Hyundai has come a long with in terms of its suspension, stability and handling right from the grand i10 to verna, probably the elantra? The boat like feel, unstable and all that has been rectified to quite an extent. I drive a grand i10 and its quite stable even at 150kmph. ( I dont endorse overspeeding. It was a one off on an empty stretch). As can be read in the review of the verna the suspension and handling is improving in every facelift. It's not quite there with the europeans but its not bad as you'd think. For highways speeds its just fine. You aren't planning to take your car on the track are you?
The engine, oh man the engine. Its a power house. Quickest in its class and super refined. The Hyundai crdi engines dont quite sound like a diesel engine. Quite silent and very smooth. The power delivery is quite linear. Im a petrol head but have driven crdi engine and it put a smile on my face. Good low end torgue, responsive, almost no turbo lag.
The build quality I agree is not there with the Europeans but close. Hyundai cabins do feel premium and the fit and finish very well done. Panel gaps are consistent.
Finally and most importantly, its not about just buying a car, its about keeping one and after sales service matters alot. The reality is European cars a very good in themselves but are not backed up by good after sales service and until they don't sort that out I think the chances of them gaining on the indian car market share is bleak. I would say Hyundai's after sales service is at par with maruti suzuki in terms of cost. Customer service as far as ive experienced is very good. I've got minor repairs done for free.
Cheers
P.S. I would love to own a polo GT or even a golf GTI for that matter in an ideal world but we aren't in an ideal world now are we?