THE British car market is changing and established models are moving into new areas but the familiar five-door hatch still has an important role to play such as the Hyundai i20.

The family-friendly hatch fulfills its role very well and deserves to be considered alongside more prominent rivals, particularly if you look at its refinement, features, build quality and warranty.

There are 25 models in the Hyundai i20 series of five-door and three-door coupe body-styles.

They use a variety of 1.1 and 1.4 diesel and 1.2 and 1.4 petrol engines with five, six-speed manual or automatic transmissions in six trim levels between £9,500 and £17,750.

We tried the best selling 1.2-litre 84ps i20 SE, which sits mid-range.

The willingness and smoothness of the little engine is a delight to experience and mated to the five-speed gearbox its fairly economical but would probably be improved if a six-speed unit was fitted.

As it is, the i20 SE is brisk from lights and the first gear is not too low but moving through the slick gearchange with its longish but light clutch pedal keeps the power nicely flowing, and its best when used one-up and struggles more if it has two in the back as well as two infront.

Our overall fuel consumption was reasonable but not exceptional and that's possibly down to the busy top gear at motorway speed.

I liked the balance to the steering and the safe brakes underfoot, while its handling was slightly ponderous and nose-heavy. The handbrake safely held it on slopes.

Room inside was good for four, a pinch for three in the back though, with adequate front seat adjustment and range. The front cloth seats were well shaped and supporting, the rear bench much flatter.

The boot held between the nominal 326 litres up to 1,042 litres with the bench flat so it would easily take shopping and some bulky items.

Visibility was good to the front and sides, slightly less so when reversing and the thick C-pillars and high tail obstructed a clear view so the parking sensors were necessary and effective. Lights were good although high beam was a little short-sighted for my liking on country roads.

Noise levels were low with some modest road rumbles ever present but wind and mechanical noises were low unless the engine was pushed into its upper limits when it sounded busy.

The i20 designers have done a very good job of creating a practical and stylish interior with well defined and segregated controls which all worked well, straightforward instruments that were clear to read and ensured there was good oddments space infront and back for a family car.

Externally, they have also produced a distinctive, classy and clean look.