Hyundai i30 SR Premium 2016 Review

Hyundai i30 SR Premium

Quick Spin

What’s it all about?
Hyundai’s biggest-selling model – and a formidable market leadership challenger to the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 – the i30 Series II hatch, is due to be replaced in April 2017 by a new model that has already been previewed, in some ways, by the latest Elantra – virtually its sedan equivalent – which uses the same platform and mechanicals.

Sitting not far below the 1.6-litre turbocharged flagship model in the current range is the i30 SR Premium. It relies on an upbeat, normally-aspirated 2.0-litre engine to rate as the athlete of the family. It’s the final fling and is undoubtedly the best i30 yet.

How much will it cost?
At $33,550 the auto transmission i30 SR Premium just undercuts the $35,190 1.6-litre Premium turbo model and is crammed to the hilt with standard gear.

On the list is heated and cooled front seats (the driver’s side is powered), leather trim, sat-nav, full-length sunroof, electrochromatic rear-view mirror and, poking a finger in the eye of the likes of Mazda3, air vents for rear-seat passengers.

The SR Premium is quite a costly contender though, a tad more expensive than, say, a Mazda3 SP25 GT or a Ford Focus Titanium.

A five-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty is offered, as is a 10-year capped-price servicing plan. Services are set at 12 months or at 15,000km, whichever comes first.

Why should I buy it?
Hyundai has every right to crow about the benefits of Australian suspension design input. The i30 manages a ride-handling compromise that conveys a sense of dynamic maturity. It’s neither supremely sporty, nor hopelessly cushy; just pleasantly balanced in a way that pleases driver and passengers through a sense of poise that is noticeable on all but the most roughed-up roads.

Noise levels at highway speeds are best described as market-competitive, revealing the i30’s hatchback configuration via a subtle buffeting that permeates the cabin.

The impressive 124kW/201Nm power outputs need to be paid for, however. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.7L/100km and CO2 emissions 179g/km.

When is it available in Australia?
The i30 Series II came in mid-2016 and the SR Premium sits near the top of a range that begins with the base 1.8-litre Active and Active X models spanning from $21,450 – $26,890. These are followed by the 2.0-litre SR variants (from $26,550) and Active turbo-diesel range that starts at $24,050.

Who will it appeal to?
The i30 is big enough to deal with five long-legged adults – with the caveat that it requires some cooperation between front and rear passengers to keep everyone comfortable.

The SR Premium, though it’s unlikely to make broad-market shopping lists as an aspirational model, has obvious appeal for those who want a little more but have no pretensions of setting out on a Golf R-hunting rampage. It’s the sort of car to which a savvy salesman will point undecided customers.

The luggage area grows from 378 to 1316 litres with all seats folded.

Where does it fit?
The Hyundai i30 attracts a broad demographic in Australia and, especially considering the fact it’s a hatchback, can be seen as suitable for a small family – although many would consider it makes a good first car, too.

In this market segment there are so many competitors. Mazda3 SP25 GT, Volkswagen Golf 110TSI Highline, Ford Focus S, Honda Civic VTi-LX, Kia Cerato SLi, Nissan Pulsar SSS, Renault Megane GT-Line – they are all in the offing to ensure the i30 is kept honest.

So, what do we think?
Despite being on the market in its current form since 2012, there’s no sense the i30 is overdue for replacement.

It still looks contemporary, scores a five-star ANCAP rating (although it lacks a lot of the new-generation safety technology you’ll find in the likes of Mazda3), performs briskly enough within its warm-hatch remit and offers excellent after-sales support.

The upcoming replacement will need to be something special.

2016 Hyundai i30 SR Premium pricing and specifications:
Price: $33,550 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 124kW/201Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 179g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Mazda3 SP25 GT auto (from $31,990 plus ORCs)
>> Volkswagen Golf 110TSI Highline auto (from $33,340 plus ORCs)
>> Honda Civic VTi-LX (from $33,590 plus ORCs)

Related reading:
>> Hyundai i30 SR 2016 review
>> Hyundai i30 SR 2016 video review
>> Warm hatch comparison