Hyundai i30 (2007) review

Hyundai is fast becoming the smart car buyer’s choice, and with good reason – the flagship i30 shows the strength in depth of its compact family car. It’s based on the same chassis that underpins Kia’s impressive Cee’d, the 2.0-litre diesel is punchy and economical, while the addition of a six-speed gearbox is a smart move. However, most buyers will find the cheaper and more frugal 1.6-litre oil-burner to be a better bet.

Choosing a Hyundai used to mean buying on a budget – but things have changed of late. Although the Korean company still offers value for money, its new family flagship, the i30 Premium, costs £16,595. But is it really worth the outlay?

Described as a well equipped alter­native to Ford’s Focus, the top-spec model goes up against some classy competition. But with a torquey diesel and luxurious spec, it’s ready to take on the most capable rivals.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Hyundai i30

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There’s no doubt that the i30 looks the part in flagship trim. Alloy wheels with chrome inserts complement the neat rear and profile styling. Only at the front does the Hyundai look a bit less attractive.

Power comes from a 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel that delivers 304Nm of torque. It offers decent refinement and plenty of mid-range punch, but under hard acceleration and at lower speeds, it can’t match the smooth nature of units such as Honda’s acclaimed 2.2-litre i-CTDi.

It’s better on the motorway, though, where the six-speed gearbox makes the most of the unit’s flexible power delivery. The shift is accurate, and drivers who cover long distances will certainly benefit from the reduced engine revs at cruising speeds.

However, for most buyers the cheaper 1.6-litre diesel will be a better bet. That unit returns 60.1mpg and emits 125g/km of CO2, which beats the larger engine by 8.7mpg and 20g/km respectively. What’s more, it costs £1,000 less to buy.

Differences in handling between the two models are difficult to spot. All i30 variants have the ride and cornering ability to match Ford’s Focus.

In Premium trim, the i30 wants for little in terms of standard equipment. However, we reckon the hatch makes more sense at a lower price – and the 1.6 CRDi is the pick of the range.

Rival: Honda Civic i-CTDi SE
In SE spec, Honda’s Civic five-door costs £16,155. And while it can’t match the Hyundai’s standard kit tally, it does have a class-leading 2.2-litre diesel under the bonnet.