Hyundai i30 Diesel 2018 Review

What’s it all about?

It seems the third-generation Hyundai i30 simply can’t put a foot wrong.

From the early leaked photos of the new model to its actual launch in mid 2017, the Korean small hatch has been hyped to the max. And subsequent press reactions have done little to tarnish the eager initial expectations.

The i30 has been praised for its safety credentials, its on-road dynamics, its packaging and, more recently following a December 2017 price readjustment, its value for money, particularly at entry level. In a 2017 comparison with Volkswagen’s Golf and Subaru’s Impreza, the i30 got the nod from our testers as the best choice. High praise indeed.

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How much will it cost?

Yes, the third-generation i30 keeps the faith by maintaining ultra-competitive pricing. From the sub-$20,000 pre-on-roads entry-level Go model to the premium CRDi and SR turbo-petrol T-GDi (both $33,950), the price spread is tightly contained — although the new 202kW N model, starting at $39,990  and due for launch at the end of this year, will stretch it a little more.

For this test, we chose the $28,950 CRDi turbo-diesel Elite model which is priced identically to the seven-speed twin-clutch transmission version of the turbo-petrol T-GDi SR.

At this level, the focus on safety is ramped up to include autonomous emergency braking, smart cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, lane change assist and driver attention alert – all of which give the Elite i30 a big advantage over price-equivalent (petrol) rivals such as Volkswagen Golf 110TSI, Mazda3 SP25 GT and ZR-spec Toyota Corolla hatch.

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Why should I/shouldn’t I buy it?

Only one rung down from Premium and SR Premium i30s, the diesel Elite is packed with just about all the safety and luxury you could expect of a small hatch. Really, about the only things missing are power front seats, which don’t start appearing prior to the SR Premium — and then it’s just the driver that benefits.

And, for some reason, even the Elite misses out on the i30’s new multi-link rear suspension: Like all diesel variants, it uses a “dead” torsion beam axle which is a bit less supple and compliant. But although IRS is unquestionably better, the simpler suspension used in selected models delivers eminently capable ride/handling qualities.

The 100kW 1.6-litre diesel engine is workmanlike: With 300Nm of torque available from just 1750rpm it works in well with the (standard) seven-speed twin-clutch auto and never leaves you with that stranded feeling as you attempt a quick getaway or swing out for a passing manoeuvre on the open road.

Although it’s not the quietest diesel, it is overwhelmed by other noises — as is usually the case – once the i30 is up and running. And while you’d never argue that an observed average of 6.8L/100km isn’t thrifty, it’s still well short of the official claim of 4.7L/100km. And the former was recorded with a fair swag of freeway work.

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When is it available in Australia?

The i30 went on sale nationally with much fanfare in May 2017. As mentioned, the sub-$20,000 base Go version came in December of the same year.

The Elite model’s standard CRDi turbo-diesel is available in Go versions too, in automatic or manual, although without the standard safety technology.

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Who will it appeal to?

Buyers of small hatchbacks abound in Australia and cover a truly diverse group.

So the Hyundai i30 might suit a first-car buyer equally as well as a small family that has no real need to tow a caravan or boat weighing more than 1300kg.

Bigger inside than previously, the i30 is quite a good place for four passengers (five for short hauls), with plenty or rear-seat legroom, ample headroom throughout and, in its peer group, it is competitively wide of shoulder.

Load space, at 395 litres seats-up to 1301 litres seats-folded, is about mid-level among its hatchback competitors.

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With a list of rivals that would dismay any aspirant small-car player, the Hyundai i30 can’t let its guard down. On top of the Volkswagen Golf, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla, it’s also up against the likes of the new-gen Honda Civic, Holden Astra, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza and blood-brother Kia Cerato.

In this company it’s necessary to keep a close eye on the ball and the i30’s leaning towards Euro looks can’t but help it in its quest for class leadership. The brand has certainly come a long way since the super-cheap Hyundai Excel was introduced to Australia in 1986. For all the reasons mentioned earlier, the i30 is a standout in its class.

If there was any criticism to be made of the Elite-grade i30 reviewed here, it’s that although soft-touch abounds, the interior trim quality and general presentation falls short of the class-leading Volkswagen Golf.

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So, what do we think?

The Hyundai has not performed so well in peer-group comparisons without reason.

With the keenness of its Australian-influenced suspension settings providing an enviable combination of ride comfort and handling finesse allied to its accommodating interior, the Elite version’s safety credentials and willing, economical turbo-diesel four, plus a substantial five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, the i30 is a small hatch that simply can’t be ignored.

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How much does the 2018 Hyundai i30 Elite CRDi cost?

Price: $28,950 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 100kW/300Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 4.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 124g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Related reading:
>> Hyundai i30 2017 Review
>> Hyundai i30 2017: Video Review
>> Hyundai i30 v Subaru Impreza v Volkswagon Golf 2017 Comparison

*Hyundai i30 Premium CRDi shown for illustrative purporses.