Hyundai i30 2013 Review

In some ways you might say this is a better looking car than the hatch. It's certainly no stodgy old wagon, not by a long shot  with compact lines that belie its size.

Originally, Hyundai said it was not going to replace the wagon because production had switched to the Czech republic making it too costly. But here we are a few months later and just like the hatch, the i30 Tourer is a beaut.

VALUE

Prices start at $22,990, reaching $31,190 for the diesel Elite automatic, but you can't get a Premium version with all the fruit. The Elite's price includes the optional $2000 six-speed automatic. There's a choice of petrol or diesel engines and the petrol is the latest direct injection model, not the old multipoint 1.8 from the hatch.

But there seems to be some marketing strategy involved, because it's the smaller 1.6 as opposed to 2.0-litre direct injection unit in the equivalent Kia Cerato (remember Hyundai owns Kia).

LED daytime lights are standard on both models, along with alloys, Bluetooth, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and the Flex-Steer adjustable steering system. Disappointingly, a reversing camera is not standard on the entry Active (but should be).

DESIGN

Sharing the i30 hatch's 2650mm wheelbase, the i30 Tourer adds 185mm in total length and offers 528-litres of stowage capacity with rear seats up, an increase of 150-litres over the hatch, and 113 litres over the previous-generation i30 Tourer.

Elite models are fitted with a number of additional features, including automatic folding side mirrors with LED side repeaters, illuminated door handles and puddle lamps, automatic dusk sensing headlamps, and auto windscreen defog function.

TECHNOLOGY

Our test vehicle however was the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel with a six-speed automatic. It develops 94kW of power at 4000 revs and 260Nm of torque from 1900 revs. The auto is good for 5.8 litres/100km (we were getting 5.7).

SAFETY

Designed to achieving a maximum five star rating, the car features Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), and ABS with EBD & Brake Assist System (BAS), while advanced passive safety features include the use of ultra-high tensile steel within the body shell and seven airbags as standard.

DRIVING

A bit noisy at idle and low speeds, but it's very composed once you hit cruising speed and eats up the kilometres with little fuss. The controls are all big and easy to use and there's plenty of storage in the centre console area for your phone and other items. Bluetooth connects easily and the large touch screen satnav in our test car was easy to use and warns of speed cameras and other hazards.

VERDICT

Practical, good looking and excellent value for money.

Hyundai i30 Elite
Price: from $31,190
Warranty: 5 year warranty unlimited km
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 94kW/260Nm
Transmission: 6-speed auto, FWD
Thirst: 5.8L/100Km, CO2 151g/km