Overview of the Hyundai I30
The i30 has almost single-handedly enhanced Hyundai's reputation in Australia since the first-generation model arrived in 2007. Here was a small car that retained the good-value appeal the brand was renowned for while adding (mostly) excellent driving manners through local engineering input. The hatchback was joined by the Hyundai i30CW wagon in 2009, which used its bigger dimensions to offer more space all round though it was dropped three years later. In 2018, the third-generation range was topped by an i30 N hot-hatch offering impressive performance and dynamics for under $40,000.
HYUNDAI i30 GENERATIONS
2007-2012
2012-2017
2017 onwards
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
2.0L 4-cylinder: 7.3 to 7.4 litres per 100km
1.6L 4-cylinder turbo: 7.5 litres per 100km
1.6L 4-cylinder turbo diesel: 4.5 to 4.7 litres per 100km
2.0L 4-cylinder turbo (i30 N): 8.0 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs from between about $259 and $665. Hyundai I30 parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO HYUNDAI i30
Ford Focus
Holden Astra
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Golf
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: HYUNDAI i30 (2007 TO 2011)
Watch out for an interior that is badly scratched. Sometimes, the plastic coatings on these cars were so fragile, just wiping them with a soft cloth could leave scratches.
Carpets, too, seem a bit on the thin side and some wore right through in just a handful of years.
Still on the subject of fit and finish, the door rubbers on a few i30s split and some were actually replaced under warranty.
But take a close look at the steering wheel, too. If it's the upmarket leather-clad one, you might find the leather has started to peel and the silver highlights could be flaking off.
Moisture can also get inside the i30's headlights, so check for stains and discolouration. Make sure the lights themselves still work, too, as we've heard of a few i30s that have blown their headlight globes, possibly as a result of a power-spike on start-up.
Beyond those detail items, the Hyundai stacks up well, especially the diesel version thanks to Hyundai's decades of experience in making reliable small-capacity diesel engines.
