The Korean company always supplies a large number of safety systems on its cars, so Hyundai i20 Coupe safety levels are reassuringly high.

Passive systems include six airbags (front, front seat side and curtain), seatbelt pre-tensioners in the front and there are two ISOFIX anchorage points in the rear.

Trying to keep you out of trouble in the first place is electronic stability control, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM – it further enhances the capability of the stability control), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS – glows the rear brake lights brightly under heavy braking) and Hill Start Assist Control (keeps the brakes on until you start to move under acceleration).

Other helpful aids include the tyre pressure monitoring system, there’s impact-sensing auto door unlocking to help aid a quick exit following an accident as well as speed-sensitive door locking that locks the doors once the car has moved off.

To help prevent theft the car is fitted with an immobiliser and a perimeter alarm.

• Spilt rear seats and decent boot size and shape aid practicality
• Space in the back is a bit tight though

Even its hatchback sibling, the Hyundai i20, is not exactly the most practical of cars thanks to a small footprint, but the i20 Coupe offers a useful boot size and shape. It’s enough to stash a weekend bag and shoulder laptop bag, plus a medium-sized suitcase will go in without the need to drop the rear seats.

The rear seats do spilt 60/40 though they don’t fold flat leaving an unhelpful bump so it’s not easy to slide in awkward-sized boxes. The Hyundai i20 hatchback has a better set-up creating a load floor that flows from boot into the cabin, although the rear seats don’t fold completely flat.

Up front there’s a couple of cupholders and a small tray for holding loose change. In front of the gearlever is a large space that slopes forward – ideal for slipping your mobile phone into. Given there are two 12-volt power points, a USB connection and an aux-in jack, it’s an ideal nesting place for music and MP3 devices.

The SE and Sport trims (not Sport Nav) feature a smartphone holder and transform a smart phone into a handy sat-nav. The system is compatible with modern versions of iPhone (5 and 6) plus Samsung’s Galaxy 5.5-inch screen and below.