The i30 represents something of a turning point in Hyundai’s history. It not only brings with it a new naming system (the ‘i’ nomenclature set likely to be rolled out on all future Hyundai’s), but it is also the car that customers won’t feel the need to constantly justify to others. Sure, it’s cheap, and yes, it’s well specified and comes with that epic five-year warranty, but it’s also a good car in its own right.
The ‘i’ in the i30 name, according to Hyundai, represents innovation, inspiration and intelligence. This car is all of those things. I’m sure that the link to its compatibility to the Apple i-pod will not be missed either.
Three variants of i30 are offered: SX, SLX and SR, each with 2.0 litre petrol power with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The new turbo-Diesel with five-speed manual gearshift is available in SX and SLX models and will be available with an automatic transmission in early 2008.
With the base model SR at $18,990, plus the usual on road, Hyundai has managed to maintain the affordability of the car, and even the lowliest entry-level model is fitted with air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, alloy wheels, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), integrated audio with full connectivity and functionality for MP3, WMP and iPod and steering wheel remote controls. While a number of more mature potential i30 owners may not have a clue what an iPod is (let alone MP3 or WMP), its integration into every model underlines the company’s future-looking stance.
In a move designed to appeal to tech savvy buyers who have not considered Hyundai before, Hyundai will also distribute USB memory sticks as part of its prospecting activity.
The USB sticks will be distributed at a series of dedicated ‘i30 zones’ across the country including airports, city centres and Hyundai A-League football matches. Once hooked up, the USB connects users to a specially-created i30 microsite, www.i30.com.au, where people can download three free music tracks, courtesy of Hyundai and Sony BMG. Artists include: Rhianna, Gwen Stefani, Foo Fighters, Fergie, Mika and Good Charlotte. The USB also contains i30 vehicle information, video and desktop wallpapers and offers prospective clients the opportunity to win a brand new car.
‘The new i30 is a taste of the unexpected from Hyundai. Every i30 is fully compatible with all digital music sources – iPods, MP3 players and USBs and we felt the best way to draw attention to this was to distribute Hyundai-branded USB memory sticks to qualified prospects as part of our display activities,’ says Oliver Mann, General Manager Marketing.
Hyundai has long boasted that it wants to be one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world. Those claims used to be sniggered at, but the Korean firm is serious – it’s currently rated number 5, and the i30 is its most convincing model yet. Inside, the awful shiny plastics have gone. It’s still plastic, but it’s of far better quality and the detailing is excellent. It’s not all good news though. The dials are difficult to read in sunlight without the backlighting on, as are the ventilation controls.
Take a look at the rear though; remind you of anything? A hint of 1 Series BMW? Its rump might look a little similar to the BMW, but don’t expect it to drive like one. The i30 is surprisingly zippy and around town it just gets on with the business of getting you to your destination. Hyundai Australia had the steering and suspension specially developed for Australian conditions and it shows – the i30 has moved beyond the ride and handling of the previous Elantra. Testing was undertaken, both in Korea and in Australia, to specify the optimum combination of springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars, together with a revised electric power steering system.  The components chosen for Australian i30s debut a combination that is unique.
All Hyundai i30s will come with the choice of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder or a frugal 1.6-litre turbo-diesel. It’s the 1.6-litre turbo diesel that appeals most here. It raises the 2.0-litre petrol’s 7.2 litres combined consumption figures to a miserly 4.7-litre per 100kms and feels far more muscular. It’s a remarkably civilised engine too, being quiet at idle and smooth on the road. At an extra $2500 over the petrol model, it is the best value small car diesel in the Australian market.
In the recent Panasonic World Solar Challenge where vehicles had to drive from Darwin to Adelaide, the new i30 CRDi performed better than an array of diesel and hybrid rivals to top the fuel efficiency stakes in the Greenfleet Technology Class. The i30 consumed an even better 3.2 litres of fuel per 100km, emitting just 97g of C02 equivalent per kilometre on the 3,600 kilometre journey, outperforming Toyota’s Prius hybrid and diesels from Peugeot, Audi and even a BioBike.
The i30 is a good car that underlines just how far Hyundai has come in recent years. Indeed, it’s good enough to be snapping at the heels of the mainstream rather than just being considered a budget choice. The mainstream should be worried.
AUTO FACTS
- Price: $18,990 – $28,490
- Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel
- Power: 105kW, 85kW; 186Nm, 255Nm
- Transmission: Petrol – 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic; Diesel: 5-speed manual only at this stage
- Good: Great Euro styling and jam packed with standard features
- Bad: Expected more punch out of the 2.0-litre
