Hyundai i30 Infotainment Review

There’s no shortage of vehicles wearing price tags with bigger numbers than the Hyundai i30 which pull-up short of the Korean hatchback for standard technology and infotainment goodies.

To begin with, we’re happy to see DAB radio as standard. The fact is, i30 customers will be predominantly urban dwellers – precisely where Australia’s digital radio signal is available.

Then there is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected via the handy USB port under the centre screen.  So the needs of modern-day in-car entertainment are already pretty much covered.

Bluetooth pairing is nice and quick, perhaps one button press too many, but nevertheless over and done with in a short time, which is what really matters.

The i30’s infotainment system is smartly designed and checks most of our ‘like’ boxes for a modern feature list.  On the downside, the 8-inch touch screen is not the most vibrant or resolution-rich we have come across, but it is intelligently and neatly presented and responsive.

There are ‘hard’ buttons surrounding the screen’s placement high on the dashboard. This is always applauded as it allows quick function selection over the alternate method of poking the screen.

And the well positioned and proportioned screen really scores points when you’re reversing the i30. The rear camera display is crisp and clear and provides a satisfactory angle of view – a safety function well implemented.

On top of the good inclusions and camera, the i30’s system also features some advanced aspects which are somewhat hidden.

For instance, owners can design their own custom screen, dragging and dropping widget icons into place.  This is a handy function if your tastes for common functions are a little more eclectic than the Hyundai designers may have anticipated.  So, for example, if you’re keen to see just how many GPS satellites are connected at all times, just have that icon on your custom screen.

Speaking of satellite navigation, the Hyundai system is surprisingly well thought through.  Whilst the audio directions might be just a bit too verbose and frequent (despite selecting the ‘fewer’ option) having voiced street names and auto zooming with displayed point-of-interest icons such as petrol stations or parking lots are welcome features.

The screen is not multi-touch - so no pinch to zoom – a small deficiency given the otherwise extensive feature list of this nav system which encouragingly includes speed camera alerts.

On the other hand, the i30’s steering wheel controls are functional at best.  We really are not fans of the buttons’ responsiveness, but there is a specialized Siri button for Apple CarPlay as well as other more necessary functions such as phone and cruise controls. There is no voice-control functionality but, to be honest, this is not missed.

It should also be mentioned that the Hyundai’s dashboard screen offers substantial information. Much of it is around fuel consumption data, but the handy tyre-pressure indicator and other quickly accessible driver alerts are impressive additions to the standard inclusions in this price range.

Generally speaking the Hyundai i30’s infotainment system is a pleasant surprise.  There is a great deal of depth here and we were impressed.