Hyundai I30 Problems

It was only a decade or so ago that motorists who equated car length to masculinity freaked out at the trend to downsizing.The table has turned. Now it's not your masculinity under question for owning a large car, but your sanity. Simply, small cars work.They are quick, comfortable, well equipped, economical on fuel and ownership costs, plus fit into small parking bays or tuck neatly into peak-hour traffic queues.They are also relatively inexpensive and there's about 30 different car models and 280 distinct versions to choose from. More importantly, budget motoring means there are thousands of near-new used small cars on the market.Pick your next pre-owned car carefully and it's likely you'd find one that retains a portion of the new-car warranty. While some car buyers may look at features and paint colour before safety ratings and reliability, even if you've few aspirations to venture outside the city perimeter, it's important to keep safety, reliability, comfort and durability as part of the purchase criteria.Consider also factory-fit Bluetooth and audio streaming. Hands-free telephone calls and portable and interactive music are pivotal to young car owners and increasingly to the people who end up buying your car.PS: Ensure the car has been serviced to the manufacturer's requirements (it's stamped in the service book that should be in the glovebox -- if it's not there, neither should you be. Bent or buckled number plates indicate a prang.Tyre tread worn on the edge or in the centre indicates the car needs a wheel alignment (or may have been in an accident). Always get the car checked out.(Search for hundreds more choices)HOT TIPSDon't be put off by high kilometres if it's a country car. Later models will have full safety and current tech upgrades. Check that service record.2010 Mazda3 MaxxEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 5-speed autoThirst: 8.2L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSWell-equipped version of Australia's most popular car appears to have covered a big distance given its age. That may be due to use as a country car, thus the lower price compared to a similar model with lower mileage. Mazda's 3 is a very good all-rounder with excellent safety standards and generally a nice ride, though cabin noise is intrusive. Twice yearly servicing needed and no capped service program means it may be a bit more expensive to maintain than, say, a Corolla. 2010 Toyota Corolla AscentEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 7.7L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSSecond series of the Z-code Corolla that started in 2000 just improves year after year. It's solid, dependable (no camshaft belt to break), inexpensive to own and fuel, roomy and holds its value. Capped service can save money but Corolla still has a twice-yearly maintenance schedule. In a five- and six-speed auto world, the Corolla's four-speed auto is ordinary. But it's strong and reliable. This car is in line with average driving distances. 2010 Hyundai i30 SLXEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 4-speed autoThirst: 7.6L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSThis former Carsguide's Car of the Year is a smart buy, even two years down the track. It retains some three years of its five-year warranty. The i30 is simple, secure and fuss-free. It's relatively economical but not as sprightly as the Mazda3 that has a similar engine. Mileage is a bit high and the car may be due for a new camshaft belt. But it looks good with 16-inch alloy wheels, has a high five-star safety rating and a comfortable cabin. 

The i30 was Hyundai's breakthrough model, the one that stamped the brand as having arrived as a serious carmaker. So good was it that it won Carsguide's Car of the Year award -- no mean feat given the opposition it faced.The i30 was launched as a five-door hatch with a choice of three models, the SX, SLX and SR, and a choice of petrol and diesel engines. With smart, modern lines the i30 was immediately accepted by the  Australian car-buying public who most appreciated its looks, but also its roomy cabin and decent boot.Hyundai also won warm applause for offering a diesel engine option to the 2.0-litre petrol engine that was the main engine offered. The petrol engine provided decent performance that was on a par with  others in the class, while the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel provided a fuel-efficient alternative. Both engines were available with a slick five-speed manual, but it  was the petrol engine that could be had with a four-speed auto until 2008 when it also became available with the diesel.All models were quite well equipped. All had air-conditioning, the base SX also had four-speaker sound and iPod connectivity, the SLX got cruise, leather-trimmed steering wheel and a couple of extra speakers for the sound system. The SR was a sportier model with a body kit, and larger alloy wheels. On the road the i30 was just as impressive, with a quiet, comfortable ride and decent handling. The petrol engine was adequate without being outstanding, but it was the diesel that stood out for its overall ease of driveability and its fuel economy.IN THE SHOPHyundai was once unloved by all but cash-strapped buyers. They marketed themselves as producers of cheap and cheerful cars, and the level of complaints seemed to confirm that claim. But, how things have changed. The Korean carmaker is now on the money for build quality and design integrity, and that's reflected in  the standing it now holds in the market. It's now pretty much on a par with the Japanese carmakers, long held as the benchmark for our market, and can be bought with confidence.The i30 doesn't have any issues of concern, but prospective owners should do their due diligence on previous history of cars under consideration. Service is always important; oil changes the key to a long and  healthy life on the road.IN A CRASHThe i30 SX base model with dual front airbags got four stars from ANCAP, a good result at the time for a small car. The higher-spec models with  head and side airbags got five stars. In addition to the airbags the i30 also had anti-skid brakes across all models, while the SLX and SR also had electronic stability control. In October 2009, the entire range received ESC and six airbags, which made for a five-star rating across all models.UNDER THE PUMPWith the prospect according to Hyundai of 4.7 L/100 km the turbo- diesel is the runaway winner of the pump race. The petrol engine, claimed by Hyundai to average 7.2 L/100 km is  acceptable. Owners surveyed by Carsguide reported 8-8.5 L/100 km on average  around town from the petrol auto, and around 6.0 L/100 km for the  diesel auto.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $20,990 to $28,490Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 105 kW/186 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 85 kW/255 NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed autoEconomy: 7.2 L/100 km (2.0P); 4.7 L/100 km (1.6TD)Body: 5-door hatchbackVariants: SX, SLX, SRSafety: 4-star ANCAP.VERDICTLooks good, performs well, well built, good value for money.