2012 Hyundai I30 Reviews

Graham Smith reviews the 2012, 2013 and 2014 Hyundai i30 as a used buy. Hyundai hatch's value proposition is still strong. Shame about the radio. New When the first i30 arrived in 2007, it typified Hyundai's progress as a maker of quality, reliable vehicles and earned Carsguide's Car of the Year gong that year. It was

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 badge on the i30's rear hatch opens to reveal a reversing camera. It's this nifty device that is drawing customers to the Korean brand's showrooms. They have seen it on the television commercial and that's the first thing they talk about when wandering into a dealership. It's not the mirrors which swing open when you approach the car, not the satellite-navigation nor the start-stop push button. Yes, it's that little H badge opening at the back that has people the most intrigued. The original European-designed i30 really put the marque on the map in Australia in 2007, winning over tens of thousands of car buyers and even fleets with its combination of style, practicality and value. Up went Hyundai's reputation a notch, putting the South Korean brand on level pegging as many of the well-established Japanese brands. Now, not only can it be fairly compared against Toyota Corolla and the Mazda3, but the Volkswagen Golf too. The i30 remains Hyundai's best seller, ahead of the cheaper i20 and the popular ix35 SUV. Surprisingly sales are down on last year, by 12 per cent for the month and 7 per cent for the year, probably a consequence of Hyundai pitching the car upmarket, packing it with gear and subsequently increasing the price too.The review car was the mid-range Elite model with six-speed automatic for a $29,990 drive-away price tag. Standard gear includes USB and auxiliary input, 7-inch touch screen satellite navigation, glovebox cooling, steering wheel audio controls, CD sound, cruise control, Bluetooth and remote keyless entry.It also has front fog lamps, tilt and telescopic steering, push button start, automatic wipers and headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels and spare wheel, dual zone climate control airconditioning, trip computer, and power windows (all automatic up/down).There's European flair to its German-designed body, both front and rear with the adventurous chrome-bar grille and rear horizontal wraparound tail lights. Along the side are modern lines and scallops linking prominent wheel arches over stylish new alloy wheel designs to create a pleasing overall appearance that looks particularly good in dark colours. Euro-style door handles, integrated fog lamps front and rear, projector headlights, a sleek rear window spoiler and folding door mirrors provide an extra bit of premium to the Elite as driven. Inside there's typical Hyundai bling and blue theme but it's styled and presented well, nice to touch, feels quite solid and all the switches and buttons work and feel quality. The seats are supportive and comfortable, and getting the right position for the driver is made easier by having seat height adjustment as well as reach adjustment for the steering wheel. The funky wheel itself is comfortable and well-proportioned, with simple controls for the audio, phone, cruise control and trip computer functions.The main audio control centre, of course, is through the touchscreen. Auxiliary, iPod and USB ports are conveniently located at the bottom of the centre stack, just above an open console where your iPod or smartphone can be stored and easily accessed.The 1.8-litre petrol engine in the test Elite has slightly more power than the previous 2.0-litre unit but lacks a bit of low-down oomph. I stuffed up and forgot to reset the trip computer so started off with a reading of 12.9 litres/100km which was the consequence of suburban running. After an extended drive outside town, I had dragged that down to 9.5 -- which stayed that way for another day of town running. I believe the official combined figure of 6.5 litres/100km is perfectly achievable.On the safety side there's Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), seven airbags and an automatic windscreen defogging function.As you approach the i30 it greets you by swinging open the door mirrors and turning on the puddle lamps to illuminate beneath the door. A simple touch on the push button opens all the doors and an annoying Hyundai theme song chimes as you get comfortable in the seat (thank goodness you can turn it off). A touch of the start-stop button fires up the engine and you are ready for action after easily adjusting the steering wheel up and down and in and out as well as fastening the seat belt.The i30 is a fairly lively unit and was getting smoother and better as the kilometres piled on. There's a bit more wind and road noise than I was expecting despite an engine which is smooth and quiet most of the time. The road noise is exacerbated by the frequent use of coarse bitumen on our roads. The steering is a bit lifeless and pushing the car harder on the range roads and across the undulating and sharp Walkamin-Dimbulah road revealed a tendency to understeer a bit. But the ride is comfortable and there's adequate grip.Passengers in the rear seat get plenty of knee and head room, although access is compromised for larger people by the slope of the window line. There is a good-size boot, enhanced by a standard cargo net to stop smaller items sliding about. It's stylish and drives well and gets plusses for the interior presentation, ride quality, five-year warranty, full-size spare, parking sensors and camera and adjustable power steering.The electric steering needs improving as does the wind and road noise, the handling could be sharper and it lacks low-down engine. But Hyundai are fast and smart learners and the latest i30 is proof ofthat.At less than $30K on road, the Elite is even better equipped than you might expect for a Korean brand. The i30 represents great value as well as more than just a driving conveyance. P.S. Don't forget to check out the flip-up H badge at the back.

