Suddenly everybody wants to drive a hybrid. And what's more it's the EV market that appears to be feeling the brunt.
Korean manufacturers Hyundai, Kia and luxury marque Genesis were among the first out of the blocks when the EV tsunami hit full speed a couple of years ago.
Now it seems the market has become a bit nervous and is retreating slightly from the all-electric path. And one of the latest to apparently put their finger over the "reverse" button is Korean giant Hyundai.
But rather than ditch its commitment to fossil fuels, Hyundai has entered a holding pattern by introducing petrol-electric hybrid power to its ranks.
And Hyundai's i30 Sedan Hybrid is the flag-bearer for the company's "retreat".
Most of Hyundai's models offer the choice of two or three (non-electric) engine options on virtually every model - usually a standard four-cylinder petrol, a turbocharged variant and, for a selected few, a high-performance "N" model with all the go-fast bits.
It was in that trim that the i30 Sedan was tested - and what an impression it made.
Tested here is the Korean maker's i30 - one of the few models to not only offer a choice of engines but also a hatch or sedan.
The i30 has added another string to its bow with the new hybrid configuration.
Time will tell if this is the precursor to a broader swing away from plug-in EVs or more of a stopgap until electric cars and the required infrastructure are being rolled out at the same pace.
It does illustrate, though, that the latest-generation of petrol-electric hybrids are very impressive off their own bat - and this i30 is as good as any.
Truth is, while it's a new format on Korean brands, the so-called Synergy Drive hybrid isn't particularly new technology. Toyota was the first, more than two decades ago, to fuse the two power sources together to create a vehicle that's incredibly frugal around town, yet powerful and long-legged on weekend trips.
The handsome i30 Sedan Hybrid has arrived in a bit of a hurry but is very impressive.
The model received an upgrade and comprehensive styling refresh last year, making a popular car even more attractive. The addition of the hybrid powerplant will give sales another decent kick along.
With a winning combination of looks, technology, driving dynamics and attractive pricing the i30 Sedan Hybrid seems destined for bigger things.
The i30 sedan has an entry-level cost of about $30,000. Adding the hybrid power pushes up the price by about $4000 for a drive-away price of less than $35,000.
That means one of its key competitors will be - you guessed it - the Toyota Corolla Hybrid or for those looking for more size, the Camry Hybrid.
The i30's hybrid might sound a bit puny - 104KW and 275Nm all delivered via the front wheels - but it's a smooth, surprisingly punchy family load lugger which might well make it a favourite with Uber and taxi drivers.
It's 4710mm long, 1825mm wide and with a wheelbase of 2720 mm long - to the point where it's very nearly as functional as Toyota's ubiquitous Camry.
Equally appealing is Hyundai's claimed fuel efficiency of 3.9L/100km, but even with a small fuel tank (42L) that converts to almost 1000km of driving range - enough to make most EV drivers envious.
The i30 (both hatch and sedan) are nicely presented and impressively capable machines. Having broken cover as an entry-level hatch almost two decades ago, it has developed from a budget model to one elbowing its way into the market premium.
The sedan, in particular, delivers sharp styling, impressive equipment and technology levels and a giant-sized interior that stretches to a cavernous boot.
On the value for money scale the i30's frugal 1.6-litre, engine with six-speed dual-clutch transmission ensures not too much of the cash saved at the dealership is squandered on the open road.
By comparison the base level i30, which runs a two-litre, naturally-aspirated, four cylinder engine, claims efficiency of 6.1L/100km. Which makes the Sedan Hybrid a big car with a small engine and even less of a thirst.
The safety package on the i30 is first class for this spend and includes lane departure warning, dynamic cruise control (pretty generous on a car of this size and price) and a clever driver-attention alarm which makes sure a weary driver doesn't continue without a rest.
There's an eight-inch touch-screen which handles most of the interior cabin functions including audio, satellite navigation and wireless smartphone charging. Apple Car and Android Auto are both standard kit.
That is complemented by a ultra-modern, fully digital instrument panel that is customisable in a variety of formats.
Review camera, dual-zone climate control and rain-sensing wipers are all found on the base model, as are front and rear parking alerts.
HYUNDAI I30 SEDAN HYBRID
HOW BIG?
Much bigger than you might imagine. While it's in the same category as its sibling i30 hatchback (or the Toyota Corolla), its size is more like that of a Toyota Camry.
HOW FAST:
Surprisingly. The Hybrid system works leverly to deliver the optimum power at various speeds, depending you your driving style, which gives it all-round zip.
HOW THIRSTY:
Official fuel consumption is 3.9L/100km which is impressive.
HOW MUCH:
The i30 Sedan Hybrid will cost $33,000 (just over $35,000 on the road) - yet another attractive feature.
