These are interesting times for Hyundai, one of the smaller but more interesting manufacturers. The company which brings you the Coupe sports car has increased sales this year in a market which is down nine per cent.

Much of the credit for the Hyundai boom is down to the smart Coupe, which appeals to sports car fans who want a lot of car for their money. Some have gone to the exceptional Santa Fe, Tucson and Terracan off-roaders which prove Hyundai are an emerging force in the 4x4 market.

But don't ignore the Matrix, a less high-profile model but an important one in that it competes in a new market for Hyundai. It's a mini-MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) which offers, in true Hyundai fashion, a sensible, well-equipped alternative to the likes of Vauxhall Zafira, Fiat Multipla and Ford Galaxy.

In fact, that's only a small part of the competition. There are scores of them, but very few of any real note cost as little as the Matrix. In fact, only Kia Carens and Chevrolet Tacuma undercut it, but Matrix is arguably better than those two.

It's prettier, for a start. Matrix is no style icon but it's inoffensive. Carens and Tacuma are ugly by comparison.

More importantly in this highly practical market, the Matrix has a better choice of engines 1.6 and 1.8 petrols and a 1.5 litre diesel than either of its rivals.

Matrix is a solid, dependable model. The fact that it was launched in 2001 means it's no spring chicken but it was well styled at launch and has been carefully updated.

The fact that it was styled by Pininfarina is a little misleading this is no Ferrari but it's not bad.

It also has a five-year warranty which can be transferred if you don't keep the car a full five years. That's a move designed to engender confidence in the brand and Hyundai deserve praise for that.

It's one of the smaller mini-MPVs which means it's more town-friendly. It rides and handles like a hatchback at times.

Inside, it's comfortable and well-equipped for the money. All have anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels, central locking, CD system and air conditioning. Not bad for a budget car.

It's also spacious. Not quite as big as the Carens or Tacuma, but still more than capable of holding an impressive amount of luggage.

It's also quiet on ordinary roads and reasonably civilized at motorway speeds. In fact, it feels largely as competent as many mini-MPVs costing several thousand pounds more.

The Matrix represents Hyundai's first venture into this market. The company launched the bigger Trajet MPV at around the same time and now has ten main models. Matrix is the fourth best-seller in the Hyundai list.

PRICE: £10,995. Range costs up to £12,195.

ENGINE: A 1.6 litre unit generating 102bhp.

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 105mph, 0 to 60 in 12.7 seconds.

COSTS: Urban 31mpg; extra-urban 44.8; combined 39.8mpg.

EMISSIONS: 174g/km.

WARRANTY: Five years unlimited mileage.

INSURANCE: Group 7.

All T&A road test vehicles are independently selected and assessments are carried out impartially by members of our own staff who base their opinions only on the vehicle supplied for these purposes by the manufacturer.