YOU can't help but be impressed with the giant strides Hyundai has taken in the motoring world.

The i30 Tourer was the Korean company's fifth model launch for 2012 in what proved to be a hyperactive year.

With increasingly successful, keenly-priced models, backed up by an excellent five-year unlimited mileage warranty, UK sales have been rising steadily.

And after trying out Hyundai's compact estate car it's easy to see why.

The i30 Tourer combines a sleek exterior with a practical and well designed interior.

The extra length gained over its hatchback sibling means there's lots of additional luggage space with the total load area leaving the i30 Tourer vying with the best in class. Underfloor storage compartments add to the estate's versatility while the deep tailgate opens to bumper-level for easy loading.

Walking up to the i30 Tourer you appreciate the flowing lines of the bodywork.

Hyundai chooses to call this ‘Fluidic Sculpture' - but, whatever the arty description, in plain English the i30 Tourer looks the part.

The profile is sporty but this hasn't compromised the interior which is spacious - offering plenty of room for five adults.

The front is distinguished by Hyundai's hexagonal-shaped grille and jewel-like headlamps while the sloping roofline gives the car an athletic feel.

The equipment list is long and satisfying with even the entry-level Classic model getting air conditioning, LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth with voice recognition, front electric windows, multifunction steering wheel, retractable load cover, roof rails and connections for your iPod.

Move up to the Active model I drove and a Flex Steer system - allowing the driver to adjust steering response between comfort, normal and sport settings - is included.

Also thrown into the mix are rear parking sensors as well as 15-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and gear knob, cruise control, plus electric front and rear windows.

There are two further levels - Style and the range-topping Style Nav - which add goodies such as automatic headlights and front windscreen wipers, dual-zone climate control and larger 16-inch alloy wheels plus front and rear parking sensors.

Style Nav trim unsurprisingly includes satellite navigation and a rear view parking camera with guidance system via the seven-inch touchscreen on the centre console.

The 1.6-litre 110ps diesel engine - coupled to a six-speed manual transmission that offers slick gear changes - is efficient both in terms of fuel usage and exhaust emissions.

The clue is in the Blue Drive moniker attached to this particular i30. These days when a motor has Blue in the title it translates to green in terms of the environment.

So this i30 Tourer is fitted with a stop and start system which switches the engine off when you are stationary in traffic so reducing fuel usage and carbon dioxide emissions. There are also low-rolling resistance tyres and an alternator management system.

Safety is taken seriously with a maximum five-star safety rating awarded by Euro NCAP.