Hyundai’s enjoyed reasonable exposure in budget and light car segments with the Atos and Getz before the Korean manufacturer modernised its small car line-up with the i10 and i20. With no previous compact hatchback experience on Hyundai’s part, the new i30’s got a tough task.
With Hyundai on a mass charge to up the status of its brand and broaden the appeal of its vehicles, the i30 is said to offer the latest-generation powerplants, exceptional safety, superb refinement and an extensive list of features.
“With the i30 we’re going to bring the full weight of Hyundai’s ongoing metamorphosis to bear on the C-segment for the first time. The i10 and i20 have done the groundwork in the smaller segments, and this car will confirm the brand’s ability to build cars which are the equal of anything to come out of Europe,” says Hyundai Automotive’s marketing director Stanley Anderson.
Styling-wise there’s a strong resemblance to the rest of the rest of the i-series Hyundai’s, with the H logo on a chrome horizontal bar and elongated headlamp housings up front. Folding door mirrors with integrated turn indicators feature on the side, while a rear roof spoiler, high-mounted brake light and hidden soft-touch boot release come standard at the rear.
The i30 is available with a choice of two all-aluminium petrol engines – a 1,6 and 2,0-litre unit. The 1,6-litre engine produces 89 kW and 153 N.m of torque, while the larger powerplant produces 105 kW and 186 N.m of torque. Both make use of five-speed gearboxes.
The i30’s chassis employs a MacPherson-type front suspension and multi-link rear suspension with rear shock absorbers and coil springs mounted separately and as far outbound as possible for improved ride quality and minimal luggage room intrusion. Both models boast alloy wheels, the 1,6 is equipped with 205/55R16s, and the 2,0-litre with 225/45 17-inchers.
Hyundai’s latest MDPS (Motor-Driven Power Steering) system turns the wheel 2,69 times from lock-to-lock and boasts an impressive 10,2 metre turning circle.
The i30’s interior boasts a full leather interior, soft-touch fascia, cool-blue illuminated instruments, climate control, radio/CD sound system with USB and auxiliary inputs, height and reach adjustable steering column, multifunctional steering wheel, individual map-reading lights and sunglass case in the roof panel. A transponder immobiliser system, remote central locking and a window-lock function is standard and the doors are programmed to lock automatically when the vehicle reaches 40 km/h.
Safety spec includes six airbags, active headrests, an electronic stability programme and ABS with EBD.
The 1,6-litre i30 retails for R189 900 and the 2,0-litre model for R229 900. Prices include Hyundai’s five-years/150 000 km warranty and a five-years/100 000 km service plan.
