Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Hyundai i30 Estate review (2007-2011)

Top value alternative to mainstream compact family hatchbacks from Hyundai.

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
RRP
£25,275 £29,475
Find your Hyundai i30
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Driving
The i30 shares its platform with the Kia Cee’d, but has slightly revised suspension settings. It feels composed and reassuring, and while it’s far from inspiring to drive, it is comfortable and refined enough. Long journeys won’t be a chore. The same range of 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines are used, too – but Hyundai has made a few changes which improve refinement. There’s also a 1.4-litre petrol entry-level car, and we found little difference in performance between this and the 1.6; however, if you can afford it, go for the excellent 1.6-litre diesel. It has impressive punch, particularly when pulling out of junctions.

Marketplace
The i30 is a vital car for Hyundai. It has to consign the maker’s ‘bargain’ image to history, pushing quality and driveability forward. Sister company Kia has already enjoyed such success with the Cee’d, and significantly, both cars are essentially the same, even down to doors and dashboard. The Hyundai has a bluffer nose though, and elongated rear lights that have a touch of Mercedes A-Class about them. The flat, recessed tailgate also looks a bit BMW 1-Series. The five-door hatch will, in time, be joined by an estate and three-door version, and for now is offered in Comfort, Style and Premium variants. All are generously equipped, and keen pricing also works in the Hyundai’s favour; it’s pitched below mainstream rivals such as the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Toyota Auris.

Owning
The well-constructed interior offers a comfortable seating position and plenty of rear space. The i30 actually has more rear legroom than the already-spacious Cee’d. The boot is practical, and as the rear seatbases flip, you can create a virtually flat load area. The trouble is, lower-end models don’t look as robust as they actually are, due to a large expanse of dull plastic. More upmarket variants get a leather steering wheel and metal-effect centre console. All models are very well equipped though, with even entry-level versions offering ESP, alloys, electric windows, air con and a USB auxiliary port. What’s more, the i30 offers a five-year warranty, though this is still two years less than the Cee’d. Retained values are better than the Kia though, with the Hyundai holding on to just under 39 per cent after three years.

Engines, performance and drive

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Interior, design and technology

Practicality, comfort and boot space

Reliability and Safety

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.5T GDi 48v Hybrid Advance 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £25,275
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.5T GDi 48v Hybrid Advance 5dr DCT
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £26,475
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    1.5T GDi 48v Hybrid Advance 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £25,275
Select car

New & used car deals

Hyundai I30

Hyundai I30

RRP £16,720Used from £10,647
KIA Ceed

KIA Ceed

RRP £19,965Used from £8,599
Hyundai I20

Hyundai I20

RRP £11,570Used from £10,599
Seat Leon

Seat Leon

RRP £24,125Avg. savings £9,152 off RRP*Used from £10,874
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details
Range Rover Velar EV - front (watermarked)

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details

JLR is getting ready to unveil a mid-size electric Range Rover to end its four-year new model drought, and our exclusive images preview how it could l…
News
10 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

The Honda Civic was already a great car, but updates for 2025 have elevated it even higher
Road tests
11 Sep 2025
New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - front tracking

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch

The hottest front-wheel-drive Golf has sharpened up its act in Mk8.5 form, but it's not as fun as we'd like it to be
Road tests
11 Sep 2025