Hyundai i30 1.4 Comfort 5dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
Awaiting more images
List Price: £14,495
Tax Band: F
Insurance Group: 14
MPG: 46.3
CO2: 142
0-62 Mph: 11.6 secs
BHP: 108 BHP
Range: 540 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3/5
Hyundai have managed to produce a car that is very nearly as good as its European rivals. It doesn't excel in any area but is a good all-rounder and offers remarkable value.

PROS:  Cheap, good looking, practical

CONS:  Basic spec, low rent badge, underpowered

Behind the Wheel

The i30's 1.4-litre petrol engine develops 108bhp and 101lb-ft of torque. This translates into a 0-62mph time of 11.6 seconds and a top speed of 116mph which is acceptable for a car like this but isn't going to worry the Germans - even the Golf BlueMotion accelerates faster than this.

The i30 handles excellently, however. The chassis is well sorted and the steering has a positive, linear response. The ride comfort is also very good indeed. Well done Hyundai.

Looks & Equipment

The i30 looks sensational. Yes, it is only a family hatchback but for those who remember the absolutely dreadful Hyundai Accent, the i30's sleek looks will come as a bit of a shock.

The interior feels well made and comes with a basic amount of standard kit including air-con, electric windows and a CD player with MP3 connectivity. Sat-nav can also be specified for £515. It would have been nice if Hyundai had included more kit but at this price you can't be too picky.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The i30 should be very safe and scored the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests thanks to a number of airbags and driver aids to keep occupants safe on the road.

Hyundais are generally very reliable and the i30 should be no exception. It is also offered with a five year unlimited mileage warranty which should cover you in the unlikely event that anything goes wrong.

The i30 is very practical and has a spacious interior. The boot is also very capacious with 340-litres on offer with the rear seats up and 1250-litres with the rear seats down.

Value for Money

At £14,495, the i30 1.4 Comfort is the second cheapest i30 available. Buyers will have to decide for themselves if the low price is enough to justify the basic spec.

The i30 isn't particularly economical but neither is it going to break the bank, offering 46.3mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 142g/km, putting it under VED band F. Insurance should also be relatively cheap under insurance group 14.

Hyundai i30 1.4 Comfort 5dr Car Review - by 
All Hyundai I30 Reviews
Hyundai i30 1.4 Comfort 5dr - March 2012
Hyundai have managed to produce a car that is very nearly as good as its European rivals. It doesn't excel in any area but is a good all-rounder and offers remarkable value.
Hyundai i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Premium 5dr - March 2012
Cheap, economical, practical, good to drive, good looking and comfortable - it really is difficult to pick fault with the i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Premium. It does everything that the Focus and Golf do ...
Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Active (110ps) Blue Drive 5dr - May 2013
At £17,995 the Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Active (110ps) Blue Drive 5dr sits around the middle of the i30 range and should attract buyers with its healthy blend of performance, practicality, and low runn...
Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Active (110ps) Auto 5dr - May 2013
On the whole the i30 is a very practical hatchback that offers plenty of space and equipment at a reasonable price, and the excellent diesel engine is a strong performer. The car is comfortable and...
Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr - April 2013
The latest generation of Hyundai’s small family hatchback, the i30, unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, is a real international effort. The South Korean manufacturer had the i30 designed and...
Comments
Medium Family Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Medium Family cars that you can then compare to the Hyundai I30. Here are some popular Hyundai I30 alternatives:

NEW RELEASE
Jeep Avenger revealed for 2023
NEW RELEASE
Ferrari Purosangue revealed
NEW RELEASE
Ford Mustang revealed for 2023
NEW RELEASE
New BMW M2 has been revealed
NEW RELEASE
Electric SUV coming soon
NEW RELEASE
Popular hatchback gets an update