Hyundai i30 Hatchback Review 2023
The Hyundai i30 Hatchback is a reliable car that won't disappoint you and your family. It has great value for money, looks pretty smart, and features a few nice features like mild-hybrid tech.
Rivals to the i30 Hatchback include the Volkswagen Golf, Seat Leon, Ford Focus Hatchback, Vauxhall Astra, and Kia Ceed.
Our Hyundai i30 Hatchback review covers:
- Sporty styling with body creases and spoiler on the range-topping trim
- Practical and robust interior that's straightforward to use
- 395-litre boot
- Two mild-hybrid petrol engines
- Three trim levels
Pros:
- Well-built interior
- Looks pretty smart
- Good all-rounder
Cons:
- Entry-level engines lacks a punch
- Manual clutch is jerky
- Rivals are much more refined
The i30 Hatchback follows a design similar to the iconic Ford Fiesta, and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. A fairly sporty exterior with creases in the bodywork, the i30 Hatchback's standout features include the large slotted front grille and slick LED headlights.
The i30 Hatchback has more than enough space for a small family, and there's plenty of storage space. In the front, there's ample head and legroom for a pair of adults, and in the rear, two adults or three children should be able to get comfortable. Our only critique is that the rear legroom is a bit tight and much less than in the Volkswagen Golf or Seat Leon.
Open the boot, and you get 395 litres of space, which is more than enough for a weekend away with the family or a weekly shop. The load lip is a little high for our liking, but the boot is a square shape, making it easy to load larger items. You can also fold the rear seats 60/40 to reveal a mammoth 1,301 litres of space.
The i30 Hatchback's interior is what you'd expect from a family hatchback; it's well-built and simple. On the dash, there's a range of soft-touch plastics, and everything is easy to use. The touchscreen display is within reach, and there are physical buttons for the radio and climate control. Although it's not as advanced as the Volkswagen Golf, it's much easier to use.
On entry-level trims, the i30 Hatchback comes with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but upgrade to the Premium trim, and you get a 10.25-inch display with navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Both displays are clear, responsive, and straightforward to use.
Three trim levels are available for the i30 Hatchback: SE Connect, Premium, and N Line.
SE Connect has 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen display, 48V hybrid technology, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, driver attention warning, forward collision assist, and lane keep assist.
Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a seven-inch digital cluster, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, rear privacy glass, rear LED tail lamps, cloth and leather seats, and smart key/button start.
N Line adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a 1.5 T-GDi 159PS engine, front and rear parking sensors, an N Line body kit, and N Line cloth sports seats.
Two mild-hybrid petrol engines are available for the i30 Hatchback, the 1.0T and 1.5T. Both come with 48V mild-hybrid technology and are available with either a manual or automatic transmission.
The entry-level 1.0-litre T-GDi engine has 120hp and does 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds, which is slower than the entry-level engines in the Ford Focus and Seat Leon. It features a small electric motor and battery, which supports the engine at low speeds and when accelerating. It'll also 'recuperate' energy when braking at a maximum output of 10 to 12kW.
The 1.5-litre engine increases the power output to 159hp and accelerates from 0-62mph in a much quicker 8.6 seconds. This is certainly the engine to go for if you're going to be on the motorway a lot, as it realistically can overtake, unlike the entry-level unit.
For fuel economy, the 1.0-litre comes with around 53mpg while the 1.5-litre unit gets around 44mpg.
With its mild-hybrid tech, the i30 Hatchback is easy and comfortable to drive, but it lacks that bit of oomph at higher speeds.
Around town is where the i30 Hatchback is best suited. The suspension deals with potholes well, and the steering is relatively light, making navigating urban roads easy. You also get rear parking sensors and a camera as standard, which is helpful. We'd also recommend the automatic transmission, as the manual can be jerky at low speeds.
On the motorway, both engines get up to 70mph with ease, but that's about as good as it gets. If you've got a car full, the entry-level unit will seriously struggle, so we'd go for the 1.5-litre engine if you've got days out planned with the family. Apart from that, the i30 Hatchback is quiet and comfortable on the motorway.
The 1.0-litre unit is more suited for urban driving, but the N Line trim is where the fun kicks in. Steering is accurate and precise, and you can make swift progress on a country road in any conditions.
Prices for the new Hyundai i30 Hatchback start from £21,720.00 OTR* or to lease from Price On Request per month.
Looking to get behind the wheel of the Hyundai i30 Hatchback? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.
Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.
*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change; always check with your nearest retailer.
