There are plenty of choices if you want hot-hatch looks with toned down performance. Paul Acres takes a look at Hyundai’s entry in the market place

is also included. There’s also a wireless charging pad for your mobile.

The multimedia system’s menus are clear and responsive, despite the slightly dated-looking interface.

It feels properly put together but there are a few scratchy plastics here and there that impact on the overall quality.

It is comfortable, though, with supportive seats that offer ample adjustment for front-seat passengers.

Legroom is adequate in the rear but passengers over six feet will bemoan – possibly – the lack of decent headroom.

The boot’s capacity is 395 litres with the rear seats in place and they can be folded away in one simple motion to free up 1,301 litres.

The N Line doesn’t deliver anything close to hot hatch performance, nor is it meant to, but the engine will pull eagerly from low down while the exhaust delivers a reasonably sporty note.

Despite the slightly firmer dampers there is still a considerable degree of body roll through corners. The ride is excellent. At speed the i30 handles lumps and bumps with ease, smoothing out crests and compressions with aplomb. It’s a little less successful at dealing with broken surfaces around town at lower speeds where things do get a little choppier. The engine is a peppy little performer if you’re prepared to work it hard.

Peak torque arrives at 1,500rpm but it doesn’t really feel as though it starts to spring into life until the needle starts to approach the 3,000-mark. If you’re looking for hot hatch looks without the hot

hatch performance or the accompanying insurance premiums there are plenty of options out there and, in truth, the i30 N line struggles to make itself stand out from the crowd. It is good looking, is nice to drive and can just about accommodate two adults in the back.

It is also equipped with a decent number of active safety systems and plenty of kit to play with, including the eightinch touchscreen infotainment system that brings with it DAB radio, Bluetooth and smartphone mirroring through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Here’s the thing though, for the same price as the car tested here, you can pick yourself up a full fat i30N. I know what I would do.