2008 Hyundai I30 Reviews

You can save a motza on a late-model used car, because the first owner has already taken the biggest hit... usually 30-50 percent, in depreciation. Ideally, you want to be the second owner, and hang on to the car for a few years, to maximise the value you get from your motoring dollar. We've picked our top five used

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Hyundai i30 as a used buy.

The introduction of the Hyundai i30 in October 2007 signalled Hyundai’s move into the big time.

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 - the cheapest is a Chery J1 at $9990 drive away - 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. I realise that many small-car buyers may look at features and paint colour before safety ratings and reliability.But even if the buyer has 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.Final tips: 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. - 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.THE CARS: We've selected three small cars that come up trumps as used cars after starting life as sensible new car choices. Note that these are examples and variations will occur given the car's location, service and driving condition, distance travelled and general body and mechanical condition.1. 2010 Toyota Corolla AscentPrice: $16,990Odometer: 35,266Engine: 1.8L 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 7.7L/100Carsguide says, “second 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 annual driving distances.” 2.  2010 Mazda3 MaxxPrice: $16,990Odometer: 107,445Engine: 2L 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 5-speed automaticThirst: 8.2L/100Carsguide says, “well 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 and hence has resulted in a small price concession over a similar model with a lower mileage. Mazda's 3 is a very good all-round car with excellent safety standards and generally a nice ride, though cabin noise is more intrusive than most rival cars. Twice yearly servicing needed and no capped service program means it may be a bit more expensive to maintain that, say, a Corolla.” 3.  2010 Hyundai i30 SLXPrice: $14,990Odometer: 87,412|Engine: 2L 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 7.6L/100Carsguide says, “the one that won Carsguide's Car of the Year for 2010 is a smart buy, even two years down the track. It retains about three years of its five-year warranty. As a driving machine, 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 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.

The Hyundai i30 made quite a splash when it landed here in 2007. With appealing looks, impressive quality, good road manners and safety it swept the Cars Guide Car of the Year judges off their feet.The win in the prestigious annual award was historic in many ways. It was not only the first for Hyundai, but also the first for a Korean   carmaker and removed any lingering doubts about the legitimacy of the Korean brands as world-class carmakers.In winning the award the i30 beat a top-class field from established and respected carmakers like Mazda, Ford, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz.Having won over some of the country's most respected motoring scribes, the i30 has since gone on to win over the toughest judges of all, the Australian motoring public.MODEL WATCHWinning the Cars Guide Car of the Year gong was no mean feat; it was particularly meritorious because the i30 was in the most competitive market segment of them all.It was a breakthrough model for Hyundai, one that finally cemented its position as a carmaker of substance and not just a maker of cheap   and cheerful cars people buy purely on price without worrying about too much else.The compact i30 was launched as a five-door hatch with a choice of three models - SX, SLX and SR - and petrol and diesel engine options.The i30 slipped right into the Australian market with barely a ripple, possibly because it was designed in Europe and sat  comfortably alongside other cars designed in that part of the world.It looked smooth and modern with neat clean lines and balanced proportions, and boasted a roomy cabin for its size along with good   luggage space.A 2.0-litre double overhead camshaft engine that had variable cam timing and fuel injection provided the power across all models.  At its best it boasted 105 kW at 6000 revs and 186 Nm at 4600 revs, enough to keep it comfortably stirring along with the pack.  Hyundai also offered the economical option of a 1.6-litre four-  cylinder turbo diesel engine, which came with the peaks of 85 kW and 255 Nm.Both engines could be specified with a five-speed manual gearbox, but only the petrol engine was available with the four-speed auto until   2008 when it also became available with the diesel.  The entry level SX model came with air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and four-speaker CD sound, along with iPod connectivity.Step up to the sporty SR and you also got alloy wheels and a body kit, plus cruise, auto air, trip computer, fog lamps and six-speaker   CD sound system.  Make it all the way to the SLX at the top of the range and you got even more.IN THE SHOPThe step up in quality of Hyundai cars is clear from the reduced number of complaints received at Cars Guide. It wasn't so long ago   that it was something of a laughing stock, but that has changed in recent years.Few complaints have been received about the i30 since its launch, which suggests owners are content with their purchase.Despite this potential buyers are well advised to check their possible purchases carefully and thoroughly, looking for evidence of abuse or lack of maintenance from uncaring owners.  Check also for crash damage and poor repairs.IN A CRASHDual front airbags were standard across the range, but the SR and SLX also had the added protection of head and side airbags.  Before 2008 the SX and SLX had ABS braking with electronic brakeforce distribution, while the SR also had stability control and traction control standard. After 2008 stability control and traction control became standard across all models.  ANCAP rated the i30 at four stars prior to 2008, but five stars after that.UNDER THE PUMPHyundai claimed the 2.0-litre engine would return an average of 7.2 L/100 km with a manual gearbox, and 7.6 L/100 km with an auto.Cars Guide reported an average of 8.2 L/100 km when it tested the 2.0-litre shortly after the launch, while reader Terry Cahill says his   2.0-litre SLX auto gets 8-8.5 L/100 km around town and 7-7.4 L/100 km on the highway. Reader Ray Beebe reports he gets 6.0 L/100 km on average from his SLX diesel auto, compared to 4.7 L/100 km claimed by Hyundai.OWNERS SAYRay Beebe went shopping for a car that would fit into his garage, take his golf clubs and buggy, and had five-star safety when he replaced his 2000 Ford Laser with an i30 SLX diesel auto wagon. After 3000 km he is impressed with its power and its economy.Terry Cahill has enjoyed 57,000 km of trouble free motoring in his 2.0-litre i30 SLX auto. He likes its positive road feel, cornering, comfort, braking and the smoothness of the auto transmission.  Wally Rockawin would happily recommend the i30 SX diesel auto to his friends. He says it's well built, is great to drive and economical to run.Dennis O'Brien also gives the i30 SLX diesel a big tick, saying it's got great power and torque. His only negative experience has been a   notchiness when selecting second gear from first or third, particularly when cold.  He suspects the problem is due to the gear   selector cables needing adjustment and not with the synchroes.LOOK FORAttractive looking hatchRoomy cabin for sizeEconomical diesel the best choice .Comfortable ride.Safe and sound handlingReliableTHE BOTTOM LINE Affordable, well built, well equipped, safe and economical compact hatch. 80/100

