There were mixed responses from our judges for the Hyundai i30 Tourer. It did some things very well, but failed to impress in other areas.

Let’s start with the positives. Automatic gearboxes usually take the strain out of hill starts, and the i30 Tourer’s was no exception. The Hyundai happily tackled the slope in drive or reverse.

Our practicality judges found that the boot would take all but one item of our test luggage, and were impressed by the reversing camera, which is standard fit on the Premium model.

For such a well-equipped car the price is keen, and Hyundai’s five-year warranty and aftersales package is one of the best around.

However, the i30 was lacklustre at best in the lane-change test, moving around much more than the VWs and Mazdas and needing big steering corrections from the driver to stay on course. Several judges found that the car wandered in crosswinds, too.

The braking distance of 11.3m from 30mph is respectable, but some way off the class-leaders and was achieved on a bone-dry track.

We enjoyed towing with the i30 hatchback last year and this version has its strengths, but it’s a midfield finisher against such strong competition.