KOREAN car makers have been catching up with their European counterparts very fast over the last few years and one at least has now hit the big time.

The Hyundai i40 Estate is right up there with cars like the Ford Mondeo and sleeker looking into the bargain.

I drove the rather expensive Premium range topper but other models are powered by the same excellent 1.7 turbo diesel with either six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

The automatic box worked brilliantly and made life very smooth and unruffled.

And the big car averaged a real 41mpg very easily over all sorts of roads.

The engine is willing and quiet, pulling well from low revs and the gearbox has a manual setting, with paddles behind the steering wheel.

It's not hugely quick but I never found it wanting over more than 300 miles and found it very accomplished in every way.

It's comfortable and very refined and also has great grip and safe handling through the twists and turns.

Premium spec brings electric leather seats with two memories, sat nav, cruise and stereo controls on the steering wheel and a trip computer.

: Ford Mondeo Estate