Hyundai i30 review

The Hyundai i30 is a reliable, if unexciting, alternative to the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus hatchbacks. Think of it a little bit like a McDonald’s cheeseburger. It’s good value for the money and it’ll leave you fulfilled, but it’s not the most exciting choice on the menu.

Like a tweak to the recipe, the Hyundai i30 has been updated recently. Upfront, a large slotted grille gives the i30 a bit more of an impact than before, with the smarter look backed up by LED lights as standard on all but entry-level cars. Things at the back are largely unchanged but again LED taillights are standard on all but the cheapest versions, while the bumper has had a slight redesign.

The interior of the Hyundai i30 has had a bit of a refresh too, with the introduction of a new 10-inch infotainment system, a part-digital instrument display, and the option of grey trim, but things remain largely the same as before.

Mind you, that’s not a bad thing. Sure, the Hyundai i30 is a little dull inside but the quality is pretty decent with some good use of soft-touch materials and a robust feeling throughout.

Finding a comfy driving position is a breeze in the Hyundai i30 thanks to fantastic seat and steering wheel adjustment, with plenty of headroom spare too. In the back, even your tallest passengers won’t struggle to get in and decent knee room should allow them to get comfortable as well.

It's a good all-rounder, but the Hyundai i30 doesn't offer anything special to set it apart.

Getting kids in is a breeze, too. The rear doors open wide to allow easy access and once a child’s seat is in there’s so much room that you won’t have to sacrifice comfort upfront by moving the seats forward.

Boot space is par for the course within its class at 395 litres, which is 15 more than the Volkswagen Golf and 20 more than the Ford Focus. If sheer boot space is your priority though, you should take a look at the Skoda Octavia and its monstrous 600 litre boot.

Two petrol engines and a diesel are available for the Hyundai i30, with all featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. This tech gives a bit of battery boost to the engine when pulling away to improve efficiency. For a great all-rounder, opt for the more powerful 1.5-litre petrol, which has a good mix of performance and economy. The diesel is only worth it if you cover huge amounts of miles.

Around town, the Hyundai i30 is pretty capable. Light steering and a good turning circle makes manouvering easy, while the suspension comfortably soaks up bumps in the road. The clutch on manual cars is soft with a high bitepoint though and gets irritating when pulling from junctions and in stop-start traffic.

It’s reasonably good on twistier roads too, but not as fun as some of its alternatives. If you want a more thrilling driving experience, take a look at the Ford Focus.

All considered though, the Hyundai i30 is still very much like your run-of-the-mill cheeseburger. There’s a lot to like but there’s not much in the way to get your heart racing. Check out the latest Hyundai i30 deals – or something more exciting to drive, take a look at the Ford Focus or for a bit more luxury inside, the Volkswagen Golf.