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I'm impressed, really. The Koreans are churning out a new slew of automobile that answers to every price segment in the car market. If you're a pundit thinking "it's just another Hyundai", well, be prepared to be proven wrong - for once, Hyundai has a product that's on par with the Japanese and European in this segment.
The exterior sways away from the normal and plain-looking Korean cars we're used to seeing. The i30 has a front that looks refreshly modern with its flowing headlamps, gaping lower air intake, integrated fog lamps and a little grill that holds Hyundai's logo distinctively. The sides are well creased with flowing lines, making the i30 nicely proportionate.
Taking out
The exterior sways away from the normal and plain-looking Korean cars we're used to seeing. The i30 has a front that looks refreshly modern with its flowing headlamps, gaping lower air intake, integrated fog lamps and a little grill that holds Hyundai's logo distinctively. The sides are well creased with flowing lines, making the i30 nicely proportionate.
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Despite this, there's a definite hint of "seen it somewhere before" about the i30's rear. There's an uncanny blend of the Mark 2 Fiat Punto and BMW 1-series about it - but it's easily forgivable as the vertical lamps makes the i30's rear prolific enough when compared to the likes of your ordinary Japanese hatches.
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The inside story
It's obvious that Hyundai's attempting to turn the i30 into something upmarket - well laid-out controls, high quality interior plastics, extensive use of leather, doors that close with an assuring "thud", factory-fitted sunroof and top notch build quality. Then top it all off with a factory-fitted audio head-unit.
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The leather seats feel almost real and expensive, and it provides equally good lumbar and lateral support. Up to three adults can be seated comfortably at the rear with extra shoulder room to spare, but just like any other hatchbacks, headroom remains limited. There's also an array of storage spaces within the interior to keep knick-knacks safely off prying eyes. In case you ever need extra boot space, the i30's rear seats does fold flat to provide the extra room.
However, the missing feature of an auto climate control in the i30 is somewhat of a letdown.
However, the missing feature of an auto climate control in the i30 is somewhat of a letdown.
Performance wise
The i30's powered by the same DOHC VVT 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine used in the Avante with claimed peak power and torque outputs of 121bhp @ 6,200rpm and 156Nm @ 4,200rpm respectively.
The engine delivers a good spread of torque throughout the rev range, letting it pull well in every gear. Its 121bhp does the job commendably between the low to mid range, and there's enough grunt to power it for overtaking manoeuvres. Despite missing a tiptronic mode, its well calibrated four-speed automatic transmission does its task respectably.
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However, the i30 does show its gruff side higher up the rev range - it pulls up eagerly, but anything past 5,000rpm just falls flat. The coarse sound can be a little unnerving too.
It's a comfortable car when driven leisurely. The springs are nicely balanced, with bumps and road irregularities taken without a single hiccup. The cabin is well suppressed against engine and wind noise, but tyre noise does intrude into the cabin.
Hyundai has done an impressive job of disguising the i30's front-wheel drive peccadilloes, and the bulk of the compliment should go to the MacPherson front / multi-link rear suspension set-up. It shows good composure and road-handling capabilities, even encouraging more enthusiastic driving style. Understeer is well resolved and grip is aplenty, but the tightest corner can still make the i30 nervous. Body roll could be better checked too.
The ESP, which is a rarity in cars this class, helps too and most of the time it does so covertly. The brakes comes with both ABS and EBD - Hyundai manage to get this one perfectly right.
It's a comfortable car when driven leisurely. The springs are nicely balanced, with bumps and road irregularities taken without a single hiccup. The cabin is well suppressed against engine and wind noise, but tyre noise does intrude into the cabin.
Hyundai has done an impressive job of disguising the i30's front-wheel drive peccadilloes, and the bulk of the compliment should go to the MacPherson front / multi-link rear suspension set-up. It shows good composure and road-handling capabilities, even encouraging more enthusiastic driving style. Understeer is well resolved and grip is aplenty, but the tightest corner can still make the i30 nervous. Body roll could be better checked too.
The ESP, which is a rarity in cars this class, helps too and most of the time it does so covertly. The brakes comes with both ABS and EBD - Hyundai manage to get this one perfectly right.
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Sum up
The i30 is impressive and you'll notice that it has tonnes of good points going for it. Sure, it has its minor pitfalls but besides that, what it definitely offers is a good driving experience - good engine, fresh exterior, enormous interior and commendable handling. The i30 is one interesting proposition worth considering.
For once, the slightly premium asking price is certainly justified in Hyundai's favour this time around.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Engine: 1,591cc, 4-cylinders in-line
Power: 121bhp @ 6,200rpm
Torque: 154Nm @ 4,200rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
0-100 km/h: 12.1 seconds
Length / Width / Height: 4,245 / 1,775 / 1,480 mm
Wheelbase: 2,650 mm
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