THE Hyundai i20 is well up with the class-leading Ford Fiesta in many ways and yet it costs less secondhand and comes better equipped.

Also, Hyundai's five year unlimited mileage warranty, which is transferable to new owners, gives marvellous peace of mind for most cars built between 2015 and 2020.

There is a new model out now but this previous hatch is good looking and very easy to drive. It also comes with most of the mod cons we expect these days.

All the Korean car makers have now caught right up with those in Europe and Japan and they are producing some excellent cars.

There is tough competition in the supermini sector of course, with not only the Fiesta, but also the very good Skoda Fabia, the Vauxhall Corsa, the Peugeot 208 and the Renault Clio.

I have driven i20s with both petrol and diesel engines and all apart from the lowliest 70 and 75bhp models offer decent to good performance. But of course, if cheap running costs and low insurance rates are most important, these are the models for you.

Between 2012 and the present, there have been 1.1 and 1.4 litre diesels with either 73 or 88bhp. The 1.1 is very slow, with a 0 to 60 miles an hour time of 15.5 seconds, but it will do over 70 miles per gallon.

The 1.4 is still quite leisurely, getting to 60 in 11.7 seconds, but again, economy of 60-plus mpg means huge range on a tankful.

Petrols, from lowest to highest power, start with a 73bhp 1.2 that later came with 84bhp. These reach 60 in 13.2 or 12.4 seconds and are both capable of 47mpg.

Next comes a 1.4 with 98bhp which is willing and peppy. It covers the sprint in 11.2 seconds and will do about 42mpg.

Finally come a pair of the latest 1.0-litre turbos with either 98 or 118 bhp, but these are only available in mid - to high spec cars.

The 98bhp model gets to 60 in 10.4 and will still do 50mpg, while the 118 brings the time down to 9.9 seconds and economy to 46mpg.

There are three and five door body styles available plus a hiked SUV lookalike and the three door looks rather like a small coupe.

The 1.2 petrol is by far the biggest seller and in 84bhp form, it has a decent, peppy feel that makes nipping in and out of traffic a delight.

All have reasonably positive power steering that helps towards good and safe handling and there is plenty of grip and good balance through corners.

Where this car really scores well is in comfort. It's composed and refined, soaking up bumps and potholes well, albeit with a more lumpy feel at slow speeds in town.

All come with very good equipment compared to rivals at the same money. Most have four electric windows, height adjustment for drivers' seat and height and reach adjustment for the column.

They also have electric mirrors, seven inch touch screen, remote locking, loads of airbags and traction control. Mid-range SE adds steering wheel stereo controls, alloys, parking sensors, air conditioning and cruise control.

Unusually for a small car, there is good rear legroom allowing one six footer to sit comfortably behind another, plus a good-sized boot.

Pay about £5,200 for a '17 17-reg 1.2S five door, or £9,000 for a '19 19-reg 1.0T 100bhp Premium Nav.