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.” 

Canny motorists are facing a shopping bonanza as car makers start slashing prices to make way for new models. But it's not only outgoing models going cheap - look out for end-of-year sales as well.Any time a carmaker trumpets a new model, these shoppers are there ready to make a financial killing by buying up the old model. Look for sales at particular times of the year. June is traditionally a strong month for squeezing extra savings out of a dealer though, with a buoyant car market and fierce competition, anytime towards the end of any month can deliver a bonus.End of year sales are popular. Dealers always want to sell but the months of November and December provide a chance to discount cars built in the current year. Fighting this are car buyers who want a car built in the new year to preserve resale value. Here's some deals but be prepared for more as the calendar year draws to a close.HOLDENDeep Purple is no longer a rock band - it's Holden's new colour that is available on a range of cut-price “Z-Series” Commodore sedans, utes and wagons. The new colour is the same as Holden's iconic show car, the Efijy. Different models in the Z-Series line-up get different equipment levels but, as an example, the base Omega automatic is $41,990 but the Z-Series edition costs $39,990.The bonus is that the Z includes a heap of extras within that price, including leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, rear camera and sensors, leather steering wheel and chrome door frames. The SV6 ute adds 19-inch alloys, carpet mats and leather seats for $38,490, down $1000 on the plane-Jane SV6.The discounts on the VE Holden Commodore range precede the launch early next year of the VF Commodore models. Holden is also running out the Barina five-door manual hatch at $16,490, a saving of $500.TOYOTAYou'll have to do some legwork here. The new Corolla is on sale and some dealers still have stocks of the old model. Officially, there's no discount on the outgoing model though some dealers - predominantly NSW and Victoria - have extra stock and have advertised a $18,990 price, $1000 off the list price. Note that the cheapest 2013 Corolla is also $19,990. Toyota WA says customers should discuss pricing direct with their dealer.It's not only the Corolla that may offer savings. The RAV4 gets updated early next year and though there's no official price, dealers will consider offers. On top of that, Toyota has zero per cent finance on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion until the end of the year.HYUNDAIThere's a lot of previous-model stock available from Hyundai and buyers can make big savings if they're not chasing the latest car. These include old-stock i30 hatchbacks with $2000 off the normal price and previous Santa Fe SUVs for up to $3000 off.But there are also current models. The big one is the $13,990 drive-away price on the i20 three door which saves $2500. A similar discount is on the five-door i20. The i40 wagon is now from $29,990 driveaway, a saving of about $3000, and the sedan model with automatic transmission is also from $29,990, saving about $2500.Hyundai's popular baby SUV, the ix35, is now from $27,990 driveaway for the Active version, a saving of $1120, while other ix35 variants have been reduced by $500.MITSUBISHIThe new Outlander SUV arrives November 18 so Mitsubishi is sweeping out current stock. The "Enhancement Pack" model is an LS version with leather seats, heated front seats and an electric-adjust driver's seat. It has Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, six airbags for the front-wheel drive version (up from two) and a cabin styling pack with bright trim to the door handles, console panel and rear door trim.Prices start at $28,990 drive away for the LS front-wheel drive model with five-speed manual transmission. The normal price is $29,340 plus on-road costs so the saving is about $4500. But for buyers who want the new model, register on Mitsubishi's website and there's the chance to win a $1000 Westfield shopping voucher and 15 per cent off accessories for the new Outlander. If that's not tempting, Mitsubishi also has 0.9 per cent finance until the end of this month.SUBARUThe 2012 run out has just started for Subaru which has chopped up to $5000 off three models. It replaces its Liberty and Outback in early 2013 as a mid-life makeover that includes upgrades to trim specifications. There is an all-new Forester also due about February. So the deals are now on the table.The Outback 2.5i manual is usually $37,490 plus on-road costs (say, $5000) but is being rolled