Hyundai i30 Hatchback (07-11) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 20 July 2010
Thanks to the i30, Hyundai has moved away from the cheap-and-cheerful budget cars it used to be associated with. Aiming its sights on models like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, it looks modern and smart (if a little unexciting), comes with a generous amount of standard equipment and drives in a manner far superior to any previous Hyundai. There's also a good range of petrol and diesel engines. And when it comes to quality, Hyundai's willing to put its money where its mouth is - the i30 comes with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. In 2010 the i30 was given a mid-life facelift with a new grille and new bumpers. A stop and start system was also made available as a cost option making it even more economical, while a low-powered diesel engine was added to the line-up.
3.5 out of 5

Other Hyundai reviews

4 out of 5

Safety

The i30 was originally only awarded a four-star Euro NCAP crash test rating which was disappointing considering its sister car - the Kia Ceed - gained five. The safety organisation highlighted that there could be injuries from the dashboard and to the knees. However the car was retested in August 2008 following improvements made by Hyundai (to improve the protection of the driver's knees and femurs) and was awarded a five-star rating.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    5 out of 5
  • Child Protection Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
4.5 out of 5

Reliability

Hyundais have a reputation for being mechanically robust, albeit a little flimsy on the inside. The five-year unlimited mileage warranty means there's no need to worry about any unexpected bills for a large chunk of the car's life.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.