A PAIR of new-to-the-range petrol engines and a longer list of fitted as standard safety and comfort features are key selling features of the new generation Hyundai i30 which will go on sale in the UK on March 1st.

But customers will have to pay more for this latest model, with the starting price up to £16,995 for the one littre entry level model - a £1,200 increase on the outgoing 1.4 litre starter model it replaces.

However, buyers will probably reckon the new range is worth the extra outlay thanks to the high level of standard safety equipment on all models which includes a Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Collision Warning System, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Hill Start Assist Control. Standard technology and connectivity equipment also feature with all i30's benefitting from DAB and Bluetooth regardless of trim level.

The entry level S model comes for the first time with Hyundai's three-cylinder, one litre turbo engine and boasts 15" alloys, LED daytime running lights, steering wheel audio controls, electric front and rear windows and driver seat height adjustment.

From £18,695, the SE trim level gets 16" alloys, front fog lamps, a five-inch LCD touchscreen, rear parking assist system, rear view camera and a leather steering wheel. SE specification is available with the three-cylinder turbo petrol engine or a 1.6 CRDi 110PS diesel, with 6 speed manual transmission.

One rung higher up the spec ladder, SE Nav models, which start at £19,645, add integrated satellite navigation with 8" LCD touchscreen, Bluetooth with voice recognition and wireless phone charging. As a £,1000 customer option, the SE Nav specification is available with a Visibility Pack, which comprises dual LED headlights, 17 inch alloys and dual zone climate control.

In addition to the one litre petrol engine, the SE Nav range is available with a new 140PS, 1.4 turbo engine which offers the option of a 6-speed manual, or 7-speed DCT transmission, whilst the 1.6 CRDi 110PS engine, is also available with a choice of manual or DCT transmissions.

Premium models start at £22,195 and come as standard with 17" alloys shod with uprated Michelin tyres, dual zone climate control, electronic parking brake with auto hold function, privacy glass and heated front seats with artificial leather/cloth facings. Drivers also benefit from an electrically adjustable seat, a supervision instrument cluster with 4.2" display and driver assistance systems including front and rear parking assist system and blind spot detection system with rear cross traffic alert and LED front headlights and rear combination lights.

At the top of the range, the Premium SE spec starts from £23,495 and adds a panoramic sunroof, leather seat facings and a heated steering wheel to the Premium specification.