HYUNDAI i30 ACTIVE

PRICE $24,990 drive-away WARRANTY 5 years/unlimited km CAPPED SERVICING $777 over 3 years SERVICE INTERVAL 12 months/15,000km SAFETY 5 stars, 7 airbags ENGINE 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 120kW/203Nm TRANSMISSION 6-speed auto; FWD THIRST 7.4L/100km DIMENSIONS 4340mm (L), 1795mm (W), 1455mm (H), 2650mm (WB) WEIGHT 1276kg SPARE FullFull-size alloy

However, the Hyundai’s tyres had the least amount of grip on our test loop. It didn’t feel as sure footed as the Honda.

Further, the brake pedal felt “soft” relative to the others, requiring more effort to pull up.

Hyundai’s ace is not on the car itself. Its routine service pricing costs a little more than half that of the Honda and Subaru over three years, plus you have the peace of mind of a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. VERDICT This was the closest contest in some years; each of these cars is worthy of consideration.

The Subaru and Honda have badge appeal, an upmarket look and resale value on their side. But the sweet spot in the new Impreza line-up is the next model up, which comes loaded with advanced safety features.

The Civic feels the most securese in corners, has the roomiestro cabin and cargo hold, andan a stunning hi-tech instrumentin display.

Its engine and CVT detract fromfro the daily driving experience.e

The new i30 may look and feel like a $20,000 car with added extras. But for the same $ 25,000 or so as the others testedte here, it has more standardsta equipment, zippier engine,en smoother transmission andan the clear advantage of a five-yearfiv warranty and cheaper runningru costs.