Used Hyundai i30 Review (2016-present) MK3
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Great built quality
- Impressive boot size
- Range of efficient engines
- Styling isn't the most exciting
- Strong competitors
- Not overly fun to drive
What's the Hyundai i30 like?
The Hyundai i30 hatch is a roomy and practical family car that comes very close to the likes of the VW Golf and Ford Focus, and it's been shown to be more reliable than both of them.
It's a stylish and good-looking hatch with good space for four or five and a massive boot.
The engines are greener, the build quality inside and out is very good indeed, and it comes with low insurance ratings too.
Engines
The i30 comes with a range of very smooth, quiet and efficient petrol and diesel engines.
Petrols are 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre with 98bhp and 118bhp respectively. The 1.4-litre covers the 60mph sprint in 12.8 seconds and is capable of 46mpg, while the 1.6-litre gets to 60mph in 10.6 seconds and can average 44mpg.
Diesels start with a slow but very economical 1.4-litre with 88bhp that reaches 60mph in 13.1 seconds and is capable of 68mpg.
Then comes a 1.6-litre with either 108, 126, or 134bhp. The lowest powered has superb economy, managing an excellent 74mpg on the old government scale, and it sprints to 60mph in 11.1 seconds.
The 126bhp models cover 0 to 60mph in 10.6 seconds and can also do a claimed 74mpg, but the economy king is also the most powerful. It gets to 60mph in just under 10.0 seconds and can do a brilliant 78mpg officially.
All are smooth, reasonably quiet, very economical, and have plenty of power for the weight.
Peter Hayward
After 2015, the 1.6-litre diesel was available with a new 7-speed twin clutch automatic gearbox, replacing a 6-speed previously available and giving better economy and quicker acceleration.
Driving Experience
The clutch in manuals is light, the 6-speed gear change smooth and easy, and the power steering has decent feel in the corners.
The ride is comfortable over just about every type of surface, and although the handling is not quite as accomplished as the best in class, it’s very close behind.
Equipment
The level of standard equipment is excellent, with air conditioning, front electric windows, central locking, a good stereo, and audio remote control on all models.
They also have an alarm, loads of airbags, heated electric mirrors, electric front windows, remote locking, and traction control.
Mid-range SE Nav adds alloys, cruise control, rear electric windows, parking sensors, and sat nav.
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Find your Hyundai i30 your way with CarStore
The Hyundai i30 may not be a strong household name just yet, but it does well against its competition in terms of reliability and build quality. Seating up to four, individuals and families alike can benefit from a massive amount of boot space and a comfortable ride.
