Hyundai i30

This Hyundai i30 is cheaper and more economical than the last model we tested: the car makes a lot more sense in Active trim. It’s a direct rival to the VW Golf BlueMotion, but it’s £865 cheaper, better equipped and more efficient. It’s not quite as sharp to drive as the Golf, but if that’s low down on your list of priorities anyway, then the i30 is one of the best cars in this class.

We tested a range-topping version of Hyundai’s new Golf-rivalling i30 in Issue 1,205. But without the badge appeal of a Ford or VW, the car’s £20,295 price tag seemed far too high. So will this more basic-spec i30 prove to be a better proposition on UK roads?

It’s an Active trim model powered by the 1.6-litre diesel engine we’ve already tested – although here it produces 109bhp rather than 126bhp – and costs a more reasonable £17,995.

There’s still a fair amount of kit included, however, such as 15-inch alloys, cruise control, rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, Bluetooth and daytime running lights. The high-quality cabin we were so impressed with last time around is still here, too.

There are no leather door panels or seats, but the gloss-black centre console and soft-touch dashboard plastics add a real touch of class. Unfortunately, the exterior doesn’t look quite as good.

Those small alloy wheels look lost in the wheelarches and the two-bar chrome grille – a no-cost option – doesn’t have the same stylish appeal as the standard front end.

On the plus side, Active trim models enjoy lower emissions and higher fuel economy than the better-equipped cars higher up the range. In fact, this i30 boasts better figures than the VW Golf BlueMotion, emitting 97g/km of CO2 and returning 76.3mpg economy. Plus, it’s £865 cheaper and better equipped than the Golf.

So is it as good to drive? It’s a close-run thing, but the i30’s lifeless steering means the VW just shades it. The 11.5-second 0-62mph time sounds quick enough, yet the engine lacks the mid-range punch of other diesels, which can make the car feel a little slow at times.

Refinement is on a par with class leaders, especially on the motorway, but the ride is too firm at low speeds. Despite this, the new i30 is a very good all-rounder and competitive with the class’s best.