Hyundai i30 Fastback review - Interior, design and technology

The changes to transform the i30 from a hatchback to the Fastback model are centred on the back of the car, with a lower roof line and a small increase in length at the rear giving a sleeker appearance. Whether this is a sufficient improvement on the standard car is a decision only the potential buyer can make; it is not radically different to the standard car, but if an i30 has been decided upon then the alternative appearance may be an attractive one.

Unlike some fastback five-door coupes that have frameless door glass, the i30 Fastback features fully framed windows, giving it an even closer resemblance to the standard hatchback.

Inside there is a straighforward carryover of design and components from the i30 hatchback, but this is no bad thing. The layout of the cabin is both sensible and attractive to the eye, while the materials used are of a good standard. Standard equipment is generous too, with sat-nav, Bluetooth with voice recognition, wireless phone charging and rear park assist with a rear-facing camera all included as standard. Premium models add dual-zone climate control, privacy glass and heated seats, while Premium SE includes a panoramic roof, leather seats and a heated steering wheel amongst other extras.

The i30 N Fastback builds on this still further, adding amongst other things sports seats and the five-mode vehicle dynamic system which changes the car’s behaviour depending on the conditions.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

All i30 Fastback models come with an eight-inch infotainment system that includes satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Voice control is fitted and a multifunction steering wheel allows you to control the screen without having to take your hands off the wheel. In addition, Premium models and above add a 4.2-inch display ahead of the driver and between the dials that can be configured to show a number of information sub-pages.