Hyundai i30 SR 2014 Review

The i30 SR suffers in a similar vein to the Focus Sport. Its similarly-sized (1999cc) four-cylinder engine pushes out reasonable power (129kW), but needs quite a few revs (6500rpm) to achieve it. More vitally, peak torque of 209Nm is also reached at quite high revs (4700).

Although the naturally-aspirated engine provides better throttle progression than many of its turbocharged rivals, buyers chasing instant 'punch' may be disappointed. On test it took 10.0sec to reach 100km/h. Overtaking performance was better, besting both Ford and Holden on the 80-100km/h split (3.0sec).

The Hyundai slurped 8.3L/100km, placing it third in that part of the test.

Like the Focus Sport, the i30 SR's brakes couldn't keep up on the short test circuit, reducing to shudder as temperatures increased, with a softer pedal also felt. The pedal spacing also makes heel/toe downshifting more difficult than in the Kia or Alfa.

Although less grippy than the Focus, the Hyundai is a fun on-track companion – though it will spin-up its 17-inch front wheels on tighter corners.

Any latent potential in the chassis, though, is not fully exploited by the squealing 225/45-series Hankook Ventus Prime2 rubber. The over-assisted electric steering in its default mode is equally uninspiring, and even in Sport mode adds too much weight with little precision.

A lap-time of 1:06.5, was just one-tenth off the Focus Sport.

The i30 SR is impressive from the moment you open the door. The stylised cabin has an inviting mix of hard and soft-touch plastics appropriate for the price.

But it's still a bit behind the best of the Japanese competition. Some door trim sections feel hard, and not as substantial, while some materials look easily scuffed. A check of the door jambs shows a reasonable level of finish with only a couple of daggy welds where the window frames meet the upper door.

Otherwise the assembly quality of the body is on par with its peers. Its glossy paint shows minimal orange peel and good consistency between the finish over metal and plastic surfaces.

Like its competition, the i30 conceals much of the workings under its (propped-up) bonnet via a large shroud. Regular service points are easy to locate and access.

Featuring the most comprehensive list of technology on test (and seamless integration), the i30 SR is right up there with the Mazda3 SP25 as 'best in show'.

A strong standard feature list includes sat-nav, rear parking sensors and camera, one-touch power windows, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, heated electric wing mirrors, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, electric driver's seat adjustment and keyless entry with push-button start.

It also features Hyundai's 'Flex Steer' technology which allows driver adjustment of steering feel to the tune of Comfort, Normal or Sport.

But the i30 tech experience goes beyond having the most exhaustive kit. There's a level of user-friendliness here unmatched by its rivals.

The centre dash is home to a clearly labelled dual-zone climate control panel and the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel and 7.0-inch centre touchscreen are both legible and easy to use.

Phone pairing and sat-nav inputs are equally quick and user-friendly with minimal steps required for either.
Topping the equipment list are dusk-sensing headlights with LED daytime running lights, foglights and LED stop-lights and side indicators.

With a list price of $27,990 (plus on-road costs), the i30 SR is beaten on price only by the Mazda3 SP25 – and that's before the Mazda picks up its optional Safety Pack.

Metallic paint is an extra $495 while warranty and capped-price servicing arrangements are up there with the best. The Hyundai is backed by a 36-month/45,000km capped-price servicing programme, with the initial service fixed at $219. Service intervals are recommended at 12 months/15,000km (whichever comes first).

At each service, the included roadside assist package is also extended, and free navigation map updates are also available.

The manufacturer warranty is for 60 months with unlimited kilometres.

RedBook.com.au estimates a retained value of 59 per cent after three years which should see the i30 SR worth approximately $16,514.

Hyundai's maturity as a car-maker is clearly in evidence with the i30 SR.

It would once have been difficult to imagine the Korean company confidently staring down some pretty heady small-car competition. But the i30 SR does just that with its entirely competent packaging, ergonomics and a nice spread of standard equipment.

Simplicity has its benefits. The i30's centre stack reduces distraction with good old fashioned knobs (in lieu of push buttons) for things like the radio volume and climate control adjustment.

The driver gets a footrest and the front seats are both comfortable and well-shaped. There's also a decent-enough rear seat space providing better legroom than the Mazda3 SP25, and good headroom for taller passengers. And while there's no lumbar adjustment on any seat, and no face-level air vents up back, all four windows are auto-down.

Due to the upswept glasshouse design and thicker C-pillars, the i30 SR's rear three-quarter view is pretty constricted, though the mirrors are sizeable enough to assist with safe lane changing.

At 378 litres the high-floored boot is only average size in this company, although it's fitted with both tie-down points and a cargo net as standard.

2014 Hyundai i30 SR pricing and specifications:
Price: $27,990 (as tested, plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol