IT PAYS TO THINK SMALL
The i30’s appeal grew when Hyundai went from cheap to roomy and refined
Hyundai burst out of the cheap-andcheerful mould in 2007 with the i30, an appealing model that went beyond the affordable motoring brief. The first generation i30 was hailed as a well built and equipped small car that could match it with the big names of the segment. Such was its refinement that it was a runaway winner of most small car awards.
In 2012, the completely new secondgeneration GD series raised its standing even further. The new model was longer, wider and lower than its predecessor — the extra wheelbase and short overhangs endowed generous head, leg and shoulder room in the cabin as well as a sizeable boot.
A product of Hyundai’s German design centre, the i30’s “fluid” styling was fresh and attractive.
It was available as a roomy hatch or a wagon, there was specification to satisfy most needs plus the choice of petrol and diesel engines.
The interior was finely styled and well finished with soft-touch surfaces, the controls were well placed and easy to use, and the seats were comfortable.
The primary petrol engine was a new 1.8-litre four-cylinder with similar performance to the 2.0-litre engine it replaced but with reduced fuel consumption.
The carry-over 1.6-litre turbo diesel delivered better torque and even lower fuel consumption.
Transmission choices were also updated. The previous five-speed manual and fourspeed auto were replaced by six-speeders.
An update in 2015 brought cosmetic changes plus three petrol engines (1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre fours) and the turbo diesel. A seven-speed dualclutch automatic joined the six-speeders.
On the road the petrol version was nimble and agile with spirited performance and the diesel was also an impressive performer.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Most were initially attracted to the i30 because of its sharp pricing and five-year warranty, good reasons to back up the reviews and Hyundai’s promises. It didn’t take long for owners to report the i30 was as good as claimed.
The long warranty continues to be attractive for used car buyers, with any balance transferable to the new owner.
Be careful if you’re buying an ex-rental car and thinking of transferring the warranty, because Hyundai limits the coverage of cars used commercially, such as renters, to 130,000km.
Faulty electrics have long been a cause of frustration. The i30 is well built but it’s worth making sure everything works on the car before you hand over your cash.
Check the radio reception, which most owners agree is poor. There’s not a lot you can do about it but it accounted for most of the adverse comments we received.
OWNERS SAY
ROBERT SCOTT: One of the main attractions for buying my first i30 in 2009 was the price. It was the basic model and the only extra was the Hyundai-fitted cruise control but from the time I drove it home from the dealership I was impressed with it. I liked the way it drove, the ride, the quality and, later, the economy. I never had a problem with it and I never needed to get anything done under warranty. It was just a great car. My son now owns it, as I have just bought a new i30 Active X, which is even better. I wouldn’t think of buying anything else. GLENN: We have a 2015 1.8-litre, six-speed auto Active X hatch, which my wife mostly drives. We love it and have had no problems with it at all over the 12,000km it’s done so far. The fuel economy is 9.6L/100km in city driving, running on E10. The service costs are low — even the cost of insurance is low.
PETER BAIN: I have owned an i30 for over three years. I bought it new but before I did I hired a new Toyota Corolla for a week, which certainly helped to make my mind up as to which car I should buy. The i30 is superior in so many ways, it looks better, has a bigger boot and a more solid feel, the cruise control is better and it’s been trouble-free. The service has been cheap and brilliant. I have no complaints.
SMITHY SAYS
The i30 must be on your small car shopping list.