Hyundai i30 Premium 2017 Review

What’s it all about?
By any measure the all-new PD model i30 is an important car for Hyundai as this vehicle takes on all comers in the big-volume small-car category Hyundai i30 2017 Review - motoring.com.au.

Here we’ve put the spotlight on the ‘Premium’ grade 1.6-litre turbo-diesel which, until the high-performance N models arrive, is the top-shelf i30 variant.

The i30 Premium sits above the Active, SR, SR Premium and Elite grades and, at the heart of our test car, is Hyundai’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine linked to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. There’s also a comprehensive electronic driver-assist package and luxury features such as LED headlights and heated seats.

How much does it cost?
Hyundai’s i30 Premium 1.6 is listed at $33,950 (plus on-road costs) and, being so fresh to the market, as we write there are is no signs of discounts or drive-away deals – yet. Options are limited to a beige interior colour ($295) and metallic/mica paint ($495).

The i30 comes with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, 12 months roadside assistance and the first service, scheduled for 1500km, is free. Hyundai’s lifetime capped price servicing program includes 10 years’ worth of free satellite navigation updates and roadside assistance.

Why should I buy it?
You quickly establish the Hyundai i30 is highlighted by a sweet, likeable driveline. The turbo-diesel is quiet and smooth and the dual-clutch transmission is refined.

Yes, there was some turbocharger lag, but, when in a hurry, a switch to ‘Sport’ mode knocked that on the head (sharpening gearshifts and keeping you out of the sub-2000rpm range unless at a steady cruise).

Despite the i30 neglecting a fuel-saving auto start-stop function, on-test consumption averaged 7.5L/100km. That figure matched the official combined-cycle fuel number and is impressive given our week involved mostly city driving.

Equally impressive was the Hyundai i30’s ride and handling.

Rear and rear three-quarter vision was a bit restricted, but the view gets help from large exterior mirrors.

From an appearance point of view, the $295 outlay for the optional beige interior fitted to our test car seems to be money well spent – a noticeable upgrade on today’s mostly black/grey hues).

Panel gaps looked tight and there was an overall step-up in perceived quality over the previous generation i30. However, our test car’s paint showed evidence of ‘orange peel’ (a dimpled appearance). A look around the carpark at Hyundai’s Sydney HQ revealed some other new i30s with similar orange peel paint.

When is it available in Australia?
The Hyundai i30 Premium 1.6 is on sale now. It’s likely to remain as the top luxury model of the i30 range, until October when the sporty Golf GTI-chasing i30N is due to arrive.

Who will it appeal to?
Like other small hatchbacks, the Hyundai i30 appeals to couples and families (although, as per rivals, rear legroom is tight with front seats racked back). The rear seat was a little flat –not heavily sculpted for outboard occupants – which can be a good thing when someone has to sit in the middle seat or when trying to fit child seats securely.
Cargo capacity of 395L would be ample for a weekend away, but a cargo pod or trailer may be required for an extended family trip. Speaking of trailers, the Hyundai i30 can tow up to 1300kg (braked) but just 75kg of that on the towball.

Where does it fit?
Industry statistician VFACTS lists the Hyundai i30 1.6 Premium in the ‘small cars under $40,000 category’ – Australia’s small hatchback and sedan heartland. Most obvious rivals include the Mazda3 SP25 Astina, Toyota Corolla ZR and Volkswagen Golf 110 TDI Highline

So, what do we think?
There is no doubt the Hyundai i30 Premium is a major advance over the equivalent superseded model. The driving experience is highlighted by a refined driveline and top-notch ride and handling.
The improved looks are matched by improved quality (except for the paint on our test car).

2017 Hyundai i30 Premium 1.6 pricing and specifications:
Price: $33,950 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 100kW/300Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 7.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 175g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Related reading:
>> Hyundai i30 2017 Review