Over the past 20 years or so, Hyundai has gone from having a mediocre reputation at best, to becoming an award-winning, class-leading manufacturer of cars in all shapes and sizes. The South Korean company has humble roots, but thanks to decades of research, development, and manufacturing excellence, it has become the world’s third largest automotive producer by volume, surpassed only by Toyota and the Volkswagen Group. Since the hiring of former BMW designer Thomas Bürkle in 2006, Hyundai’s style has evolved in leaps and bounds, and modern Hyundai cars are some of the most beautiful that money can buy. This aesthetic appeal is matched by top-notch engineering, resulting in vehicles that are as value-for-money as they come. Hyundai’s current model lineup includes SUVs like the Venue, Creta, Kona, Tucson, and Santa Fe, while smaller offerings include the stylish i20 and the petite i10. For those with a need for speed, the recently-introduced i30N hot hatch is a genuine Golf GTI competitor. On the second hand market, the reliable and nippy Hyundai Getz will always be a local favourite, and older Hyundai SUVs still hold plenty of clout amongst family-conscious buyers.