Hyundai have upped the ante in the family hatchback market with the arrival this week of the new Hyundai i30 ahead of schedule. It arrives in showrooms this week and challenges the big guns in terms of price, specification and design.

All model will be Tax Band A (€160 road tax) including the petrol model which proves that petrol can be as clean a diesel. The 1.4-litre 100hp Elite petrol model is competitively priced at €17,995. There are two diesel engines with the 1.4-litre 90hp Elite Plus likely to be the best selling model at €21,495. There is also a 1.6 diesel starting at €22,295 in Elite Plus spec and 110hp.

The long list of features include: Air Conditioning; L.E.D. lights - front and rear; Front Fog lights; Glove Box Cooler and USB + Aux Ports. The Elite Plus adds: Alloy Wheels; Cruise Control; Bluetooth telephone with Voice Recognition; Electric Folding Mirrors; Flex Steering which allow the driver to set steering response and a front centre arm rest.

The recent launch of bigger i40 has been attracting the attention of many large family car buyers. Likewise this new car should generate the same level of attention from buyers of hatchbacks. It has the looks, the specification and the overall quality to win over many in the market for this type of vehicle.

All Hyundai cars now come with a five-year manufacturers unlimited mileage warranty, five years roadside assistance and an annual vehicle health check for five years. A Crosswagen (estate) will be launched later in the year and will account for a third of sales when it arrives.