2017 Hyundai i30 Review
5 Hyundai i30 reviews - in one
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A detailed, easy-to-browse Hyundai i30 review
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finder score: 82.20%
Avg. critics score: 82.20%
5 critics
5 critics
How did we calculate this? We analysed and aggregated the scores of Cars Guide, Car Advice, WhichCar, Motoring and Car Showroom to bring you the finder.com.au score. This is a comprehensive score that brings together the four different expert ratings you see below.
Finder.com.au is personal finance comparison site that provides you with the tools you need to make better decisions. Learn
how we work and how we make money.
how we work and how we make money.
Critic reviews
| Website | Rating | Notable quotes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars Advice | 85% | "While the infotainment system could look a little neater — it feels a bit busy with so many buttons — it's one of the best we've experienced in this segment." | Read more |
| WhichCar | 80% | "So far as creating a true alternative to the Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai’s effort is successful, and genuinely worthy of applause." | Read more |
| Cars Guide | 83% | "The i30 is a perfect example that you don't always have to spend big bucks to buy something that's still a little bit special." | Read more |
| Motoring | 83% | "The i30 is a seriously good car, and deserves its place among Japanese and German contemporaries." | Read more |
| Car Showroom | 80% | "So far as creating a true alternative to the Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai’s effort is successful, and genuinely worthy of applause." | Read more |
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How does the Hyundai i30 compare with its peers?
The complete Hyundai i30 review
Hyundai i30 Pricing
Starting from $19,990 (as of 2018), the Hyundai i30 is available in 6 different specification levels and comes with a choice of 3 engines. Check the table below for model pricing.
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| 2.0L GDi Go | $19,990 |
| 2.0L GDi Active | $20,950 |
| 2.0L GDi Go Auto | $22,290 |
| 1.6L CRDi Go | $22,490 |
| 2.0L GDi Active Auto | $23,250 |
| 1.6l CRDi Active | $23,450 |
| 1.6L CRDi Go DCT | $24,990 |
| 1.6L Turbo GDi SR | $25,950 |
| 1.6L CRDi Active DCT | $25,950 |
| 1.6L Turbo GDi SR sunroof | $27,950 |
| 1.6L CRDi Elite DCT | $28,950 |
| 1.6L Turbo GDi SR DCT | $28,950 |
| 1.6l CRDi Elite DCT sunroof | $30,950 |
| 1.6L Turbo GDi SR DCT sunroof | $30,950 |
| 1.6l Turbo GDi SR Premium DCT | $33,950 |
| 1.6L CRDi Premium DCT | $33,950 |
Hyundai i30 review overview
Buyers are spoilt for choice in the fiercely competitive small-car segment, but the Hyundai i30 should be one model right near the very top of your test-drive list. The 2017 i30 is the third iteration of Hyundai’s popular five-door hatch, and it offers a pretty compelling package to buyers.
It all starts with the high-quality interior, which offers comfort and refinement along with practical design. The i30 is loaded with equipment, including easy smartphone integration and a host of safety technologies, and the infotainment system is easy to use.
Under the bonnet, the 1.6L turbo petrol is the pick of the engine options, but there’s also a naturally aspirated 2.0L petrol and a 1.6L turbo diesel available. Impressive handling and on-road dynamics are also hallmarks of the i30 range, with the SR range in particular drawing praise from reviewers as a “warm” (but not hot) hatch.
All of this is presented in a stylish and sophisticated package, with the i30 boasting understated European good looks that may surprise drivers with an old-fashioned view of the South Korean marque.
However, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of, such as a higher entry-level price than previous i30s and the slightly clunky performance of the dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which is only available on some models, in stop-start city traffic.
But do the positives outweigh these negatives? Let’s take a closer look.
Engine and performance
The i30 is available with a choice of three engines:
- A 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol 4-cylinder, available with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed auto
- A 1.6L turbocharged petrol 4-cylinder, available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DCT auto
- A 1.6L turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder, available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DCT auto
The 2.0L petrol is the entry-level engine of the range, replacing the previous generation’s 1.8L offering. The new engine pumps out an extra 13kW and 28Nm, and boasts fuel consumption figures of 7.3L (manual) or 7.4L (auto) per 100km.
Those consumption figures are more or less the same as those churned out by the 1.6L turbo petrol, which the reviewers agreed provided a sportier, more enjoyable drive. It’s a responsive and brisk performer, providing a predictable spread of power across the rev range.