out the showroom door for $35,990 including all on-road costs. The same axe has lobbed on the Forester X which is now $32,990 drive-away including leather-faced seats, alloy wheels and fog lights.The normal retail price is $30,990 without the extras and without on-road costs. Subaru is selling the Liberty 2.5i sedan manual for $31,990 drive away with leather seats, electric driver's seat and reverse camera. The car normally sells for $32,990 plus on-road costs.FORDKuga Trend $35,490 drive away (normally $38,990 plus on-road costs) and the upmarket Titanium is now $41,490 drive away, previously $44,990 plus all on the road charges. The Kuga is to be replaced with a new model in early 2013.Focus Ambiente hatch now $19,990 drive away (normally $20,290 plus costs). The Mondeo Zetec hatch is $33,990 with all costs (usually $37,740 plus on-road fees) and Falcon's XR6 Turbo is down from $46,235 plus costs, to $43,490 drive away.KIAThere's a new Sorento SUV so the outgoing model has a $2000 gift voucher attached to its normal retail price.VOLKSWAGENIs running out stocks of the current Golf VI to make way for the Golf VII due early next year. Volkswagen Australia has set the price of the current Golf 77TSI manual at $20,990 including metallic paint and all drive-away costs. This is a saving of about $5000.The Golf Wagon 90TSI with DSG auto, metallic paint and all drive-away costs is now $29,990, saving about $3500. Note that for small-car wagon buyers, Volkswagen has not confirmed a wagon version of the new Golf. If you want this shape, this could be your last chance.VOLVOThe Swede is clearing out its 2012 stock by adding value rather than chopping the price tag. The S60 and V60 entry-level models now come with the upmarket Teknik pack valued at about $4500. But if you specify the Teknik model, Volvo will automatically give you the R-Design pack (valued at $3000) for free.The same deal applies to the XC60 SUV. There's also a deal on S60 or V60 from the dealer's existing stock. Volvo will include free scheduled servicing for three years or 100,000km.

If you are in the market for a small car here is one not to miss. The new Hyundai i30 hatch is proof of how rapidly the company has grasped the art of making a sophisticated and zippy not-so-small car.Prices are sharp, ranging from $20,990 for the petrol manual to $32,590 for the premium diesel automatic.Standard equipment is impressive for the price. It includes seven airbags, stability control, brake assist, rear parking sensors, a 125mm colour monitor with Bluetooth, iPod, MP3 and USB connection, cruise control and trip computer, power windows, three settings for steering, but a temporary spare. All models come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty fully transferable to subsequent owners.Styling is eye catching with strong sculptured lines and a distinct Euro flavour, enhanced by a long wheelbase and short overhangs. Inside there is generous head, leg and shoulder room, abundant storage and a generous load area. The interior is tastefully styled and well finished with clear and easy to use controls, comfortable seats and generous head and legroom.New for this year is a 1.8-litre petrol engine replacing the previous 2.0-litre petrol and an upgraded 1.6-litre turbo diesel, both delivering more power while using less fuel especially in automatic models, where a six-speed transmission replaces the previous four-speed.On test was the six-speed petrol manual, the engine now producing 110kW -- a gain of 5kW -- although torque is down from 186Nm to 178Nm. With the help of continuously variable valve timing, fuel use drops by almost 10 per cent to 6.5L/100km in the manual on the combined cycle and on test averaged 7.2l/100km.The flexibility and smoothness of the engine and the quick and slick gearbox has to be one of the silkiest around. As expected the engine does best with a few revs on board; there is not much pull below 2500rpm, but with a broad spread of ratios and linear power delivery, it gets off the line smartly, has plenty of punch mid-range and settles down to cruise quietly pulling a leisurely (for a small petrol engine) 2250rpm at 100km.So quiet is the engine at idle, due in part to the hydraulic engine mounts, you need to blip the accelerator to make sure it is still alive. The suspension is up with the best in class delivering a firm yet compliant ride, confident and sporty handling and well weighted and accurate steering.The savvy second-generation i30 hatch is styled in Germany, built in Korea and tuned for Australian roads and the combination delivers on all fronts in both petrol and diesel.

