Hyundai i40 Premium: from $45,590 plus on-roads; 1.7-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder; 100kW/320Nm; FWD; 6.0L/100km and 159g/km CO2.

Value

Holden: $1400 dearer than the slightly smaller Hyundai (the Holden is classified as large car and the Hyundai a mid-sizer) on purchase price but loaded with goodies to suit, including leather trim, heads-up display, self-parking technology, front and rear sensors and reverse camera, electric park brake; sat-nav, internet radio, 8.0-inch touchscreen, Bose stereo, push button start, heated front seats and dual-zone climate control.

Hyundai: Cheaper of the two but misses out on heads-up display, blind spot monitor and forward collision warning. Trumps the Holden with an auto dimming rear view mirror, streamlined radio antenna and a cooling function for its leather-appointed front seats.

Winner: Holden

Inside

Holden: There's a distinctly European feel about the latest Calais V. Inside, occupants are treated to an eclectic mix of cosseting soft leather, suede and chrome highlights, which are blended together in a polarising black/white colour scheme. There's ample room for rear seat passengers, though the boot falls 9 litres short of the i40's, at 496 litres. No split-fold seats for the sedan, either.

Hyundai: Hyundai has done a commendable job with the i40's interior, with its legible displays and blue illumination. Clever use of metallic finishes also brightens the formal feel. Despite sleek styling and ambient lighting throughout the cabin, the Hyundai's internals are held back by uninterrupted sections of dark plastic. Leg room is great for a mid-size car, but the seats are less pampering than the Calais. The front seat-backs are adorned in hard plastic, too, although at least the rear seats split-fold for larger storage space.

Winner: Holden

Under the bonnet

Holden: The Commodore's lazy six-cylinder may be showing its age in fuel economy terms but it's still user-friendly. The 3.6-litre engine has been carried over from the VE predecessor, offering copious reserves of torque and brisk acceleration. The trip meter read 9.3L/100km during our time with the car, though that figure would spike considerably in city-only driving. Holden doesn't offer a diesel-powered direct rival for the i40 in its new Commodore range, but does offer an oil-burner in the mid-sized Malibu.

Hyundai: The i40's 1.7-litre turbo diesel engine is fuel-efficient and provides sharp bursts of acceleration. Stand on the accelerator and, after a momentary hesitation, the Hyundai builds up speed swiftly, complemented by a smooth-shifting six-speed box. We saw relatively frugal fuel economy figures of 6.4L/100km during a mix of city and highway driving. The Hyundai's diesel mill offers technology you can't get in a Commodore, and is just as well rounded.

Winner: Hyundai

How it drives

Holden: The Calais' suspension tune has been softened for comfort, and the result is most telling during long country drives. Despite riding on 19-inch wheels, the Calais irons out everyday road imperfections. It hasn't lost its racing pedigree either, boasting nice weighty steering and good dynamic abilities when you drive it enthusiastically. The cabin is well hushed, with additional sound insulation installed to mute out all but the faintest of road and engine noise.

Hyundai: The i40 finds itself most at home during daily driving, with a suspension tune that deals comfortably with bumps and potholes but is less adept in enthusiastic driving. The Hyundai's steering isn't as communicative as the Calais, but it is still a competent, well-rounded package nonetheless.

Winner: Holden

Maintenance and warranty

Holden: Both the V6 and V8 variant Calais are offered with a comprehensive capped price servicing program of $185 per 15,000km interval, for the first three years or 60,000km. Standard three-year/100,000 kilometre warranty included in purchase price. VE-plated 2012 models are currently valued between $31,600 and $34,800, according to Redbook.

Hyundai: The diesel-powered i40 is offered with a $329 capped price servicing program (15,000km intervals), valid for first three years or 45,000 kilometres. Trumps the Calais with five-year unlimited kilometre warranty. However, resale is equally unfavourable: second-hand 2013 models are currently valued between $32,600 and $35,800.

Winner: Draw

Verdict

Holden: The latest Calais is at the head of the pack in terms of technology and equipment but budget shortcomings mean it is still only offered in V6 or V8 petrol variants. The big country, big engine formula hasn't failed Holden yet, but it does hold the Calais back in some respects.

Hyundai: Don't let the run sheet fool you; the Hyundai is an extremely impressive bit of gear. It's quiet and comfortable and, while it cannot match the Commodore for value and overall finesse, it stacks up as a more efficient family car alternative.

Winner: Holden