Hyundai i30 estate (2007 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

Hyundai’s styling once lacked panache, but the Hyundai i30 estate proves its cars are now much smarter and more modern looking. Even though the i30 looks better from the front than the rear, it is still an attractive-looking car. However, the small rear side windows can make reversing difficult.

Our rating: 4

2. Interior

Four six-foot adults can travel in comfort for long distances thanks to the i30’s generous rear space. The centre console is the most attractive feature of an otherwise unspectacular fascia.

Our rating: 4

3. Practicality

There’s a decent amount of luggage space provided. With the rear seats in place the volume is 415 litres, and when they’re folded down it expands to 1,395 litres. That’s not bad, but both the Ford Focus estate (482/1,525) and the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer (500/1,550) offer more. Happily the awkwardly shaped tailgate of the i30 hatch has been replaced with a more sensible design with straight sides, and the load sill is usefully low.

Our rating: 4

4. Ride and handling

All i30s suffer from slightly bouncy front suspension. The effect isn’t so noticeable in the diesel cars though, so for best ride quality choose one of those. The handling may not be terribly exciting, but it is perfectly adequate and safe.

Our rating: 4

5. Performance

There’s a choice of 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines and a 1.6-litre diesel. On paper, the 1.6-litre petrol gives the best performance, with the manual version delivering a top speed of 119mph and 0-62mph in 11.0 seconds. The diesel isn’t much slower, though, and it’s nicer to drive because it pulls very strongly from low revs. Surprisingly, the less powerful 1.4-litre petrol is almost as quick as the diesel, but you have to rev the engine much harder.

Our rating: 4

6. Running costs

The diesel is by far the least expensive to run, thanks to 60.1mpg average economy and low 124g/km CO2 emissions that also mean the car’s first year of road tax is free. However it is more expensive to buy than the petrol models. The 1.6-litre petrol automatic is also costly, and suffers from low 40.9mpg average economy and relatively high 162g/km CO2 emissions.

Our rating: 4

7. Reliability

Hyundai has a good reputation for reliability, and the i30 is its star player, scoring highly in customer satisfaction surveys. And even if anything does go wrong, the i30 comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, RAC roadside assistance and annual health checks. Impressively the i30 has not been the subject of any manufacturer recalls since its launch.

Our rating: 5

8. Safety

The i30’s five-star adult and four-star child occupant protection safety rating are up to the standards of the obvious rivals, though two stars for pedestrian protection is disappointing. But there’s no shortage of safety equipment. Anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability programme (ESP), emergency brake assist (EBA), anti-whiplash head restraints, seatbelt pretensioners and front, side and curtain airbags are standard on all models.

Our rating: 4

9. Equipment

Most i30 estates come in Hyundai’s Comfort trim level, providing air-con, driver’s seat height adjustment, power-assisted steering, a 60/40 split rear seats and an audio system with iPod functionality, a USB slot and an auxiliary input. Top spec Premium provides climate control, headlights and wipers which switch themsleves on automaticlly when required, a self-dimming interior mirror, folding door mirrors, rear parking sensors and a proper spare wheel, unlike the temporary one provided with Comfort spec.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

Sound reliability and an impressive warranty are the key reasons to consider an i30. Overall it’s a pleasant car to live with and is worth considering as an alternative to a Focus or an Astra, provided you can live with the Hyundai’s smaller amount of luggage space.

Our rating: 4