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

Designed for the European market at Hyundai’s Technical Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the new i30 takes on the South Korean company’s ‘fluid sculpture’ style which, it says, is inspired by nature and modern architecture. More practically, it gives the vehicle a slippery co-efficient of friction of Cd 0.30, a cornerstone of fuel economy.Since its launch Downunder the new Hyundai i30 has picked up the SUNA Traffic Channel, a digital information service that broadcasts detailed information about traffic congestion and other road conditions directly to compatible in-car satellite navigation devices. SUNA is standard in Elite and Premium models. The handy traffic avoiding service is now available in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth and on the Gold Coast.The new Hyundai i30 satellite navigation is a first for Hyundai vehicles in Australia and features a 7-inch touch screen, motorway junction views, lane guidance, speed warnings, 3D landmarks, multi-route planning (fast, short, eco), ‘easy access to parking’ location function, traffic information through Traffic Message Channel, detour function and address input with intelligent keyboard.The usual connectivity is on hand with AUX, USB and iPod/iPhone input and Bluetooth with hands-free phone and audio streaming. One glaring omission is stop/start engine technology, increasingly being found in vehicles today, a further aid to fuel economy. The Hyundai i30 Premium 1.6 turbo-diesel six-speed automatic sells for $32,590, plus on-roads.The 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine has been updated to produce 10.6 per cent more power (94 kW) over the previous i30 and 3.4 per cent reduction in combined highway/urban fuel consumption, with the six-speed automatic transmission adding to the economy equation by running a tall top gear.Hyundai i30 gets straight to the point in the styling stakes, with Hyundai’s signature hexagonal radiator grille (chrome in the Premium test car we have sampled for the past week), flanked by the latest design HID xenon headlamps. Sleek lines, offset by sculpted wheel arches housing 17-inch alloy wheels, continue down the side of the vehicle, ending in a rear that emphasises the vehicle’s wide stance.The roof in the i30 Premium incorporates a two-piece panoramic sun roof, the light from which adds a feeling of space inside the cabin. A spoiler is positioned where the roof meets the rear window. The Hyundai emblem houses a reversing camera which improves the limited rear view through a small back window. With room for five people – if they are not overly wide – the Premium i30‘s cabin lives up to the model moniker with a modern mix of quality hard and soft surfaces. The driver enjoys a 10-way power seat, plus heating with two functions.The Hyundai i30, which comes in Active, Elite and Premium variants, has also been recognised as ‘one of the safest in the small-car category’ by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program, with the new-generation Hyundai being awarded the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.This second-generation Hyundai i30 received good results across the five tests – frontal offset, side impact, pole, whiplash, and pedestrian protection – to receive the maximum rating, an improvement in overall score compared to the first-generation five-star rated i30, up from 32.54 points to 35.69.Seven airbags and rear parking sensors standard across the range, plus a full suite of standard active safety technology including ESC, TCS, ABS, EBD and BAS ensure the i30 is on a par with the best, and more expensive, passenger vehicles around.Instruments are made easy to read with sports-style layout and blue back lighting. The Hyundai engine fires up via a start/stop button, while an electronic park brake gets the vehicle under way with a minimum of fuss. The four-spoke steering wheel incorporates a variety of controls, including cruise control, audio and air-con. The driver can dial up one of three steering modes with Flex Steer – another new feature from Hyundai.Flex Steer’s ‘Normal’ provides a balance between steering input and feedback, making it ideal for the majority of roads; ‘Comfort’ reduces the weight of steering, allowing for effortless manoeuvring and more relaxed driving; ‘Sport’ increases steering weight and feedback for maximum driver involvement. At motorway speeds the test i30 CRDi had fuel consumption of 5.2 litres per 100km, increasing to about eight litres per 100km in hard stop-start traffic motoring.The suspension and steering have been especially tuned for Australian conditions, which only adds to the i30’s appeal.

