PRICE WARRANTY
$33,950
5 years/unlimited km
CAPPED SERVICING $1525 for 5 years
SERVICE INTERVALS 12 months/10,000km SAFETY 5 stars ENGINE 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo, 150kW/265Nm
TRANSMISSION 7-speed dual-clutch auto; FWD THIRST 7.5L/100km DIMENSIONS 4350mm (L), 1795mm (W), 1455mm (H), 2650mm (WB) WEIGHT 1436kg SPARE Space-saver TOWING 1300kg (600kg unbraked)
0-100KM/H 7.5 secs
for The Tick test, the first thing to note is that at $33,950 before on-roads, it’s $400 dearer than before, with 1.6-litre turbo (150kW/265Nm) and sevenspeed dual-clutch auto.
Independent rear suspension in the SR and other upscale models has been a talking point. I find the beam axle in the basic i30 is fine and the IRS only really helps if you’re a keen driver on a testing road. Frankly, very few people could tell the difference without hitting a racetrack.
The SR also gets 18-inch alloys. Its five stars from ANCAP come courtesy of active safety gear including auto safety braking, radar cruise control, rear traffic alert and blind spot detection.
A lively drive, the SR delivers crisp response from the engine and a sweet shift from the gearbox. It’s a car that turns sweetly into corners but still rides with compliance over all but the worst roads.
It’s not as sporty as a Golf GTI but the coming N-car will explore that territory.
The cabin of the new i30 seems roomier and I can feel the extra legroom in the back. Boot space also gets a slight boost, though if you really want a big boot there is the Elantra.
Hyundai says the i30 can tow up to 1300kg and the SR can sprint to 100km/h in a tidy 7.5 seconds. On test, I ease just slightly under the claimed thirst of 7.5L/100km.
The sources of most enjoyment are the quiet cabin, suspension that makes driving easy on any road and the response from the SR’s turbo.
THE TICK I don’t love the new i30 but I like it a lot. When the i30 N arrives at the end of the year, there is scope to like it much more. For now, the i30 SR continues the Hyundai success story and it gets The Tick. FOR quality, convenient repairs at an affordable price, look no further than BumperTech, according to owner John Cowan.
Established in the 1990s, the mobile service moved from Sydney to the Gold Coast in early 2000.
The BumperTech team repairs those unsightly, damaged bumpers, minor panel damage, scrapes, scratches and scuffs on a car.
“You can rest assured you will be in safe hands knowing a fully insured and qualified BumperTech tradesperson will carry out the repairs at your home or office,” Mr Cowan said.
He said the majority of repairs costed less than an insurance excess.
“Colours are matched on site using a DuPont mini paint system, and there are no claim or insurance forms to fill out,” Mr Cowan said.
“The work is done in only two to three hours - not two to three days like what some people may think.”
The service offers a no obligation, free quote and a five-year warranty.
“Protect your investment by repairing unsightly scratches using this affordable and convenient service,” Mr Cowan said.
“A well-presented car for resale will maximise price and speedy sales.”
When bumps, scratches and dings on the bumper of Robert Knight’s 1999 BMW 4WD started to bring down its appearance, he decided it was time to have it fixed.
Mr Knight phoned BumperTech, who sent a representative round to mend and restore the vehicle’s bumper.
“They did a wonderful job; it looks like it’s brand new,” he said.
Tel: 0412 241 014 bumpertech.com.au