BOXED IN A LITTLE OFF THE TOP FEWER BASE PLAYERS
Holden Astra RS
$27,240
Virtually line ball with the new
Korean for outputs from a same-size
engine, although delivers them with
a bit more zest. The Astra’s auto is
down one ratio, and less snappy than
the i30’s dual-clutch. But cheaper
price makes Astra hard to go past.Mazda 3 SP25 GT
$31,990
Spirited dynamics and excellent
cabin quality, but a slight demerit in
terms of road and wind noise which
highlight the Mazda’s age. Rorty,
large-capacity atmo engine makes
for an engaging, throttle-responsive
drivetrain, though.ORTRY
THESE...Heart starters
The hatch is only the
beginningofthelatestPD
generation i30 family. By
the end of 2017 Hyundai
will also have 2.0 petrol
versions of the Elite as well
as the SmartSense active
safety gear optional on
the Active. But it’s the i30
N (available in 184kW and
202kW guises) that most
are looking forward to later
this year. There’s also a
coupe-inspired five-door
fastback body style that
will trade space for more
adventurous styling with
a lower roof.03
01 02 03
The i30 is offered with two
centre console designs. Cars
with a manual gearbox, as well
as all Actives, get a regular
handbrake. All others get an
electric park brake, a lidded bin
forward of the gear selector, and
air vents for the rear seats.More than 90 percent of the
previous i30s sold were base
models. Hyundai is hoping
that figure drops to 60 percent
with the new model, with the
remaining 40 percent split
between the luxury Elite and
sporty SR (pictured).01
The new PD i30 is 40mm longer
and 15mm wider than the
GD it replaces. However, it’s
15mm lower, which reduces
front headroom by 24mm (rear
headroom is up 14mm). All
other interior dimensions have
increased, including the boot,
which is up 17 litres to 395L.H tt t
02
@wheelsaustralia 37