She says, he says: Hyundai i30

The car: Hyundai i30 Active

The price: $23,240 plus on-road costs

The details: 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol; 107kW/175Nm; 7.3L/100km; six-speed automatic, FWD.

He: Hyundai used to be the fledgling cheap and cheerful brand in Australia, but the South Korean car maker has spread its wings in recent years to become a dominant force in the local marketplace. The i30 driven here represents one of the brand's affordable small passenger car offerings. Can Hyundai still do cheap and cheerful, Jess?

She: I think Hyundai delivers more than just cheap and cheerful with this car. I normally would not consider this car as my perception was just that - cheap and cheerful. However after test driving it I must admit I am very happily surprised and I enjoyed my time with it. I appreciate the European-style design, overall drivability and I feel it delivers on price. The approach to the car seems to be one of convenience and I found it easy to do pretty much everything I needed to do. From loading it up with shopping bags, to navigating through traffic, it was all very easy. Did you have the same experience?

He: The driving experience is certainly far from cheap and cheerful. The steering is accurate and well-weighted, it shakes off most bumps without fuss and it feels stable on the open road. It's quite a polished, well-rounded performer in all honesty. Even the engine is a smooth and willing little jigger, wouldn't you agree?

She: Yes I do agree and that is what surprised me the most. I found it very nimble. It worked up and down the gears smoothly, with minimal hesitation when I put my foot down. I do tend to enjoy a stiffer suspension so the i30 felt very stable to me. Whilst it exceeded my expectations, I'm not sure it outclassed its main competitors. How do you think it performs comparatively? 

He: I would say the i30 is spot on the money for this segment without creating any new benchmarks: quiet, refined and comfortable, if not a little plain. I agree there are Europeans that handle more competently on the road, but there are other factors going for this car, including its five-year warranty and 12-month/15,000km servicing intervals. Even the interior, laden with piano black highlights, deep and wide door pockets and a generous 378-litre boot, represents good buying. But so too do the cast of competitors. So, for a bit over 20-grand, what's your money on - this or the more established, perhaps better credentialled rivals? There is a convincing argument for the South Korean.

She: To be honest, I would find the decision quite difficult. My usual preference would be a European car, however I think the i30 really delivers on value. I can't argue with the design either, which is slick and stylish both internally and externally. For me, it is the convenience that this car delivers that would tip me over the edge. Everything was just so easy with this car, and I think that would be the real selling point for people in the market for a car like the i30.