At this point in the championship, the quality presented by Hyundai models is no longer a surprise. Only the most distracted may not have realized that the Hyundai Group is currently the 4th largest car manufacturer in the world and that it intends, by 2020, to be the biggest Asian constructor in Europe.
In its market offensive to the European market, Hyundai followed the old saying “if you can't beat them, join them” to the letter. Hyundai knows that to win in the European market it is not enough to make reliable and affordable cars. Europeans want something more, so the Korean brand moved from "guns and luggage" to Europe in search of that "something more".
Despite proudly bearing the symbol of one of the largest industrial clusters in Asia, Hyundai didn't even flinch when it decided that all its models for the European market would be entirely developed in Europe, specifically in Germany.
Hyundai's headquarters are in Russellsheim, its R&D (research and development) department is in Frankfurt and its testing department is in the Nürburgring. As for production, Hyundai currently has three factories on this side of the hemisphere producing for the European market.
At the head of their departments we find some of the best cadres in the industry. At the heart of the brand's design and leadership is Peter Schreyer (the genius who designed the first generation Audi TT) and the dynamic development of Albert Biermann (former head of BMW M Performance), just to name a few.
The brand has never been more European than it is now. The Hyundai i30 we tested is proof of that. Shall we take a ride on it?
At the wheel of the new Hyundai i30
Sorry for the somewhat boring introduction about the brand, but there are aspects that are important to notice in order to understand some of the sensations left by the new Hyundai i30. The qualities presented by the Hyundai i30 in the more than 600 km that I covered at the wheel of this 110hp 1.6 CRDi version with double clutch box, are inseparable from these decisions of the brand.
I ended this test with the feeling that I had driven the best Hyundai ever — not because of the demerit of the rest of the brand's models, but because of the Hyundai i30's own merit. In these 600 km, the qualities that stood out the most were the driving comfort and driving dynamics.
“There is also an endless list of equipment available, reinforced by the First Edition campaign (this is the case for this model) which offers 2,600 euros in equipment”
The Hyundai i30 is one of the models in its segment with the best compromise between comfort and dynamics. It's smooth on roads with poor asphalt conditions, and rigorous when the interlocking pace of a winding road demands it – rigorous is even the most appropriate adjective to describe the i30's behavior.
The steering is correctly assisted and the chassis/suspension combination is very well achieved – the fact that 53% of the chassis uses high-rigidity steel is not unrelated to this result. Qualities that are the result of an intensive testing program at the Nürburgring and that have the “helping hand” of Albert Biermann, former head of the M Performance department at BMW – about whom I spoke earlier.
And since I've already told you about the best aspects of the Hyundai i30, let me mention the least positive aspect of the model: consumption. This 1.6 CRDi engine, despite being very helpful (190 km/h top speed and 11.2 seconds from 0-100 km/h) has a fuel bill above the average for its segment. We finished this test with an average of 6.4 l/100km, a high value – even so, achieved with a lot of national road in the mix.
Consumption has never been — and still isn't… — one of the strengths of Hyundai's Diesel engines (I've already tested the i30 1.0 T-GDi on gasoline and got nicer values). Not even the competent seven-speed dual-clutch DTC gearbox (an option costing 2000 euros) that equips this unit helped. Apart from this aspect, the 1.6 CRDi engine doesn't compromise. It is smooth and dispatched q.s.
Another note. There are three driving modes at our disposal: Eco, Normal and Sport. Don't use Eco mode. Fuel consumption won't drop drastically but driving pleasure will go away. The accelerator becomes too “insensitive” and there is a cut in the fuel supply between the gears which causes a slight bump. The ideal mode is to use the Normal or Sport mode.
going inland
“Welcome aboard” could be the phrase chosen to appear on the i30's digital display. There is more than enough space in every way and the rigor in the assembly of the materials is convincing. The seats are not an example of support but they are quite comfortable.
At the back, despite the existence of three seats, Hyundai gave priority to the side seats, to the detriment of the middle seat.
As for luggage space, the 395 liters of capacity are more than enough — 1301 liters with the seats folded down.
Then there is still an endless list of equipment available, reinforced by the First Edition campaign (this is the case for this model) which offers 2600 euros in equipment. Look, nothing is missing:
Among other equipment present in this version, I highlight the full Led headlights, automatic air conditioning, a complete package of electronic driving aids (emergency braking, lane maintenance assistant, etc.), premium sound system, infotainment with 8-inch screen inches and integration for smartphones (CarPlay and Android Auto), 17-inch wheels, tinted windows at the back and differentiated front grille.
You can consult the complete equipment list here (they will need time to read everything).
It is also worth mentioning the wireless mobile phone charging system, and the offer of free subscription to cartography updates and real-time traffic information for 7 years.
Doomed to success?
Certainly. Hyundai's investment and strategy in the European market has borne fruit. The constant increase in sales — both in Europe and in Portugal — is a reflection of the quality of the brand's models and of an adequate pricing policy, supported by another very important pillar for the consumer: guarantees. Hyundai offers in its entire range a 5-year warranty without limit of km’s; 5 years of free check ups; and five years of travel assistance.
Speaking of prices, this 1.6 CRDi version with the First Edition equipment pack is available from €26 967. A value that puts the Hyundai i30 in line with the best in the segment, winning in terms of equipment.
The tested version is available for 28,000 euros (excluding legalization and transport costs), an amount that already includes the 2,600 euros of equipment for the First Edition campaign and the 2,000 euros of the automatic teller machine.