The turbo diesel is the most fuel-efficient offering, getting 4.5L per 100km in the manual. It’s also the most common engine across the range and promises smooth and quiet driving – in other words, it’s great if you like relaxed cruising but underwhelming if you want performance to quicken the pulse.
| 2.0L GDi | 1.6L turbo diesel | 1.6L turbo petrol | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum power | 120kW @ 6,200rpm | 100kW @ 4,000rpm | 150kW @ 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 203Nm @ 4,700rpm | 280Nm @ 1,500–3000rpm (manual)300Nm @ 1,750–2,500rpm (DCT) | 265Nm @ 1,500–4,500 rpm |
| Valve system | 16 valve, double overhead cam (DOHC), dual continuously variable valve timing (D-CVVT) | 16 valve, double overhead cam (DOHC) | 6 valve, double overhead cam (DOHC), dual continuously variable valve timing (D-CVVT) |
| Fuel consumption | 7.3L/100km (manual)7.4L/100km (auto) | 4.5L/100km (manual)4.7L/100km (DCT) | 7.5L/100km (DCT and manual) |
| Available in | Go and Active variants | Go, Active, Elite and Premium variants | SR and SR Premium variants |
Interior and other features
Before stepping inside the i30, it’s worth stopping to admire the view. The reviewers noted that this small hatch looks more like something you might expect from a European marque, and from a car that costs more than $30K. It’s a subtle and fairly classy design, if a little too nondescript and straight-laced for some tastes. A choice of 12 exterior and 2 interior colour options completes the impressive aesthetic package.
But it’s the interior where the i30 really shines. There’s a premium, high-quality feel right throughout the cabin, and a “less is more” design feel that the reviewers unanimously loved. The net result is an interior that feels a whole lot more upmarket than the i30’s price tag suggests, though there are still a few hard plastics that aren’t all that nice to the touch.
The dash has been intelligently designed and flows smoothly from one side to the other, with all the necessary instruments and features easy to read and access. The centrepiece is an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen which, while it may look a little clunky and confusing, impressed the reviewers for its overall user-friendliness.
The satnav set-up is similarly pleasing, while Bluetooth and support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto increase the level of practicality. There’s no CD player, however, so if you still rely on compact discs for audio entertainment then it’s time to think about updating your music collection.
In the rear stalls there’s reasonable leg, head and shoulder room for a couple of adults, and seating is sufficiently comfortable. However, you’ll find more space in the back seats of some of the i30’s small car rivals, for example the Honda Civic. There’s also no rear air vents to help the occupants stay cool in the i30’s base models.
A centre armrest boosts comfort levels and adds a couple of cup holders, and this back row folds down in a 60/40 split if you want extra cargo space.
Speaking of cargo space, the i30’s boot has 395L of it, but this expands to 1,301L with the rear seats down. That’s pretty good for a car in this class, and there are loads of convenient storage pockets and hidey holes spread right throughout the interior.
From a safety perspective, 7 airbags and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating headline the i30’s list of features. However, it’s worth pointing out that this rating was based on tests of Hyundai’s Elantra, which shares key structural components and safety gear with its i30 stablemate. Electronic stability control (ESC), rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera are standard across all models, but you’ll need to step up to the Elite level or above to access a wider range of active safety technologies.
Top-spec models boast blind-spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, a lane-keeping assist system, forward collision warning and lane-change assist. A handy park assist system is also available in the Premium and SR Premium variants.
| Go | Active | Elite | Premium | SR | SR Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leather appointed seats | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Air ventilated and heated front seats | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Dual zone climate control with auto defog | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic park brake | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes (DCT only) | Yes |
| Rain-sensing wipers | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Panoramic glass sunroof | No | No | Optional extra | Yes | Optional extra | Yes |
| Smart key with push button start | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Engine immobiliser and anti-theft alarm | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth phone connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Satnav | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 8-inch touchscreen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Autonomous emergency braking | No | No | Yes | Yes | es (DCT only) | Yes |
| Blind-spot detection | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping assist system | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes (DCT only) | Yes |
| Emergency stop signal | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Luggage net | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cargo area (min/max) | 395L/1,301L | 395L/1,301L | 395L/1,301L | 395L/1,301L | 395L/1,301L | 395L/1,301L |
| Rear fog lights | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LED daytime running lights | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wheel type | Steel | Alloy | Alloy | Alloy | Alloy | Alloy |
The Hyundai i30 review consensus
The finder score of 82.2% from the critics reveals that the i30 is one very refined package indeed. From its grown-up styling and pleasing handling performance to the feature-packed and thoughtfully designed interior, this is a small hatch that makes a big impression. And whether you’re after fuel efficiency, brisk performance or a cheaper price tag, there are engine/transmission/trim combos to suit a wide variety of drivers.
While there are some slight drawbacks, and you can also get behind the wheel of some of its competitors’ entry-level models for a little less coin, the Hyundai i30 garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews across the board. A 5-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and capped price servicing is offered across the range and increases the i30’s value for money appeal, and this Hyundai hatch shows that you don’t need to fork out big bucks to get a special vehicle.
We mentioned right at the top of this page that the small-car segment is hotly contested, and the i30 is facing a strong challenge from the Toyota Corolla and the Mazda 3. Just like the i30, each of these models has plenty of points in its favour, so it’s a good idea to test drive all three before deciding which one is right for you.
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Pictures: Hyundai
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