Doesn't getting old put a dampener on things?If someone had told me - as a nerdy highschool kid with shoulder-length hair and acne - that in 40 years time I'd be championing small hatchback cars with diesel engines, I'd fairly faint.Back in the days of Woodstock, it was Porsche's new 911 and the Lamborghini Muira and the delicate beauty of the Ferrari 365 that made my head spin.Now those dreams are impractical and unaffordable, as are most teenager whims including that girl called Alice.The third millennium is a very different world and different lenses are needed to see things in perspective.Unfortunately, you have to abandon wild notions and embrace convention.But if you think owning an automatic hatchback Korean car with a diesel engine and sub-$24,000 price tag is going to be boring, then I have some pleasant news.The Hyundai i30 turbo-diesel auto just may be the best car on the market. Yes, in practical and fiscal terms, better than my once beloved Muira dreamcar.Despite the price, the i30 is very well screwed together - incidentally, better than the Muira. Even if there's a hiccup, Hyundai has a five-year warranty.The 1.6-litre turbo-diesel looks like a slug on paper yet even attached to a rather pedestrian four-speed, non-sequential auto it is brisk and loves cruising.And if you want to go cruising in the country it has a full-size spare wheel to keep you going.It suits a small family with its five doors, a generous boot and a goodly range of standard features.They include an airconditioner duct in the glovebox to keep the chocolates firm. Vital stuff.The base model also has connections for your iPod and any USB stick as well - features for which some European car companies charge outrageous premiums.This is in addition to the CD player and the four speakers.Audio controls aren't on the steering wheel in the entry-level SX model tested, though are in the SLX version that costs an extra $4500.The SLX also gets alloy wheels, six speakers, trip computer and fog lights - which are all very nice but miss the point.This is simple, fuss-free, inexpensive, environmentally-better-than-most, space efficient and fun motoring.There's very little fluffy bits and the i30 simply doesn't need them.One of the surprises - and clearly there are a few with this car - is the quietness of the diesel.It will be a tad rattly on idle for passers-by but for occupants, there's only a hum.At any speed above walking it's practically inaudible.Even when you press it hard - actually a pointless exercise as the engine runs to about 4000rpm and then gasps - it is composed.The auto box is as simple as the engine with four forward cogs and no manual-change mode. Which is just as well because, as pointed out, this is no racer.It's a comfortable performer in traffic and will get away with most other cars.Forget green-light drags - if you've bought one of these you're past it anyway.In conventional hatchback design the i30 has a split-fold rear seat to boost cargo space.Or it will seat two adults in the back and, if of average dimensions, they won't complain about the room.They will also be happy about the ride comfort that is compliant and well insulated from sound - especially from underbody noise.What is so overwhelming about this car is clearly not its Ferrari-chasing performance but its sheer ability to be pragmatic motoring.No bells, no whistles, a fantastic fuel economy and a whopping five-year warranty. Don't wait to get old to experience it!

We've driven many cars in the name of fuel economy in past years but the i30 is the first one to actually travel more than 1000km on a single tank of fuel.That's impressive and it makes the CRDi a very attractive proposition at $21,490. It's also the cheapest diesel-powered passenger car on the road.Our test vehicle has passed the 10,000km mark, which in the past is generally the point we found diesels started to deliver better economy.We had been regularly getting between 850 and 900km from the 53-litre tank. But, after spending the day with the glow of the low fuel light, we decided it was time to give the 1000km mark a crack. So, with 940km on the trip metre, we filled a five-litre can with diesel, stuck it in the boot and headed off.With an official fuel consumption figure of 4.7 litres/100km, the i30 CRDi theoretically has a range of 1127km. But in our experience, vehicles rarely achieve this figure when it comes to the real world.The i30 is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engine that delivers 85kW of power and 255Nm of torque from a low 1900rpm.In our test car, the engine is hooked up to a five-speed manual transmission.With plenty of torque, the i30 is a snack to drive, happy to dawdle around in just about any gear and it is not fazed by a full complement of passengers.We specifically requested the entry level SX model to see what what drivers get for their money.Until recently you couldn't get the diesel as an auto but this has changed and we look forward to giving it a run too.For long distance commuting, the only thing we really miss is cruise control, which is unfortunately not available in combination with the diesel.Many people point to the higher cost of diesel fuel but, if you take the time to work on the sums, you'll see that you still come out way in front.An auto is obviously going to cost more, but the manual transmission is easy to use and poses no real drama unless you do a lot of city driving.The suspension in the hatch benefits from local tuning and it shows in the way the car rides and handles.Airconditioning is standard, but it struggles to bring down the temperature of the interior on very hot days and after the car has been sitting in the sun.Rear leg room is generous and the rear seat splits 60:40 for longer loads.