HYUNDAI could have given drivers of big German saloons and estates something to think about with the new i40.

It largely matches them pound-for-pound and, if you’re not swayed by badges, it is priced rather temptingly.

I drove the Tourer version and it’s a highly capable motor.

As always with Korean cars, it’s packed with standard kit.

So, whichever trim you choose you get alloys, stop-start, air con, auto lights, air vents for the rear passengers, electric windows all round, Bluetooth, USB and all the safety tech.

Move up to the SE Business spec that I tested, which still comes in at less than £25,000, and you’ve got a car to rival the best out there in this sector.

My car had nav, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, a memory function on the driver’s seat, leather trim, climate control, digital radio, parking sensors front and rear and keyless entry and start.

As comparison-making luck would have it, I had driven a German estate of very similar ilk the week before the i40.

That car cost nearly twice as much and I have to say that the i40 matched it as far as interior quality, passenger comfort, load space and kit was concerned.

Power comes from a 1.7 diesel, with either 115 or 141ps.

It’s a punchy, powerful unit that never leaves you wanting and suits a big car like this down to the ground.

The i40 is superbly suited to the long haul from a comfort point of view, coupled with combined mpg in the 60s on the manual and CO2 as low as 110g/km, which is mightily impressive for a big estate.

Hyundai continues to produce excellent cars and the i40 is an example that it can do value executive cars as well as cheap runabouts.

The i40 matches the ‘bigger names’ in every area and if you’re not fussed about badge loyalty it gives your bank balance something to think about.

The range begins at £20,850 and tops out at £28,850.

Find out more at westovergroup.co.uk/Hyundai