The new generation Hyundai i30 launches into the British market today, starting at £14,495. The 2012 i30 takes all that was good about the model, like features, reliability, and quality, and addressees what was bad about it; styling. So the result should be a pretty much flawless family hatchback for everyone.

The new model also adds improved comfort and packaging, an increased level of standard feature, lower emissions and cost of ownership to the mix, but updated styling is the absolute best thing about the 2012 i30. With its fluidic sculpture design, the i30 wins the beauty contest against most of its rivals.

The only thing we’re still a bit skeptical about is the drive. With the old i30 we used to check the ‘Not as good as Ford Focus’ box. Hyundai does not seem to have done anything to make that better in the new one.

The longer, wider and lower i30 also features is available with four engines (two petrol and two diesels) with five power outputs ranging from 90 to 128ps and four trim levels – Classic, Active, Style and Style Nav.

The new 1.6-litre diesel unit, featuring Intelligent Stop & Go technologies, delivers an impressive power to efficiency ratio, providing an output of 128ps and emissions of just 100 g/km, and fuel economy up to 76.3mpg. It will be the lowest priced sub-100 g/km 5-door model in the C-segment with the lowest fuel consumption and the lowest BIK at £876 per year for 40% tax payers.

A fully loaded Hyundai i30 will cost £20,795.