HYUNDAI'S i30 has always been a solid citizen guaranteed to be a friend of the family.

The generous five-year unlimited mileage warranty highlighted by the sticker on the rear window tells the story of motoring reassurance the Korean company has built its reputation on.

And the latest generation of the family hatchback - launched earlier this year - retains that dependability while adding on the modern motoring accessories demanded in this era of the all-conquering smartphone.

So the exterior is neat and tidy if unspectacular. It features a wide low stance and a stylish front end set off by a natty grille and Hyundai badge as well as LED lights and swept back headlights. Smart 16-inch alloy wheels, flowing lines and a tidy rear end complete the look.

All i30s are well equipped but the interior of the mid-range SE Nav model brings in a dash dominated by an eight-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with buttons either side taking you to the many delights it has to offer.

It is easy to use offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which allows you control your smartphone's music and telephone as well using the phone's data to supply traffic information. Even charging your handset is seamless thanks to the wireless charging pad.

Also included in the £19,805 asking price are DAB radio and a shed-load of safety kit including lane departure warning and emergency braking as well as a camera and radar to aid parking.

The cabin is light and airy with climate control keeping the atmosphere pleasant. There are four vents across the dashboard - the two widest ones featuring chrome detailing. In general good quality materials are used although some of the plastics around the door bins are a little hard and the temperature and fan dials are a bit small.

That said, from the leather-covered steering wheel with controls for radio volume and cruise control to the comfortable and supportive seats, the interior is by and large well put together.

Other highlights are the electric one-shot windows front and rear and a central armrest which hides a handy storage bin. There are also two cup holders up front.

There is plenty of room in the back for two adults with a third able to be accommodated at a squeeze helped by the fact there is a flat floor.

Cubby hole space in the back is limited to two small door bins and pockets in the back of the front seats.

The boot is a decent size easily coping with a family's weekly supermarket shopping as well as catering for the golf clubs thanks to rear seats which can be easily split and folded flat.

Built in the Czech Republic, the i30 uses special steel to produce a lighter, more fuel efficient car which is aided and abetted by a choice of petrol or diesel-sipping engines.

These include the turbocharged 1.0-litre three-pot petrol engine under the bonnet of my test motor - featuring Hyundai's Intelligent Stop and Go technology - which produces an official economy figure of 48.7mpg. In the real world I found this to be just north of 40mpg.

This power unit is a charmer zipping away from the traffic lights with a pleasing rasp and able to cruise at motorway speeds with minimal effort.

The ride is smooth and the handling good with well-weighted steering and good levels of grip giving confidence in corners.