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| Road Test Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Style |
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Definitely Diesel
As our launch report explains, the i30 has been introduced to the UK market with 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol units in addition to the 1.6 diesel, and there's a two-litre diesel on its way. I like the 1.4 petrol car a lot, but if you can afford the extra expense the version tested here is the one to go for. There are several reasons for that. No other i30 can match this one's 60.1mpg combined fuel economy figure. That translates into a CO2 rating of 125g/km, which is quite impressive, though there must be a certain amount of cursing and gnashing of teeth in Hyundai's UK office on account of the fact that the car missed the 120g/km barrier, with all the taxation benefits that would result. Still, an i30 1.6 CRDi is a pleasantly economical machine, and a very quiet one too. In all driving conditions, from tickover to hard acceleration, the characteristic diesel rattle is expertly subdued. And since the subject of hard acceleration has been raised, it's worth mentioning that although this is not an especially sporting car, it has enough mid-range grunt to produce quite lively performance, including a fine ability to squirt past whatever's in front of it when an overtaking opportunity presents itself.
If you're at all conversant with the current state of Korean car building, you'll be aware that the i30 is in most respects the same thing as a Kia cee'd. I'm tempted to say that the i30 looks better, but the last time I did that the Kia press office threatened to cross my name off its Christmas card list, and I don't want to cause any more trouble.
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