The new i30 is the first of Hyundai's new genre to move to a second generation and just like the first i30 the newcomer is a standout. It looks fresh and attractive, with the same flowing lines as the Elantra sedan, and a stylish new interior that is a huge step forward from its functional but rather plain predecessor. The i30 is Hyundai's biggest selling car and it competes in the mostly fiercely contested segment of the market.Priced from $20,990 the new i30 the entry point is $400 more than the current model but represents $1600 better value, with a longer list of standard features.There's a choice of petrol and turbo diesel engines, six-speed manual or six-speed auto transmissions and two of the three new grades - Active, Elite and Premium - are fitted with satellite navigation as standard.The i30 has been a huge success for Hyundai. It's currently the number four small car in Australia, behind the Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and Holden Cruze. The company really turned a corner with this one and hasn't really looked back since.The Hyundai i30 has been benchmarked against the Mazda3 and VW Golf and it shows. The car is slightly longer and wider but sits lower than before giving it a sportier, racier profile.The restyled body brings it into line with the "fluidic'' design that characterises Hyundai's other offerings.The front is sharper and more aggressive with a dominant hexagonal radiator grille, and those huge taillights have gone from the rear, replaced by a more contemporary horizontal design.The entry Active model is priced from $20, 990, Elite from $24,590 and Premium from $29,990.Standard kit includes cruise control, fog lamps, rear parking sensors and a touch screen audio system, with Bluetooth, USB and steering wheel audio controls. A reversing camera is standard on Elite and Premium models.The new i30 looks, feels and is significantly better inside, with greater use of soft touch surfaces. The free standing console is reminiscent of Volvo. We're told there's more room inside the cabin, along with 10 per cent more luggage space. Surprisingly however the new model has 10mm less rear legroom.It's a touch screen with bright easy-to-read graphics and SUNA traffic updates that route you around traffic snarls automatically. Unlike other manufacturers, Hyundai has also done the right thing and included warnings for speed cameras and other road hazards.It's designed to score five stars for safety with seven airbags standard across the range and a full complement of safety systems, but is yet to be tested.Unfortunately the new range will not include a wagon. Production of the i30cw as it is called has been moved to Hyundai's plant in the Czech Republic making it unavailable to our market. This could change down the track as the initial demand for the new model eases freeing up production time. We'll see.The 1.6-litre CRDi turbo diesel carries over from the previous model, along with the six speed manual. The good news is that the old four-speed has been replaced a brand new six-speed auto.As before, the diesel puts out 94kW of power and 260Nm of torque, but the switch to the new auto is going to produce better fuel efficiency. The diesel returns a claimed 4.5 litres/100km in manual form and 5.6 litres/100km in auto form.The 2.0-litre petrol engine has been replaced by the 1.8-litre multipoint injection unit from the Elantra. In Europe the car is offered with a 99kW 1.6-litre four with direct injection but Hyundai felt this was too modest for our tastes and our roads.The 1.8 is smaller and misses out on direct injection but it actually produces more power than before. Torque however is down. It produces of 110 versus 105kW of power and 178 versus 186Nm of torque. The petrol returns a claimed 6.5 litres/100km in manual form and 6.9 litres/100km in auto form.Overseas the diesel will also be offered in Blue Drive trim, with fuel saving technology such as Integrated Stop & Go (ISG), low-rolling resistance tyres and an alternator management system. Unfortunately we won't be getting this model.Three cheers. Hyundai has confirmed it is looking at introducing a sports model, not just with this model but across the entire line-up. The segment-leading Mazda3 comes in SP25 and MPS forms and to compete Hyundai needs to offer an alternative.The i30 sport or whatever they decide to call it could be fitted with the 130kW 2.0-litre direct injection engine or the 150kW 1.6-litre turbo from Veloster. At this stage however there is not time frame for its introduction - but they say they're looking seriously at the proposition.We had a crack at the mid-priced, Elite petrol manual model and top of the line Premium diesel auto at the launch in Victoria this week. The petrol model is quiet and refined and not surprisingly reminds us of the Elantra with which it shares a platform.But it feels breathless at times, particularly under load and it is necessary to go looking for third to get it really moving. A tiny bit more power would be welcome. We look forward to trying the auto when it is available. With the addition of the six-speed auto, the diesel is a much better thing than before.It offers strong performance and is the one you want if you regularly clock up the kilometres, but it costs $2600 more in any of the three grades. The auto is a $2000 option, but standard with the Premium.The diesel variant feels heavier in the front end, with heavier steering. But that's where the new Flex Steer system comes into its own. Overkill -- but standard across the range -- it provides a choice of styles: Comfort, Normal and Sport. They provide varying levels of steering assistance and feedback to the driver. Unfortunately, there is no option to display the vehicle's speed digitally - a rare oversight in an otherwise comprehensive package.The i30 has a 53-litre tank and takes standard unleaded. We recorded a figure of 7.4 litres/100km for the petrol model on the drive program and 5.9 litres/100km for the diesel over a combined distance of about 250km.Hyundai just doesn't seem able to put a foot wrong these days. If you like the current i30 you're going to love the new one. It does everything the old one does and more, with a quality, big car feel and more lavish interior.Like its predecessor the suspension has been tuned for Aussie roads and Aussie tastes, with an impressive ride spoiled only by the larger 17 inch wheels on the Premium model.