HYUNDAI'S i30 range was first launched in 2007 and it quickly became a family favourite.

So-much-so that it didn't take long for the South Korean marque to get cracking on their second-generation models.

Introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the newcomer lifted the bar for the brand, which had then started to make big inroads into the UK market.

For the new i30 hatchback, a whole host of improvements were added, including fog lights and follow-me-home headlamps, while an eco-drive indicator was also in place to help drivers improve on fuel economy.

Along with these changes, the South Korean car makers also revised their petrol engines, helping to make the i30 more fuel efficient and less polluting.

CO2 emissions were reduced, while tweaks to the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel unit helped cut emissions to 119g/km while also extending service intervals to up to 20,000 miles.

To improve fuel consumption and chop emissions even further, 'intelligent' stop-and-go technology was also introduced on Blue Drive models.

The i30 hatch came well equipped, with six airbags, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors, active head restraints and ESP standard throughout the range.

Engineers had worked hard to balance the suspension and the car's softish ride took care of the bumps and rutted surfaces that plague the majority of our roads.

Grip through corners proved excellent and wallowing and roll were kept firmly in check. The steering also responded well and all spec levels apart from entry-level Classic were kitted out with Hyundai's Flex Steer system fitted which let the driver choose from comfort, normal and sports settings.

The low waistline and deep front windscreen also offered drivers great all-round vision, while the driver's seat has more than enough adjustment to cater for every size and shape.

Move up from Classic to Active spec and there's cruise control, full electric windows, rear parking sensors, 15-inch alloy wheels and leather steering wheel and gear knob.

Style trim added automatic headlights, auto rain-sensing windscreen wipers, climate control and larger 16-inch alloys, while parking sensors at the front were also fitted.

Top-of-the-range Style Nav added sat nav which included a rear view parking camera via a seven-inch touchscreen in the dash.

The following spring, the new Tourer estate car was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in order to add more versatility to the range.

It came in 185mm longer than the hatchback and was 10mm longer than the model it replaced giving it a great-sized boot, which at 1,642 litres, knocked the spots off main rivals Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra by 150 litres and nearly 100 litres respectively.

As a used buy, both the i30 hatchback and the Tourer make great sense, especially when you consider that the transferrable manufacturer warranties don't start to run out until next year at the earliest.

My pick of the bunch would be 1.6-litre 109bhp CRDi diesel version which emits just 110g/km of CO2 and can hit 62mph in 11.8 seconds. Combined fuel economy is a more-than respectable 67.3mpg.

As for prices, a 2012 61-plate five-door hatchback in Active trim will cost between £6,405 and £8,045. Move up a year to a 62-plate and you'll be talking in the region of £6,855 to £8,615.

Opt for the Tourer estate car and prices will rise by between £400 and £600, while Style trim models will add a further £1,000 to £1,200 to the price.