Officials at the fast-growing South Korean brand have every reason to be confident that several cars in the new hatchback and estate line-up are well suited to meeting the needs of the busy fleet motorist.

In addition to subtle adjustments to improve visual appeal, trim and specification enhancements have bolstered the position of mid-range examples and the SE Nav trim in particular is allowing the i30 to be a contender with C-sector front-runners like the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.

Over the past few weeks, our car has been subject to plenty of motorway use and, with 6,500 test miles now on the clock, it is proving to be a good companion on long trips as it uses a high-top gear ratio to settle in to a relaxed cruising gait.

The i30 is also scoring high marks in the comfort stakes, with suspension that cushions most road surface irregularities to provide a ride that’s supple while sufficiently firm for confident handling – and the amount of leg-room in the front has been a pleasant surprise.

Even more relaxing is switchgear grouped to allow easy changes to be made to cruising speed rates – it takes no more than touching buttons on the steering wheel.

Maurice Glover