Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Hyundai i30 Fastback review

The i30 Fastback adds some coupe style to the Hyundai compact hatchback formula

Overall Auto Express rating

3.5

How we review cars
  • Extra boot space
  • Competitive pricing
  • Good standard equipment
  • Unexciting to drive
  • Slow base models
  • Rear headroom suffers
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
Advertisement

The Hyundai i30 Fastback brings some diversity to the crowded compact hatchback market, and is likely to attract interest from anyone looking for something other than a standard five-door hatchback. Whether or not they will find the i30 Fastback attractive is a personal thing. Where it really delivers in its all-round competence; there is a broad and efficient engine range, a high level of standard equipment and good build quality, a sound driving experience and competitive pricing, all of which makes for a compelling case on paper. What might be lacking is the spark of driving excitement that comes with a Ford Focus, or the superior quality feel of a Volkswagen Golf that might persuade buyers to sign on the dotted line.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Hyundai i30 Fastback is the third model in the i30 range, and is for sale alongside the standard five-door i30 hatchback and i30 Tourer estate. It has the look of a coupe that aims to be a bit more stylish than the standard hatchback, but it also has additional space over the standard car.

It’s offered in SE Nav, Premium and Premium SE trims, while the range is topped by the rapid i30 Fastback N. These specs are the same as you’ll find in the standard i30 hatchback range, while the rest of the car’s running gear and technology is carried over, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Only two engine options are available in the standard model, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol with 119bhp and a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol with 138bhp, both of which are turbocharged. No diesel engine options are available, and both models come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A seven-speed dual clutch automatic is available on the 1.4-litre engine only.

The i30 N Fastback uses the same mechanical make-up as the i30N hatchback, so it comes with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine offering 271bhp, and is matched to a six-speed manual transmission. A lower-output version of the i30N that is available in hatchback form, but it’s not available in the Fastback.

With a crowded compact hatchback market to contend with, the i30 Fastback offers something different to the norm. There’s no direct rival for it – the Mercedes A-Class Saloon is far more expensive – so the i30 Fastback has to rely on its unique looks to take sales from the main contenders in the compact hatchback segment such as the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Astra and the Kia Ceed. Kia also offers the Proceed model, which is closer to an estate car than a four-door coupe but combines a similar mix of a design-led exterior with boosted cabin space.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Our latest car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,710Avg. savings £2,338 off RRP*Compare Offers
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £31,535Avg. savings £3,985 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £27,565Avg. savings £2,749 off RRP*Compare Offers
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,505Avg. savings £3,518 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on Fastback

Hyundai i30 family hatch gets new lease of life from second facelift
Hyundai i30 N-Line facelift - front

Hyundai i30 family hatch gets new lease of life from second facelift

The new i30 features more safety tech and sharper styling, plus an even sportier look available with N Line trim
News
27 Mar 2024
New Hyundai i30 Fastback N Line 2020 review

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...
Road tests
26 Oct 2020
Hyundai i30 Fastback N vs Skoda Octavia vRS Challenge
Hyundai i30 Fastback N vs Skoda Octavia vRS Challenge - header

Hyundai i30 Fastback N vs Skoda Octavia vRS Challenge

The Hyundai i30 Fastback N and Skoda Octavia vRS Challenge major on both practicality and performance, but which hot hatch does it best?
Car group tests
18 Jun 2019
Hyundai i30 Fastback N Line: UK prices and specs
Hyundai i30 Fastback N Line

Hyundai i30 Fastback N Line: UK prices and specs

Hyundai has given the i30 Fastback the same sporty N Line treatment as the hatch, with a new bodykit and a peppy 1.0-litre petrol engine
News
3 Apr 2019
Hyundai i30 Fastback N Line revealed
hyundai i30 fastback n line front

Hyundai i30 Fastback N Line revealed

i30 Fastback gets the same sporty treatment previously applied to the hatchback, and a 1.0-litre turbo is added to both N Line ranges
News
31 Oct 2018
New Hyundai i30 Fastback 2018 review
Hyundai i30 Fastback - front

New Hyundai i30 Fastback 2018 review

Extra style comes at the expense of some practicality but the Hyundai i30 Fastback is a competent and interesting left-field choice
Road tests
31 Jan 2018
Hyundai i30 Fastback 1.4 T-GDi petrol review
Hyundai i30 Fastback - front

Hyundai i30 Fastback 1.4 T-GDi petrol review

We drive the Hyundai i30 Fastback to see if the new five-door coupe is worth the money
Road tests
6 Dec 2017
New Hyundai i30 Fastback revealed
Hyundai i30 Fastback - Frankfurt front

New Hyundai i30 Fastback revealed

Hyundai has expanded the i30 range with the introduction of the i30 Fastback, which has made its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show
News
12 Sep 2017