THERE was a time when a car from the Far East, particularly Korea, could be recognised by bulky, American-like styling.

How times have changed. Hyundai's slick i40 Tourer has all the style of the best its German rivals could offer.

From a distance, it could be mistaken for a Mercedes, but it certainly doesn't attract the premium price, despite being lavishly equipped. And of course, there's still the five-year, unlimited mileage guarantee.

The i40 is sleeker than previous Hyundai models, with an improved aerodynamic drag figure which boosts fuel economy.

Brand resistance, the cheap car from Korea, has all but disappeared from the car buying public, particularly with the firm's latest range of cars.

And with a starting price of £18,650 on-the-road with insurance from group 12E it offers excellent value for money.

The eye-catching design should be no surprise given that the car was designed and engineered at the firm's European research and development HQ in Germany before being built in Korea.

The styling has a distinctive European look and like many of its competitors the boxy estate shape of yesteryear has been replaced by coupe-like styling with eye-catching light clusters at both ends with the headlight featuring day running lights.

It is not the most practical of estates with its swooping lines to the rear that restrict headroom and floor to ceiling boot space.

But unless you are constantly humping around large items, it should easily accommodate the needs of most families and even the business users carrying smaller samples around the country.

It is a very stylish car and the interior is as plush as anything in its segment with comfortable seats, nice soft touch finish to doors and dash and a pleasing overall layout.

Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, leather steering wheel with audio controls, electric heated door mirrors with integrated LED indicators, electric front and rear windows and electric parking brake with automatic hold function.

Move up to the Style model and touchscreen satellite navigation with rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and dual-zone climate control are standard, while the tested Premium adds leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof and keyless entry.

Not only are all models generously equipped, they offer a choice of three engines, three power outputs and manual or automatic transmissions.

Some of the models feature the latest green and fuel saving technology which includes stop/start, low rolling resistance tyres and a drag-reducing ‘active air flap‘ in the front grille.

Frugal and green, the car has plenty of pace and handles well, while offering responsive steering, decent handling on bends and a comfortable ride for all occupants.

Frugal, yet still a practical load lugger with boot space of 553 litres with the rear seats in place, rising to 1,719 litres with the rear seats folded. Loading and unloading is also easy thanks the low boot sill.

The car features a comprehensive list of safety kit including  ESP, ABS, hill start and emergency stop signal.

Also included are seven airbags, including front, side, curtain and driver knee airbag which earn it the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP's safety programme.

To trot out an old cliche it's a lot of car for the money and the brand frightens few people these days.