Hyundai i30

On the inside, the Hyundai i30 impresses a lot with its fine levels of quality and fit and finish. However, the interior cabin design of the car is not up to the mark, with the very simple layout lacking the flair of the external design.

The three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel as well as instrument console with a coloured MID in its centre do look nice together. The center console of the dashboard has been given a minimalist theme, with a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system and wing-like AC vents placed just below it. The lower half of this centre console does come hexagonal panel for the automatic climate control buttons.

The hexagonal theme for the AC vents with rounded edges looks simple but matches with the overall theme of the car. With premium features onboard like 10-way powered driver’s seat, wireless charging and dual-zone automatic climate control, the i30 definitely feels a class apart.

Over the last few years, Hyundai has toned down the overall design of the i30, which doesn’t look as fluidic and standout as the previous generation model. However, this new latest iteration of the Hyundai i30 is not a simple design by any standards and still manages to turn many heads.

The front fascia of the Hyundai i30 is majorly comprised of the Hyundai’s trademark cascading grille, which has now become sharper from its edges a bit. The sweptback headlamps too have become sleeker in their appearance, however, these headlamps do come with rounded edges. The slightly triangular housings for the fog lamps as well as daytime running LEDs too have mildly rounded edges.

The side profile of the Hyundai i30 still maintains the flowing theme a bit, if not as curvaceous as the model it has replaced. The sharp shoulder line running through the upper surfaces of the doors and smooth wheel arches do make the i30 look contemporary, something which can be established fully by the large machined alloy wheels.

At the back, Hyundai has kept the things pretty simple with large and wide horizontally laid LED tail lamps and a stubby boot lid design, which does get nice looking garnish in the form of reflectors positioned slightly upwards. The scooped theme for the roof spoiler too is a nice touch here.

The overall ride quality as well as handling prowess of the Hyundai i30 feels decently balanced, with the hatchback getting Macpherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear. With a soft and supple ride quality and suspension setup on offer, the Hyundai i30 offers a comfortable experience for urban driving.

The sole engine and transmission combination employed for the Hyundai i30 is a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. With a maximum power output of 130 PS and a peak torque output of 242 Nm, the Hyundai i30 feels quite powerful for a premium hatchback.

The premium essence of the Hyundai i30 is well reflected in its list of safety features as well, with the hatchback getting front, side, and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, front and rear park assist, reverse parking camera, electronic parking brake and hill start assist.

The Hyundai i30 has the capability to impress anyone at first glance with its premium exterior and interior design as well-sorted ride and handling characteristics. The performance on tap is appreciable too, making the i30 one of the most desirable hatchbacks which are affordable to buy.