ESTATE cars are firmly back in fashion and the Hyundai i40 Tourer 1.7 D is one of the new leaders of the pack.

Introduced in September and lined up against the Mondeo and Insignia wagons, the cheeky newcomer undercuts them on price and gives them a fair run for your money on quality and ability.

It is available in ten versions split over Active, Style and Premium trim levels with a choice of 1.6 135bhp and 177bhp 2.0 petrol engines or 115bhp and 136bhp low and high power 1.7 diesels, with standard six-speed manual gearboxes or  six-speed automatic on the most powerful diesels.

Prices spread from £18,395 to £25,895, with diesels about £2,000 more than petrol equivalents, and insurance groups are 12E to 18E.

The i40 Tourer is built in Korea but includes European design and engineering settings so its aimed squarely at UK and European buyers.

The "Fluidic" design theme with sweeping nose, side and tail elements cleverly conceals how very roomy the i40 Tourer is inside and many may find it offers more leg and head room than some traditional larger executive models.

The 1.7 diesel is expected to be the most popular in the series and it does open your eyes with its build quality, fit and finish, as well as the ease and economy with which it covers ground. 

The powertrain is a delightful match of performance and economy, covering long motorway stints in comfort and with a lot of composure, while possessing power to safely and quickly overtake and see a fuel return 49.9mpg.

The engine revved easily and strongly and pulling power was good even with a few people aboard, it was never really noisy and the light clutch and positive six-speed gearchange made short shift of city traffic.

Steering was well weighted and the turning circle tight, the brakes needed only modest effort to bring about rapid deceleration and the electric parking brake worked well.

Secondary controls were neatly laid out, convenient to use and effective while the straightforward instruments were clear and well marked.