Hyundai i30 will be cheap to buy, insure and refuel

Full details have been released for Hyundai's new i30 small family hatchback, revealing low insurance groups, efficient engines and a starting price of $14,495.

The good looks of Hyundai's new C-segment car have already been noted, but thanks to an efficient diesel engine with emissions as low as 97g/km and fuel economy above 75mpg, Hyundai hopes to appeal to both hearts and minds to make inroads into a market dominated by the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf.

Both petrol and diesel fans will be able to choose from 1.4 and 1.6-litre engines, with the 1.6 petrol only available with an automatic gearbox and the 1.6 diesel optionally available with one in Active trim and above.

Both manual 1.6 diesels are road-tax exempt under the current UK system, although choosing the automatic gearbox for the 109bhp diesel ups its emissions to 145g/km.

Two of the most basic versions sit in insurance group 7E, placing them among the cheapest cars in the segment to insure. The top-of-the-range model falls into group 14E, which is still very reasonable.

Four trim levels will be available, starting with Classic at the bottom. Active, Style and Style Nav are the other choices in ascending order, while there will be five engine power outputs to choose from.

Every new i30 benefits from voice-activated Bluetooth, LED daytime running lights, a multi-function steering wheel, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and one-touch indicators.

Safety systems added as standard across the range include vehicle stability management, emergency stop signal and hill-start assist control.

Active models add 15in alloys, cruise control, rear parking sensors and Hyundai's new dynamic Flex Steer system, which gives the driver the option of three settings: comfort, normal and sport.

Style models get 16in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, front parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, cornering lights, automatic headlights, an automatic de-fogging system for the front windscreen, and electrically folding door mirrors with LED indicators.

Then Style Nav adds a fully integrated touchscreen satellite navigation system and rear-view parking camera.