HYUNDAI has revamped the sportiest variant of its ever-popular i30 small hatch range, the SR, with the addition of paddle-shifters on automatics and bigger-bolstered front seats, plus an infotainment upgrade featuring Apple CarPlay and a few subtle cosmetic tweaks.

We spent a week with this warmed-over i30 and found the bigger engine and firm ride lends the car a dose of relaxed, long-legged cruising ability and an air of maturity that belies its small dimensions and sporty yoof appeal.

That’s not to say it lacks fun when the going gets twisty and the speed limit hits triple-digits, for the i30 SR gave us plenty of reason to smile on a deserted stretch of curvaceous country road as well.

It might be getting on a bit, with an all-new replacement on the horizon, but the i30 SR remains a great all-rounder.

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