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Hyundai i30 Hatchback

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Hyundai i30 Hatchback Review

Price range:

$19,590 - $28,590

Car Verdict rating:

Good:

Hyundai’s best car yet - impressive and great value. The diesel has excellent fuel economy.

Not so Good:

Debatable exterior styling. It's a sensible and rational vehicle choice, but perhaps not the most fun choice.

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Hyundai i30 Hatchback Competitors

Mazda 3 45 from: $21,330 car review	Volkswagen Golf 45 from: $21,990 car review	Kia Cerato 35 from: $20,240 car review
Toyota Corolla 35 from: $20,990 car review	Holden Cruze 35 from: $21,240 car review	Ford Focus 35 from: $21,490 car review

view all competitors

Hyundai i30 Hatchback Review

Design and Engineering	Good	Arriving Down Under in Septebember 2007 the i30's styling remains modern today, not surprising considering it was styled in Germany. October 2010 saw the arrival of a very minor cosmetic update in the form of black headlamp bezels (expect more significant changes in 2011 when the mid-life facelift arrives).
Design and Engineering	Not so good	Not sure if you could call the hatchback "good looking" with it's somewhat 'frumpy' rear styling.
Interior and Styling	Good	Impressive modern, high quality interior. Relatively quiet cabin, supportive front seats and a clever iPod dock (comes standard). Roomy second row and large cargo space. October 2010 tech change see's Bluetooth connectivity fitted as standard on all grades as well a follow-home headlight function. The other update was a one-touch triple turn signal for the SLX and SR grades.
Interior and Styling	Not so good	Quality of plastics used is still behind the VW Golf. SX’s (base model) excessive grey trim makes for a dull looking interior. There's a lack of storage compartments for second row passengers.
Performance	Good	Punchy 1.6L turbo diesel has more than enough 'oomph' yet is refined and very economical; 2.0L petrol also has adequate power.
Performance	Not so good	Petrol engine is too noisy and lacks torque.
Ride and Handling	Good	The ride and handling is more competent and comfortable than a number of well-known competing Small cars. The ABS is well tuned for the varied Australian conditions.
Ride and Handling	Not so good	Cheap tyres on base-grade SX promote understeer. ESP not as well tuned as the ABS. Not as fun to drive as say, the Mazda 3...
Buying and Owning	Good	Much improved yet still very good value - Australia’s cheapest diesel small family car? The safety upgrade from late 2009 ensures all grades now come standard with six airbags!
Buying and Owning	Not so good	Hot hatch fans will need to look elsewhere as unlike the Civic, Focus, Golf, Impreza, Lancer or Mazda3, Hyundai don’t offer a go-fast i30 variant.