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Rating 
SummaryRecommended. It's good value, particularly well-equipped, roomy, decidedly more contemporary than most previous Hyundais and comes with a five year unlimited mileage warranty as standard. Biggest suprise of all - it's also pretty good to drive. |
ReviewThis car is very similar to the Kia Cee'd, although they do have individual styling both inside and out. Hyundai owns Kia, but it was Kia that got its new Focus-class model out first, though both offer very similar packages with their contemporary styling, generous equipment and general convenience. The Kia, however, comes with a seven-year warranty, and some may prefer its styling too. The i30 is a major new model for Hyundai, which has not had an offering in this very popular part of the market for some years, and certainly not one as competitive as this. Of particular note are the standard fitment of electronic stability control, six airbags, anti-whiplash front head restraints and seatbelt warning lights for all five occupants. The i30 is also roomier than average for this class, particularly in the rear. Further plus points include an attractive interior whose controls are mostly easy to find and use, and handling, ride and roadholding that are just as good as most hatches in the class - VW GOlf and Ford Focus aside. Less impressive is the average performance of the 120bhp 1.6 petrol engine, making the flexible - and pleasingly economical - 1.6 diesel all the more attractive. The 1.4 engine we have yet to try, while the 138bhp 2.0 diesel should be a brisk performer. The i30 is easy to drive - unless you're large, in which case you may struggle to get completely comfortable at the wheel - and a complex multi-link rear suspension set-up and well-sorted chassis means it rides well on the motorway and around town. The i30 makes quite a very place to sit too, especially compared to past Hyundais, even if the quality of the fittings is a huge step forward, but the buttons aren't as intuitive as they could be. Overall the cabin looks modern and tasteful. The seats are supportive too, and the driver's is height adjustable. All of which makes this a very attractive buy - especially if the warranty appeals - and the price is right. But bear in mind that apparently more expensive - and better - models like the Ford Focus, VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra might be almost as attractive in price terms after you have negotiated a discount, and the i30 may not hold its value as well as these cars either. Nevertheless, it marks a major step forward for Hyundai, and the 1.6 diesel in particular should be on on your shortlist if your considering buying a small family hatchback.
Breakdown
Styling  It looks are contemporary, tidy and to European tastes, both inside and out, but there's a blandness about it though could soon make the i30 look ordinary. |
Handling It's surprisingly adept at tackling a B road, and urban drivers will particularly like the light steering, though this works less well on faster roads, depriving you of some reassuring weightiness at speed. The complex multi-link suspension - a very expensive component to develop - affords the i30 a |
Comfort An i30 plus point this, because it offers above average space in the rear, and decent room up front too. The boot is not as big as some in the class, but the rear seats do fold flat. |
Quality & reliability  A huge step forward from Hyundais of old - the cabin is of such a high quality finish that it could be a Volkswagen. It's all covered by a five year warranty, too. |
Performance The weakest model here, (probably, because we haven't sampled the 1.4 yet) is the 1.6 petrol, which is a bit noisy and does not go as well as it ought. But the 1.6 diesel is a decent performer, and quiet at speed too. The 2.0 diesel should be brisk, though it will cost more to run. |
Roominess Enough space to fit in four full-sized adults with adequate leg, shoulder and headroom for all. The boot's a bit small, but that's because Hyundai left room underneath for a bulky multi-link rear suspension set up which benefits the handling. |
Running costs This might fall to three stars if the i30's secondhand values turn out to be weak, but the five year warranty should help prevent that. Hyundai's dealers tend to be small effective and fairly priced, and the 1.6 diesel's 60mpg-plus potential makes it particularly attractive on this score. |
Value for money A generous equipment count as standard, the five year warranty and relatively keen prices make the i30 a good value buy, but it's well worth checking the available discounts on superior models like the Ford Focus, VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra before you decide. |
Stereo / Sat nav The i30's stereo is fairly decent and easy to use too, but satellite navigation is not an option on this model, though Hyundai dealers can supply an aftermarket system. |
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