Model Update

By all accounts, the new Hyundai i30 is a great small hatch. All the bases are covered; this car has plenty of talent. The i30’s neatly finished exterior boasts a design that is fresh and different, and Hyundai claim that the smart exterior design has been aided by German assistance. The side on view displays lines that are very artistically polished, with the eye catching ridgeline sweeping back just above the side skirts being a particular highlight. The elevated taillights not only look superb but their height also makes the car’s rear end highly visible to traffic at the rear. Striking alloys and a unique, integrated bumper deign wholly complete the Hyundai i30.

Onboard, are many highly advanced features which make the Hyundai i30 very comfortable, entertaining and safe. The driving enthusiasts will be particularly interested to hear that the neutral dynamics have been specially tuned and tested to deliver a sporty flavour – without being too harsh. The Hyundai i30 SR positively has a fun chassis. Two petrol fed engines disclose 85 kW and 105 kW outputs respectively.

Five star safety, contoured and stylish seats, air conditioning with a pollen filter, a glove box cooler, a first-rate audio system, a USB/iPod auxiliary link, over twenty storage compartments and steering wheel controls create quite a statement.

The all new Hyundai i30 is a Mazda 3 or VW Golf sized five-door hatchback. The new Hyundai i30 has a slightly different nose and tail design that swings away from the design cues employed recently by Hyundai.

And so the i30 uses very curvy lines that are pleasant to the eye and relatively conservative. A chrome blade across the top of the front upper air intake, and the large shapely headlights give a tidy face. The tail lights are tall, vertical and pointed, and give an appealing finish to the rear end of the car

The whole car feels strong and solid. The doors close snugly and the interior mouldings fit together beautifully. The front facia and door-trim upper sections are covered in high-quality padded plastic, and the seat fabric is stylish and has a durable feeling. Inside the cabin of the Hyundai I30, a pleasant amount of chrome detailing has been added to give a pricier interior ambience. This is a cabin that passengers will enjoy being in. Front and rear seating is comfy and supportive, which makes for easy long journeys. Closer to the driver’s attention are the dials and instrument panelling, which have striking blue graphics and look sophisticated enough to give the Hyundai i30 a true sense of class. The driver’s stance behind the wheel is easily adjusted for comfort because the driver’s seat has an excellent range of adjustment for both the seat and the steering wheel.

With one of the longest wheelbases in its class, the Hyundai i30’s legroom and relaxed comfort is superb. Reviewing the internal spaces, you’ll see that the boot is ample in volume and inside the cabin, there are plenty of storage spaces – including a decent-sized air-conditioned glove box (no more melted chocolate). There are three levels of interior trim. These are called Comfort, Style and Premium. Every model gets aluminium alloy wheels, ESP with traction control, an iPod/MP3 connection plus USB port, heated mirrors, a CD player, very efficient air conditioning, stereo controls on the steering wheel, front fog lights and four electric windows. Want more? Then the Style version adds leather to the steering wheel, seat edging and front centre armrest, plus 16″ rather than 15″ alloys and a tyre-pressure monitor. And if you go for the Premium model, you will enjoy great looking 17″ wheels, reversing sensors, automatic air conditioning, electrically folding door mirrors, an electro-chromatic interior mirror, and full leather trimmed seating that is heated in the front.

Each of the Hyundai i30s moves quietly, and inspires confidence for the quicker driver – even though the overall suspension setup is for a softer and more compliant ride that nullifies bumps superbly. The I30 steering has a good feel. And the good feedback is due to a very well engineered electrically assisted steering system.

The Hyundai i30 offers two engines at the moment. These engines are the 2.0 litre petrol unit and the 1.6 CRDi diesel unit. Power ratings show the 2.0 litre petrol to be a strong engine that delivers a healthy 105 kW at 6000 rpm. With a torque figure of 186 Nm at 4600 rpm combined with Constant Variable Valve Timing technology you have an efficient and relaxed drive that is willing to be pushed hard when the need arises – just the way I like it. The 1.6 litre diesel is particularly strong in the torque department with 255 Nm available between a large and useful 1900 – 2750 rpm. The Variable Geometry Turbo technology makes the little diesel superbly responsive and yet in manual form a staggering 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres can be achieved! Both Hyundai i30 models are very capable of covering the miles in a relaxed and fuss-free fashion. In true diesel fashion, the point to point progress of the diesel variants of the Hyundai I30 on the open road is as rapid and every bit as progressive as the 2.0 litre petrol alternative. The flexible and frugal Hyundai 1.6 litre diesel is the engine that appeals to me. The 1.6 diesel manages an impressive 60 mpg on the official combined-cycle test carried out by Hyundai, and in this day and age when fuel prices are soaring, this is an excellent draw card.

Hyundais have improved so, so much over the years, and today, Hyundai safety is excellent. The Hyundai has all the usual safety equipment. Emergency Brake Assist, whiplash-reducing front headrests and front, side and curtain airbags are all standard. Electronic stability control is also standard on all models.

Cars engineered by Korean companies have had a good record in reliability, and it’s likely that the Hyundai I30 will continue this record even though some of the cars will come from the new Czech factory. Hyundai’s market-leading five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty suggests that buyers can remain confident. Hope you enjoyed this Hyundai I30 review.

Current model series include:

• Hyundai i30 SX 2.0
• Hyundai i30 SX CRDi 1.6
• Hyundai i30 SLX 2.0
• Hyundai i30 SLX CRDi 1.6
• Hyundai i30 SR 2.0

For any more information on the 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 quotes requests out to our national network of Hyundai dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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