68 | NEW CAR BUYERY
ou don’t mess around with a
winning formula, so Hyundai’s
third-generation i30 offers more
of the same: a strong value-for-
money proposition, excellent
quality and reliability backed up
by a generous warranty.
Its styling has become more
conservative, inside and out, to
more closely resemble its Kia
stablemate’s Euro hatch aesthetic.
Prices open at $19,990 for the
120kW 2.0-litre/six-speed manual
Go. That’s excluding on-road
costs, but Hyundai is renowned for
its aggressive drive-away deals,
so go to its website and check out
the current offers, which will save
you about $2500.
A six-speed auto adds $2300.
Active manual is $21,090; the
auto is $23,390.
Elite auto is $27,790 and
Premium is $32,790.
Go and Active are also
available with a 100kW 1.6-litre
turbodiesel, at $24,990 and
$26,090 respectively, matched
with a seven-speed dual-clutch
transmission. The diesel is also
available in Elite ($30,490) and
Premium ($35,490) grades.
A punchy 150kW 1.6-litre
turbopetrol powers the N Line
hatch, priced at $26,490. The
seven-speed transmission adds
$3000 and is standard on the
$34,990 SR Premium.
All models above Active include
a comprehensive suite of driver-
assist safety features: automatic
emergency braking, blind-spot
detection, rear-cross traffi c alert,
lane keeping and radar cruise.
These are available as a $1750
option pack on Go and Active.
In other respects, though,
Active is very well equipped for a
base model, with an eight-inch
touchscreen, navigation, SUNA
traffi c updates and speed-camera
alerts, Apple CarPlay/Android
Auto functionality, 16-inch alloys,
tyre pressure monitoring, a
camera and rear parking sensors.
Active’s 2.0-litre engine goes
well enough, though, like any
naturally aspirated four, it lacks
the midrange pulling power of
a turbo. Still, with the six-speed
auto, it gets off the line smartly,
has adequate performance intown, cruises smoothly and quietly
and has enough top-end power to
safely overtake. Eco, Normal and
Sport modes are provided, but no
automatic stop/start.
On test, the car used
6L/100km on the highway and
10–11L/100km in town, on
regular unleaded.
The suspension is tuned
on the fi rm side for good
control, bump absorption and
roadholding at speed, but with
suffi cient compliance for a
reasonably comfortable ride in
town. The steering feels slightly
vague and disconnected on
centre, a typical Hyundai trait.
Switches and controls
work with precision and the
touchscreen has bright, hi-
resolution graphics.
Voice control works only
with the Android or CarPlay
apps on your USB-connected
smartphone, but the Bluetooth
connection is quick and reliable.
There’s ample driving-
position adjustment, clear vision
(assisted by the rear camera
with moving guidelines) and acomfortable driver’s seat, albeit
with a fairly short cushion.
Rear seat legroom is a bit tight
for tall adults, and there are no
rear vents or backrest angle
adjustment, though the bench
itself is fi rm and comfortable.
Boot space is generous, but you
have to lift objects over a high lip
and put them into a deep well in
the fl oor. The extended fl oor has a
big step in it, too. Active has a full-
size spare on an alloy wheel; other
models have a space saver.
As with the Toyota Corolla, its
closest rival, Hyundai’s i30 offers
set-and-forget motoring, low
running costs and exceptional
quality at a reasonable price,
especially with attractive drive-
away discount deals on Go and
Active models. What’s not to like
about that?HYUNDAI I30 FROM $19,990 S
Safety
ANCAP
PerformanceHandlingQuality and reliabilityComfort and refi nementValue for moneyOverallSTARS
THINGS WE LIKE
Excellent value when “drive away
no more to pay”
Outstanding quality and reliability
Long warranty
High-grade infotainment
specifi cation in base model
Tidy handling and a comfortable
ride
1.6-litre turbopetrol Active is the
pick of the range
THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE
^ Unimaginative exterior styling
^ Tightish back seat space with no
vents
^ Deep boot with high load lip
^ Remote-control steering
^ 2.0-litre engine lacks accessible
torque compared with a turbo
SPEX (Active auto) (^) Made in South Korea
(^) 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol/six-
speed automatic/front-wheel drive
(^) 120kW of power at 6500rpm/203Nm
of torque at 4700rpm
(^) 0–100km/h N/A
(^) 5.9L/100km highway; 10.1L/100km
city; 91 octane; CO 2 emissions are
173gkm
(^) Warranty: Five years/unlimited
kilometres
(^) Standard: Seven airbags, stability
control, automatic headlights,
16-inch alloy wheels, rear parking
sensors, camera, eight-inch
touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple
CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility,
navigation with traffi c updates and
speed camera alerts, tyre pressure
monitoring, cloth upholstery, full
size spare.
(^) Redbook future values: 3yr: 49%;
5yr: 36%
compare with ...
Ford Focus, Mazda3, Subaru
Impreza, Toyota Corolla, VW Golf