Hyundai i30 CRDi Premium 2012 review

We are going out on a limb here by saying the new Hyundai i30 CRDi (diesel) is barking at the heels of VW's Golf diesel to drive and is better in some respects.

Value

Oh, and it costs a few thousand less as well as enjoying low-cost, fixed price servicing and a swag of other customer tempters such as three years satnav map updates, five years unlimited kilometre warranty, seven years roadside assist and a $1000 Myer gift card. Hyundai has yet to cross the bridge into zero per cent finance but it will most likely happen.

The German designed i30 diesel Premium auto we drove sells for $32,590 and includes a raft of goodies like the panoramic glass sunroof, leather, multi media connection box, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, SUNA traffic warning satnav, heated seats, electrochromatic rear view mirror, xenon low beam, electric park brake, dual zone climate control and plenty more.

Technology

Power comes from a twin cam 1.6-litre turbo diesel good for 94kW/260Nm from 1900rpm. The Hyundai's powertrain is aided by that super smooth, compact and slick shifting six-speed auto made by Hyundai itself. And it's relatively easy to clock 4.7-litres/100km.

Design

It's the second generation i30 and as such benefits from refinements learned on the original -- itself a pretty good thing. It rolls on a set of gorgeous 17-inch alloys with chrome highlights and has a full size alloy spare under the load space floor.

We like the look of the i30 from all angles - different, modern and quite funky. The shape also lends itself to a high level of comfort inside though rear seat legroom, which can be an issue with large front passengers. There are plenty of storage hidey holes and the lighting system on a car in this category is striking with LED running lights, the xenons, puddle lights under the mirrors and lights everywhere.

Safety

Safety is rated at five stars with seven airbags to protect occupants and stability control as well as a range of other primary and secondary safety systems.

Driving

The fact that Hyundai Australianises its car’s dynamics makes a world of difference to the drive feel and the four pot diesel, though giving away 400cc (1.6 vs 2.0) is almost the Golf's equal. There’s an ‘eco’ mode you can select to optimise fuel economy but it feels like someone has put a tennis ball under the accelerator - with the desired effect.

It doesn't like much but in practice, the i30 diesel is quite a sporty five door hatch in performance and handling terms thanks in part to the European Sachs dampers. Of course, there are limitations but off the mark and roll-on acceleration is strong and the engine makes minimal noise on the move - or when stopped for that matter.

Verdict

This is an impressive car pitched right in the middle of a cluster of really good small diesel hatchbacks.