2018 Hyundai i30 Hatchback

It’s tweaked again with more streamlined looks, likable modern features and plenty of roomy hatchback practicality.  For 2018 Hyundai i30 buyers will enjoy the South Korean’s nice small car design that’s backed up with a dependable drivetrain and fun dynamic performance.

Hyundai cars have leapt into the performance hatchback arena with the addition of a 1.6-Turbo SR model.  And that’s not to say that the standard 2.0-litre petrol hatch is no slouch either.  For those who like their performance in turbo-diesel torque, then the frugal 1.6-litre CRDi is the way to go.  Now, let me just acclaim these engines because when you slip into one of the very nice looking i30 hatchbacks you’ll find that the standard 2.0-litre is quick in its own right, the CRDi delightful and the SR a serious performance contender.  You might be aware that the Hyundai i30N scares the pants of a VW Golf GTi or Pug equivalent, but that model has a review in its own.

Whatever your perception of a Hyundai Hatchback was even just a decade ago has to change.  They were very reasonable cars that offered practicality and comfort, along with dependable engines and a price that was hard to overlook.  Fleet buyers enjoyed them back then for these very sensible reasons.  Fast forward to the here-and-now and Hyundai’s i30 Hatchback is very attractive to the eye and comes packed with some serious performance.

2018 Hyundai i30 Interior

Base model i30 Go and i30 Active versions boast the 2.0-litre GDi petrol motor that puts 120 kW effectively down on the road via FWD efficiency.  You can opt for a six-speed manual or six-speed auto for getting the work done, and the smooth responsive set-up is rewarding to drive.  Sitting on 16-inch alloys the Go and Active models are looking good.  Occupants inside the Go and Active, however, sit on a modern cloth textile which proves hardwearing and stylish, and are much wider than 16-inches!

Next in line come the Elite and Premium CRDi models with the option of a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel with a lovely blend of performance (100 kW) and fuel efficiency.  Superb fuel economy sets a benchmark with well under 5 litres/100 km achievable on a combined running cycle.  Who wouldn’t say no to that sort of economy matched to a talented FWD chassis that rewards the driver with clean handing and accurate steering.  Torque flows lustily from as low as 1750 rpm, with the six-speed manual providing 280 Nm between 1500-and-3000 rpm.  Go for the DCT sequential seven-speed gearbox and you have 300 Nm punch between 1750-and-2500 rpm.  Elite and Premium models get a 17-inch alloy upgrade.  The leather Elite and Premium interior puts the i30 into luxury hatchback territory.

Thrill seekers will be steered towards the 1.6-litre petrol turbo model known as the i30 SR and i30 SR Premium.  FWD dynamism delivers 150 kW at 6000 rpm and 265 Nm of torque between 1500-and-4500 rpm.  Shod with 18-inch rubber, the contact with the ground is tenacious.

At a bit over 4.3 metres long, the modern i30 Hatchback offers very good cabin space even for those in the rear seats.  The boot holds 395 litres of volume with the rear seats up ready for filling with bags, groceries and any other shopping.  You can split-fold the rear seats or fold the entire row flat, so as a practical, roomy hatchback that performs its duties very well the Hyundai i30 is great.

The 2018 Hyundai i30 exterior design looks really good from every angle.  Personally speaking, it’s more interesting than a VW Golf or even a Civic, and it’s as nice as the brand new Corolla or Holden Astra hatchbacks.  Even the Go and Active variants get the chrome grille edging and a sporty rear spoiler which straight-away gives the car a premium look.  Elite models and upward get the stylish chrome grille inserts, while the SR gets snazzier alloys and dual chrome exhaust outlets.

All models come with modern LED exterior lights which look incredible and are very effective for night driving.  Cruise control, Rain sensing wipers, an Electronic Park-Brake (EPB), powered windows, Auto Link and steering wheel mounted controls are standard for all Hyundai i30 models.

Security while owning one of these desirables needs to be strong, so central locking, an engine immobiliser, an anti-theft alarm, and keyless entry keeps it ahead of the game.

All models come well-equipped with infotainment technology: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a Touch screen with an 8-inch display, a six-speaker audio system that’s as good on the Go as it is in the Elite model, and Bluetooth audio streaming is very nice to use.  Premium models get a seven-speaker audio upgrade.

Premium safety equipment is all there, and it’s been tested in 2017.  Crash testing has given the current Hyundai i30 the full five stars.

Like many new Hyundai designs, they look so good.  This new i30 hatch has pronounced wheel arches, a long sweeping roofline and modern styling that looks dynamic and sporty. It’s going to appeal to many new car buyers who are looking for a very affordable hatch with eye-catching design and top features.

2018 Hyundai i30 Hatch

The 2018 Hyundai i30 model series includes the:

• I30 Go
• I30 Active
• I30 Elite
• I30 Premium
• I30 SR
• I30 SR Premium

For any more information on the new Hyundai i30 or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Hyundai dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!