Buyer’s guide to the Hyundai i30

Here’s everything you need to know about Hyundai’s value-packed hatchback

The i30 was the first of the ‘i’ branded cars for Hyundai, and it was key to this manufacturer transforming from a budget manufacturer into a credible mainstream car company able to rival the likes of Ford and Vauxhall.

Now in its third generation, Hyundai has continued to move the game forwards with its i30, with the hatchback having a more premium interior than ever, as well as a number of new versions. Highlights are the i30 N hot hatch, which we’ll cover elsewhere as it’s a rather different proposition to the regular model. A new Fastback grade has also been introduced, too.

Here’s what you need to know about the i30.

What engines are available?

Hyundai offers quite a simplified engine range in its i30 range compared to many of its competitors, though most bases are still covered.

The line-up begins with a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine, which comes paired to a six-speed manual transmission. It can hit 0-60mph in 10.9 seconds, and can return up to 48.7mpg, along with CO2 emissions of 126g/km.

Next in the line-up is a turbocharged 138bhp 1.4-litre petrol unit, which is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The manual is the one offering marginally better performance, with a 0-60mph time of 8.7 seconds, though the automatic is the best for efficiency of the two – returning up to 46.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of 126g/km.

For those wanting something better suited to motorway journeys and longer distances, try the 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine, which is also offered with a choice of a manual or automatic gearbox. With the manual, you’ll see 0-60mph in 10.8 seconds, while the auto can return up to a claimed 60.1mpg, with CO2 emissions of 107g/km.

What trim levels are available?

Hyundai offers a comprehensive line-up of trims on the i30, with seven different grades to choose from. Equipment highlights and prices are listed below. Please note that these apply for the five-door hatchback variants, rather than the Fastback ‘coupe’ or Tourer.

S – from £17,355

Standard equipment includes 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, LED daytime running lights, electric windows and electrically operated and heated door mirrors. In terms of safety kit the i30 includes automatic headlights with high beam assist, a driver attention monitoring system, autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist.

SE – from £19,395

SE adds larger 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and gearknob, electric lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, front fog lights and electric folding door mirrors. It also adds a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, a space saver spare wheel, as well as a useful eight-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration.

SE Nav – from £20,165

SE Nav brings a revised eight-inch touchscreen that features satellite navigation, as well as further connected services.

N-Line – from £20,220

Sporty N-Line versions come with 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels (1.0-litre versions get the 17s, the rest 18s), as well as revised bumpers, gloss black accents, an N-Line branded interior, sports seats, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and keyless entry. Note that the regular N-Line features the same touchscreen as the SE model.

N-Line+ – from £23,485

These ‘+’ models add a heated leather steering wheel, heated front seats and upgraded leather and suede sports seats, which are a nice touch. Dual-zone climate control also features, along with automatic wipers and LED headlights.

Premium – from £22,755

These top-spec models feature 17-inch alloy wheels, an electric driver’s seat, half-leather upholstery and privacy glass. Elsewhere it comes with automatically door mirrors, an electric handbrake, front parking sensors and a digital instrument cluster. The upgraded touchscreen is also fitted as standard, while it benefits from wireless phone charging, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

Premium SE – from £24,055

This flagship grade adds leather seats and a panoramic sunroof.

What about personalisation?

Hyundai isn’t known for its bespoke customisation options, however there are still plenty of opportunities out there to make your i30 standout from the crowd. There are 10 different colours available (white and red being the no cost ones) though Champion Blue and Stellar Blue are two different shades to help your car stand out. You can also opt for an interior in black or grey, too.

Hyundai doesn’t tend to offer many optional extras, either – rather you pick the grade that works best for you.

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