Hyundai i20 Active (2010) - car hire

Coming in at just over $16.5k for an unused model, you're still looking to spend at least $14-15k if you have your bartering boots to hand. For the cost, you'll be driving away with a 5 seat hatchback that boasts an environmentally friendly rating of 5, not to mention a 16 valve engine that tackles long distance travel as efficiently as shorter trips.

Now, that might not seem like that drastic an investment - especially as the standard i20 has an entry price of $15,590, but when you throw in the extra 3 door access and the 136Nm of torque, you have a nifty little vehicle that will ferry the family as easily as it will climb steep gradients on a camping trip. The space does leave something to be desired however, but hey – it's a hatchback.

Its closest competitor would have to be the Mitsubishi Mirage ES (or at the very least the Fiat Punto) for size and space. Where the i20 really excels is in the more modern features, such as the addition of full USB device support and its Bluetooth compatibility, but who couldn't pick up an adaptor separately these days?

The Active PB does boast a 5 star ANCAP rating however, making it one of the safest hatchbacks on the road for the price. There's also the option to choose between automatic and manual variants - which might not be that big of a deal, but we can name at least 4 other similar models that don't offer the same benefits. So, how about the look of this miniature bad-boy?

Okay, so maybe we're stretching the word miniature. Yes, it's a hatchback and yes Hyundai did focus on shaving on a few inches off of the front and back, but it's still far sturdier than the standard i20 model. The 5 door does differ from the 3 door - which doesn't feature the angular aesthetic running along either side.

Compare it to the earlier 2011 rendition and you'll notice a moderate overhaul in the nose section, which has gone for a more snout-ish appearance as opposed to the sloping pug that was the 2011 model. The interior leaves a little to be desired too, what with the notoriously shorter carpet lengths that do nothing to cover up the lower frame, but this won't distract from the overall comfort.

As far as the seating standard and general interior appearance goes, everything seems to be in working order – although it is a little on the plastic-looking side. The dashboard makes up for any misgivings you may have however, with the neatly positioned USB slots and useful button mounts.

All in all, it's definitely better than the standard version and it beats several of its closest competitors on both price and functionality to boot. If you're looking for a decent entry-level hatchback that makes a point of space and comfort, the Active PB could well be the car for you.