costs into one package, the Hyundai i30 is now a serious contender for drivers in the market for a family hatch.