Name: Hyundai i30 Review
Item: Hyundai i30
Author: Gumtree.com

Some people want excitement from their car, others want to make a stylish statement. But a sizeable chunk of the car-buying public is looking for something that gets them where they want to go, practically, dependably and safely. When the Hyundai i30 was launched in 2008, it was targeted squarely at the latter group. Thirteen years and several updates later, the car has smartened up its act somewhat. Newer versions retain the practicality while taking the fight to rivals such as the Toyota Corolla, the Mazda3 and the Kia Cerato with sharp new looks and some fancy kit.

Check out the Hyundai i30 model page to browse available cars and learn more.

What we think about the Hyundai i30

The Hyundai i30 is a capable, small family car that’s fun to drive and ticks a lot of boxes.

Pros

Spacious interior

Comfortable ride

Decent range of equipment

Cons

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Entry-level engine delivers so-so performance

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Fuel consumption is better on rivals

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Handling isn’t the most exciting

The mainstay of the range is the hatchback, but there are also hot hatch, tourer estate and saloon versions of the i30. The third generation in 2017 brought in smarter styling, with a decent suite of kit even in the entry-level trim. Stepping up to Premium trim gets you heated artificial leather seats and enhanced safety systems. Take it up another notch to Premium SE trim, and those seats turn into real leather. Those looking for a more feature-heavy version of this sensible car should take a look at the N Line models, which come with a twin exhaust, distinctive bumpers and a more finely tuned suspension.

Driving performance of the Hyundai I30

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

The i30 is comfortable and easy to drive. Its low profile means you don’t wobble about much, and it manages this without compromising on visibility. Entry-level models deliver decent power from 2.0-litre engines, while the 1.6-litre turbo in the N Line models offers more poke. Light steering and a good turning circle make this a manoeuvrable vehicle that’s perfect for city driving. If it’s excitement behind the wheel you’re after, rivals such as the Ford Focus might fit the bill better, but the i30 is a car in which you can enjoy your day-to-day driving.

Safety and reliability of the Hyundai I30

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

The i30 was awarded the full five stars from Euro NCAP in 2017. Safety tech has come on somewhat in the intervening years, but the i30 has kept pace. Lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control are standard across the range, while higher-spec models come with blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert. The i30 enjoys a good reputation for reliability.

Under the bonnet of the Hyundai I30

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

The regular range offers a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel. The larger 1.5-litre petrol engine will deliver 160 brake horsepower, and also includes a mild hybrid starter/generator system. The smaller mild hybrid is a 1.0-litre that delivers 120 bhp. These two engines will take you from 0 to 60 in 8.6 seconds and 11.2 seconds respectively. Those who need more power than that can look at the i30 N hot hatch, with its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 275 bhp.

What you'll find in the Hyundai I30

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The third generation of the i30 gave it something of a makeover, widening the grille, bringing in new headlights and bumpers, and shunting the rear reflectors lower down. It was all part of a bid to make the i30 more desirable and show that practical and sensible didn’t need to mean dowdy. That point is made more forcefully with the N Line models, which boast mesh grilles, black bezel headlights and 18-inch alloys.

Comfort and interiors in the Hyundai I30

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

The styling inside the cabin is solid rather than plush, but it’s well put together, with well-damped switches and knobs and a more robust feeling than a Ford Focus. It also feels like a car with a point to prove to anyone who thinks an SUV is a more practical family car than a hatch. The wide-opening rear doors make it easy to jump in and out of, and it also offers good cabin storage, with large rear door pockets and a roller door in the cupholders that can be used to hide valuables.

What features you'll find in the Hyundai I30

Our Features Rating8 / 10

The latest entry-level i30 comes with an eight-inch screen, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a rear-view camera. A leather steering wheel and 16-inch alloys add some stylish touches, while the directional rear air vents will come in handy for families. Upgrade to the higher trims and you’ll get a 12.3-inch touchscreen (that’s bigger than the one you’ll find in most rivals), with a sharp screen and user-friendly touch-sensitive buttons.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Hyundai I30

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The diesel engines will deliver you 57.6 to 61.4 mpg, while the petrol versions range from 34.0 to 53.3 mpg. It’s respectable but not world-beating. For a car that trades on the value for money it offers, there are a few points dropped here.

Running costs of the Hyundai I30

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

Servicing and repair costs are highly competitive on the i30. It won’t cost much to insure either, with most models sitting in insurance groups in the low teens. The five-year warranty is decent, even if it is beaten by the seven years offered by its sister brand Kia.

Our verdict of the Hyundai I30

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Hyundai i30 is a highly practical, small family car that has upped its game in the style stakes over the years.

Hyundai i30 Review