Although only in its second generation, the Hyundai i30 has made great strides since its inception in 2007. Its overhaul in 2012 modernised its look, gave it better engines and increased its practicality, all crucial factors in today’s world of hatchbacks. The big question is – is it better than the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra? Performance 4/5 There is more than enough to choose from when it comes to engines in the i30, whether that is a 1.6-litre petrol, 1.4-litre diesel or a 1.6-litre diesel. We tested the latter. With 109bhp and 260Nm of torque, the 1.6-litre diesel is a great cruiser and will give you enough thrust when overtaking traffic on the motorway. The six-speed manual gearbox we had mated to it is also very smooth and direct. Although the engine feels quite torquey, it still takes 11.5 seconds to reach 62mph, which is a tad slower than the likes of the 113bhp 1.6-litre diesel in the Ford Focus, which completes the same sprint in 10.9 seconds. Ride and Handling 3/5 The Hyundai i30 is brilliant when it comes to comfort and some may argue that comfort is all you are going to need in a family car. The suspension is lovely and supple - soaking up bumps with ease – there is plenty of grip in the corners, minimal bodyroll and little noise from the outside world thanks to a well-insulated cabin. If you are after something that is engaging to drive however, then the i30 isn’t quite up to scratch against competitors like the VW Golf. Its steering is unresponsive and light, which can make cornering difficult, and even if you use its adaptable Flex Steer driving system (which gives you the choice of Comfort and Sport modes) the steering just ends up being way too light or completely artificial. Interior and Equipment 4/5 The comfort credentials of its ride are definitely enhanced by its interior design, which with soft touch materials and a smart-looking instrument panel, make it one of the cosiest in its class. Standard kit on all i30 models is pretty impressive as well, with aircon, MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth and LED daytime running lights all included. Our test car was a mid-range Active model, which adds the likes of rear parking sensors, cruise control, a leather steering wheel and electric rear windows. The i30 also comes with plenty adjustment in the driver’s seat and an array of storage compartments for trinkets – both of which are particularly useful in family cars. One hiccup when it comes to design however is its vision-obstructing A pillar and rear window, courtesy of its new-found sporty-looking exterior. Its family friendly credentials are enhanced further with its rear passenger space, which has enough leg room to keep everyone happy on long journeys. Head room is also decent, even with the sloping roof. The boot is thankfully not effected by its capacious rear passenger space, offering 378 litres with the seats up and 1,316 with the seats down, which is bigger than all of the market front runners, including the Focus, Astra and Golf. Costs 4/5 The 1.6-litre diesel will put a smile on the faces of those who want to keep running costs down as it returns an average of around 70mpg. It also emits just 97g/km of CO2, meaning it is exempt from road tax. In terms of pricing compared to its competitors, the Hyundai i30 sits towards the top end of the scale. Priced at £15,210, the i30 is more expensive than the Ford Focus (£13,995) and Vauxhall Astra (£12,995), although it is cheaper than the Volkswagen Golf (£16,975). Verdict 4/5 As the i30 resides in the family car market, its lack of ability to ‘woo’ when it comes to fun won’t be a problem for most. Especially when you consider how comfortable its interior is and how low it’s running costs are. If fun is what you are after, then the Ford Focus and VW Golf are definitely worth a look, but the i30 is more than capable of offering its own perks.
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