Should you buy one?

There’s no obvious reason not to recommend the Hyundai i30 Fastback. If you want a stylish alternative to a conventional European hatchback, it could be right up your street. It certainly looks more striking than the Volkswagen Golf and the driving experience is arguably better.

Choosing the right one for your lifestyle should also be a simple task, as you’ve only got two models to consider. If you’re a speed junkie, opt for the 280hp N Performance variant. If you just want something interesting to haul your family around in, go for the N-Line model.

What we like

The chassis is a little stiffer than the i30 hatchback’s, which means it handles better. The manual gearbox has a great shift action and both engines offer good performance. The cabin is a nice place to be and the Fastback’s swoopy coupe looks also set it apart from its conventionally shaped rivals.

What we don’t like

Headroom in the back suffers because of the sloping roofline and, although the Fastback’s boot is bigger than the standard hatchback’s, it’s less practical due to its unusual shape. The ride is also quite firm, thanks to the sporty suspension and enormous alloy wheels.

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