Skip advert
Advertisement

New Hyundai i30 Fastback N Line 2020 review

The new Hyundai i30 Fastback N Line looks great, but what's it like from behind the wheel? We find out...

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
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

Verdict

The Hyundai i30 N Line Fastback certainly adds a little more excitement to the compact family car class, but behind the looks is a car that falls short in key areas. The sluggish dual-clutch gearbox and overly firm ride compromise the overall package and its ability as a family car. More sensibly-priced options lower down the range make for better family transport, while those wanting the looks and performance should try to find the extra cash for the fully-fledged N model.  

Advertisement - Article continues below

Despite having been around for over 13 years - now half way into its third generation - the Hyundai i30 has never really gained the notoriety of its class rivals, such as the VW Golf or Ford Focus. It’s a competent, comfortable and affordable family car but remains a slightly left field choice in its class. 

Hyundai has attempted to address that as part of the car’s mid-life update by introducing a new 158bhp 1.5-litre Fastback model that only comes in the firm’s racy N Line trim. The visual updates are minor but certainly go some way into making what was a rather forgettable-looking family car into something a bit more striking.

A new LED lighting signature and reshaped bumper sharpen up the front end, while gloss black trim on the lower edge of the bodywork and new 18-inch alloy wheels give a more purposeful look to the car. As a Fastback, the N Line makeover really does look the part.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Compass

2023 Jeep

Compass

21,256 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £22,475
View Compass
500X

2021 Fiat

500X

46,383 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,744
View 500X
Wrangler

2016 Jeep

Wrangler

30,021 milesAutomaticDiesel2.8L

Cash £27,441
View Wrangler
Yaris Cross

2024 Toyota

Yaris Cross

10,893 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £22,599
View Yaris Cross

The engine is also new; the previous 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo has been ditched in favour of a new 1.5-litre T-GDi that develops 159bhp and 253Nm of torque. Performance figures are brisk if not blistering, with Hyundai claiming an 8.8-second sprint from 0-62mph and a top speed of 130mph. 

In our test car, the engine drives the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Hyundai’s six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission is also available, which brings with it a £1,200 saving. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Opting to pocket that extra cash and go for the manual is probably a good idea, as on this evidence, the seven-speed DCT is one to avoid. Whether pulling away from a junction, accelerating to overtake on a dual carriageway or even if you’re just dawdling around town, the gearbox is sluggish and laboured at making changes. Despite being an N Line model, there are no steering wheel-mounted paddles for you to operate the gearbox with yourself, either. 

The engine is smooth enough, assisted by the integrated 48-volt mild hybrid technology, but always hampered by the gearbox. However, it’s pretty efficient, nudging above 40mpg over a mix of roads on our test. 

There might not be lots of power, but the chassis lets you make the most of it. The steering is part of a responsive front-end that resists understeer well and allows you to maintain momentum through a series of bends.

However, another gripe is the ride quality - or lack of it. Hyundai has seen fit to match the car’s racy new exterior with an equally sporty ride, but this i30 N Line doesn’t possess anywhere near the level of performance necessary to justify such a stiff suspension setup. 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The car constantly fidgets and fights with the surface as you drive along, crashing over bumps that it really should soak up. The dampers are also passive - unlike the proper N model - so even as you cycle through the driving modes, there’s no improving the quality of the ride. 

Inside, there have been some welcome tech updates, Hyundai adding a new 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment to the dash that’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai’s new Bluelink telematics system, which beams real-time traffic and weather data to the car, have also been added.

A sticking point for most buyers, and what’s likely to make this i30 N Line quite a rare sight on UK roads is its price. At almost £27,000 tested here it’s only a few thousand short of the fully-fledged N car, which has the performance to match its looks. Over a three-year PCP deal, that’s likely to equate to only a few pounds extra per month. 

Model:Hyundai i30 Fastback N Line 1.5 T-GDi
Price:£26,645
Engine:1.5-litre 4cyl turbo
Transmission:Seven-speed DCT, front-wheel drive
Power/torque:156bhp/253Nm
0-62mph:8.8 seconds
Top speed:130mph
Economy:47.1mpg
CO2:136g/km
On sale:Now 
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £2,598 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £1,803 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,578
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £12,195
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs
BYD Atto 3 - front cornering

EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs

Running costs for car share club EVs are £6k higher than ICE equivalents according to new data
News
8 May 2025
Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future
Mazda MX-5 EV exclusive image - front

Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future

The next Mazda MX-5 roadster is set to be offered as a pure EV, and our exclusive images preview how it could look
News
10 May 2025
Bargain prices drive used car sales boom, but new cars struggle to sell
Used Renault Arkana - front action

Bargain prices drive used car sales boom, but new cars struggle to sell

Demand for pre-owned cars beats pre-pandemic levels as buyers seek out bargains
News
9 May 2025