2017 Hyundai i30 (3rd Generation)

Refreshed Hyundai i30 hatch gains new turbocharged 1,5-litre engine

Hyundai has taken the wraps off the facelifted i30, handing its updated hatchback revised styling, extra features and a new turbocharged 1,5-litre engine in Europe.

Of course, we say Europe because the standard i30 is no longer offered in South Africa, with only a limited number of the i30 N hot hatch (itself due an update – likely including the addition of a dual-clutch transmission – soon) available on local shores.

Still, it’s interesting to see what SA is missing out on. Most intriguing, perhaps, is what’s happening under the bonnet. At the base of the range in Europe, Hyundai offers a “newly developed” naturally aspirated 1,5-litre engine. This unit generates 81 kW and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

 
First drive: 2020 Hyundai i30 N Line MHEV prototype

Mild-hybrid power arrives for warm family hatchback. We drive a left-hooker in the UK ahead of launch

If a refined, comfortable and sporty-looking family hatchback is what you’re after, you could do worse than opt for this new i30 N Line mild-hybrid. Even in pre-production guise, it feels like a nicely polished car, so it seems fair to assume that this side of things might only improve when it’s finally signed off. An updated arsenal of active safety systems will no doubt appeal to family-minded buyers, too.

However, there are absolutely more entertaining and characterful rivals out there, with the Focus ST-Line being the most serious threat to the Hyundai’s success. Some may prefer the Korean car’s slightly more laid back, no-nonsense set-up, but a shortage of punch and a character that just seems a bit disinterested make it a bit trickier to get excited about.

Hyundai hasn’t said anything about pricing just yet, but based on existing figures for the current N Line models, we would guess that prices for the new 158bhp i30 N Line will start at around £23,000. We’ll no doubt find out in a month or so.

Hyundai i30 1.5 T-GDi 48V N Line specifications

Where Buckinghamshire, UK On sale September Price £23,000 (est) Engine 4cyl, 1482cc, turbocharged, petrol, with integrated starter-generator Power 158bhp at 5500rpm Torque 187lb ft at 1500-3500rpm Gearbox six-speed manual Kerb weight 1250kg Top speed 130mph 0-62mph 8.4sec Economy 50mpg (est) CO2 128g/km (est) Rivals Seat Leon FR, Ford Focus ST-Line


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2020 Hyundai i30: UK prices confirmed for refreshed hatchback

Facelifted five-door car goes entirely mild-hybrid, to start from £20,695

Hyundai has announced UK pricing and specifications for the refreshed i30 hatchback and fastback, ahead of the start of customer delivieries.

The Volkswagen Golf rival's mid-life refresh aims to help it face off newer rivals with a redesigned exterior, more advanced safety and connectivity tech, and new mild-hybrid engines.

The hatchback line-up now begins with the SE Connect trim, on sale from £20,695. This includes 16in alloy wheels, automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights, electric folding door mirrors and an 8in touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. A rear view camera, rear parking sensors and front and rear electric windows also come as standard.

 
Hyundai i30 2020 UK review

Should I buy one?

The case for the i30 remains largely unchanged, which means it’s spacious, comfortable and well-equipped family hatchback that’s easy to live with, steers capably enough and is attractively priced. It’s enhanced infotainment looks great and simple to use, while in this day and age, such a smorgasbord of safety systems isn't to be sniffed at, even if some of their calibration could do with fine-tuning.

Yet as before there’s nothing here to get excited by, trick clutch and electrically augmented engine aside. For many the lengthy kit list, generous warranty and spacious, versatile interior will be enough, and the fact that it feels as composed as it does will be an added bonus.

The i30 is a likeable and sensible car, then, but if you want something that can reward and entertain as well as doing all the usual workaday stuff, then the Focus, Golf and Mazda 3 should be ahead of it on your list.


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What about/aboot it?

 
I'm halfway through replacing my i30 electric power steering motor rubber bush thingamabob. Going to continue further tomorrow when the light is better.

This is a k*k job, but also only the 3rd thing I have needed to replace on it in the 7 years of ownership (Number one being the starter motor [R1000], and number two the brake light switch [R120]). I imported the part from Korea a while back, for a total cost of R80, including shipping.

 
So, the part was f**ked as I had imagined:

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Hopefully the new part is good for the next 270'000 km
 
Hyundai i30 Fastback 1.5 T-GDi N Line 2022 UK review

Should I buy one?

The i30 Fastback remains a niche choice, albeit an interesting one. That interest comes not only from the way it looks but also from the way it drives.

If you like the former, you’ll enjoy the latter, so long as you stick with the manual gearbox.


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Hyundai i30

Hyundai Motor has unveiled the new i30 family with a design and tech update. With the hatchback, fastback, and wagon body styles, as well as the sporty-looking N Line trim, customers have plenty to choose from within the i30 line-up.

The new Hyundai i30 has been outfitted with updated connectivity technologies and comfort features. This not only makes the i30 more competitive in its class but also delivers more value to customers.

Updated, daring design

Having been launched in 2007, the current i30 is already in its third generation. With an updated exterior and interior, the new generation is adding a bolder design to its roster.

The exterior is instantly recognisable by its distinct front and sleek rear. At the front, the pattern of the radiator grille, the bumper insert under the license plate, and the foglamp housings have been redesigned. At the rear of the hatchback and wagon body styles, the chrome insert of the rear bumper has a more angular look.

LED headlights and taillights, once optional, now come standard in the i30. The model also features a new 16-inch alloy wheel design.

The new Hyundai i30 will come in 12 exterior colours. Seven of the colours are new: Abyss Black Pearl, Ecotronic Grey Pearl, Ultimate Red Metallic, Jupiter Orange Metallic, Meta Blue Pearl, Cypress Green Pearl, and Sailing Blue Pearl. Returning colours include Atlas White, Serenity White Pearl, Shimmering Silver Metallic, Shadow Grey, and Engine Red.


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Hyundai i30 Fastback



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Hyundai i30 Wagon



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