HYUNDAI has gone on the attack with its second-generation i30 hatch, with which it hopes to further cement its place at the pointy end of the small-car sales charts.

With prices up across the board and a new and impressive range of rivals to contend with including the Mazda3, Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai looks to have its work cut out.

However, with sleek family styling, a class-leading array of equipment, and economical petrol and diesel engines, the new model makes its own very persuasive case in Australia’s most popular vehicle segment.