• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    The car is an ideal solution for us as grandparents. It provides plenty of room and easy access for transporting grandchildren. It is economical and easy to drive.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Some were surprised that we had bought a Korean car but everyone has commented on the good styling and general appearance.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    We would not buy again due to the poor spare parts support. I have asked Hyundai Customer Service if the brake caliper failures are being investigated by Hyundai and a permanent solution found, but they can't or won't give me an answer. There have been no recalls of the model that I am aware of. My knowledge of the lack of spares is restricted to brake parts but it does make you wonder what else you might have to wait ages for. The published fuel consumption figures do not compare with reality. For instance, urban driving seldom returns better than 48 mpg (my figures) and that's driving with a very light foot. In conclusion - an excellent car which is blighted by a lack of spare parts back-up.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Ford C-Max.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £14,500

    When did you buy the car?

    October 2011

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    I think the deal we got was about right for the age and mileage.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Needed a roomy, easy to drive practical car with good looks and a long warranty.

    What was the dealer like?

    The dealer was about average. At the time of purchase, nothing exceptional but nothing to annoy either.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    It is easy to drive with pleasantly weighted power steering and easy gear changing. The car handles well for an MPV.

    What's it like to park?

    Parking is easy, rear vision is good and the rear parking sensors work well with the alarm frequency increasing as you approach a fixed object.

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Our car experienced a failure of the nearside rear caliper which jammed in the 'handbrake on' position. The wait for a new caliper is approximately 5 weeks. Even worse is the fact that Hyundai will only change the failed caliper not the rear set (both sides), so you could get your car fixed and have a repeat problem on the other side shortly afterwards. I have asked Hyundai Customer Service if the failures are being investigated by Hyundai and a permanent solution found, but they can't or won't give me an answer. There have been no recalls of the model that I am aware of.

    What's most practical about your car?

    The car is stylish for an MPV, roomy and practical with a high level of equipment. The interior layout and appearance is excellent. The seats provide good support and comfort for long journeys. The glass sunroof is good to use on sunny days if you prefer some contact with the outside world instead of using the air conditioning, but wind noise levels can be intrusive over 50 mph. Storage space is good with plenty of room under the boot floor for items you would prefer to keep out of sight or prevent from rolling about.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Sunroof