Hot Hyundai is causing a stir

function, differential, exhaust, steering (electrically assisted) and stability control are all changeable with owners able to group their preferences together in a custom mode. The stability control can also be switched off if you are feeling particularly brave.

Without the Performance Package the i30N has a standard diff, 18in wheels a little less power and no active exhaust but is £3,000 cheaper.

Inside there is a sat nav/ DAB/smartphone mirroring touchscreen plus wireless charging for the latest smartphones on a kit list more generous than all their rivals.

The six speed manual box is a joy and the brakes are powerful with just the right amount of feel and a progressive pedal.

In Normal mode, there is plenty of grip and respectable body control, combined with a ride that still feels comfortable plus good cornering.

In Sport, the steering weights up a bit; the ride firms up and grip improves as does the exhaust note while N mode brings a more track-focused harsher ride and that 0 to 62 time of under six seconds. Eco is not worth talking about as no one who buys one of these is looking to save the planet.

So have Hyundai nailed a truly hot hatch at the first attempt - pretty nearly with good bang for your buck, mechanical and equipment spec and a powerful, if not raucous driving experience. Against it are that hairy front wheel hopping power delivery and ride and handling which lags behind the opposition, but not by much.

Price wise the base car is £25,010 while the point three-of-a-second quicker Performance version is £28,010 on the road.

More information at www. hyundai.co.uk