Korea Rulez

Rego was Victorian.

Over the years, I've driven a range of Korean cars.

They haven't always been wonderful as I recall from my fleet driving days, but the rapid improvement in quality, engineering and technology of vehicles from the land of the morning calm has been nothing short of amazing.

Last week, I hired a Hyundai 130 for a few (very hot) days whilst visiting Adelaide.

I was impressed.

Lots of grey plastic but soft touch.

This thing was well built, well equipped, and a hoot to drive. When I say a hoot to drive, I mean not in the happy tail wagging manner of my MX5, but as an engaging and refined means of urban transportation.

Don't get me wrong. It handled well, the steering was precise, the brakes efficient and it was very comfortable. It was certainly a machine you could happily live with.

Given the forty plus temperatures that Adelaide never fails to provide when I visit, the standard of A/C fitted became very relevant. Believe me, it worked fine.

The mirrors fold automatically.

There were a few surprises when it came to the kit. The mirrors spookily folded when you locked the car, and unfolded when you pressed the key to unlock it. This  reminded me of our Cardigan Corgi's ears. They also unfold when you approach him, but no key is necessary.

Plenty of storage.

The standard navigation worked fine once you got used to it, but it kept telling me (loudly) stuff I didn't really need to know. I didn't take the time to set it up properly, so maybe that can be eliminated. The bluetooth is simple and user friendly.

It was in the sevens....

It also returned pretty close to what was advertised on the fuel consumption sticker. This is, in my experience, comparatively rare.

I'd get hold of one of these things in a heartbeat.

The only real rival is the Kia Cerato with its seven year warranty. Both come from the same manufacturer.