2008 Hyundai i30 First Steer
2 Oct, 2007
165 Comments 
2008 Hyundai i30 First Steer
“No, it’s not a new Sports version of the A Class Mercedes-Benz or a new a variant of BMW’s 1-Series. It’s the new i30 from Hyundai and we reckon they’re going to sell like hotcakes”
If you’ve never thought of owning a Hyundai motor car before today, you might want to take little looksee at the i30 hatch from the award winning Korean car company.
Awards you say? Yes, stacks of them. German Auto Zeitung Magazine in it’s “2006 Qualitats Report” voted Hyundai “Most Reliable Brand”, The exhaustive JD Power & Associates Initial Quality Study: ranked the carmaker 3rd among all nameplates behind Porsche and Lexus and in Australia, reliability and cost of ownership have brought Hyundai a host of accolades from the likes of Wheels Magazine and NRMA.
The small car market is the toughest sector in the world to compete in with just on 37% of all cars sold slotting in to this category. Hyundai needed to produce an exceptional car to have a half a chance with products such as the recently launched Mitsubishi Lancer.
My guess is they have succeeded. I’m betting that the i30 will go straight to the top of the charts and yes that’s a big call, but the combination of styling, materials, equipment, drivability and affordability, are of a level not yet seen in this category, to my knowledge at least.
There are three spec levels on offer; SX, SLX and SR powered by a 2.0 CVVT petrol unit mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto transmission. And if you are diesel savvy, you’ll be exceptionally pleased with the 1.6 CRDi powered i30 and its hill demolishing 255Nm of torque.
At this stage the CRDi is only available with a 5-speed manual box and in SX and SLX trim levels. We’re told a 4-Speed auto is literally around the corner and will be available from late December/early January.
I sure would like to see an SR badge with the CRDi though or better still – a proper high performance version of both engine variants in the not too distant future.
You can’t help but like the way this car looks. There’s a lot more Euro styling than there is Korean in the i30, and it shows.
The well sorted Volkswagen Golf, Mazda 3 and Ford Focus are said to have served as the benchmark vehicles for the i30, but as far as I’m concerned, they threw in an A-Class and a 1 Series for good measure.
The result is one very good-looking hatch, inside and out.
It’s a well thought out car inside too. For starters there’s an iPod interface allowing you to plug your MP3 directly into the car’s sound system. And you won’t even need a USB cord. Every i30 comes with one in the centre console. Not only that. The car’s audio head unit can control both volume and playlists – a huge plus and not available in many prestige cars.
The standard fit remote folding key fob looks remarkably similar to that found across the Volkswagen range and is a nice touch.
The driver and front passenger seats are particularly good, offering comfort and sports style side bolster. A massive improvement over the Elantra.
Steering is both height and reach adjustable, which in my book, is essential if you are to find the perfect driving position. The SLX and SR versions win a nice thick leather wrapped steering wheel, while the base model SX gets not so handsome plastic model which looks worse than it is to hold.
With over twenty storage compartments throughout the i30 – a family of four is well catered for, including an air-conditioned glovebox, able to chill at least two bottles or cans.
Air conditioning with Pollen filter is standard as are a host of other features such as; power windows and mirrors (heated), ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), driver and front passenger airbags with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control (TCS) standard on the SR but optional on both the SX and SLX.
On the SX – you would need to go with the SX Protectz safety pack, which includes driver and front passenger side and curtain airbags. With the SLX, you would only need to option ESP with TCS, as the full compliment of airbags is standard fitment.
First off the rank was the 2.0 CCVT petrol SLX with the 4 –speed auto and running on 16-inch alloys shod with 205/55 tyres.
With 105kW peaking at 6000rpm and 186Nm of torque at 4600rpm it’s not the most powerful in class and as a result, it needs to work hard from a standard start. Once moving and into third gear, it’s a much more pleasant drive. The engine note adopts a relatively quiet composure but with plenty of go for highway cruising.
The car feels incredibly well planted while the steering weight is near perfect. Suspension has been tweaked by a world renowned handling and ride guru, who carried out substantial testing on Australian roads which I’ve been reminded, are far worse than the UK’s much criticised “B” roads.
Even over bitumen starved roads there’s no jarring through the car’s body whatsoever. All bumps and potholes are largely eliminated with this suspension setup.
We gave the i30 a little punt through a nice twisty stretch and just to see if the guru had done his/her job. Yes, in a word. The balance between between ride and handling is spot on.
The brakes are also worth a mention. The pedal feel is confident with excellent stopping power via ventilated front discs and solids at the rear.
We were itching to get behind the wheel of the 1.6 CRDi and all good things come to those that wait.
First off – buy the diesel. Yes, there’s a premium of $2500 over the equivalent petrol car but the increased driveability and low down performance of the diesel, is worth every dollar.
And if we’re talking fuel consumption – it’s a no contest. While the 2.0 petrol isn’t bad at 7.2-l/100km, how’s 4.7-l/100km sound!
• i30 SX 2.0 Petrol manual - $18,990
• i30 SX 2.0 Petrol auto – 20,990
• i30 SX CRDi man only - $21,490
• i30 SLX 2.0 Petrol man - $23,490
• i30 SLX 2.0 Petrol auto - $25,490
• i30 SLX CRDi man only - $25,990
• i30 SR 2.0 Petrol man $26,490
• i30 SR 2.0 auto - $28,490
“Hyundai is backing a winner with the i30 – and we can’t wait for the CRDi Auto”
BY: Anthony Crawford
Location: Home / Hyundai, First Steer, Behind the Wheel / ...
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(44 votes, average: 3.95 out of 5)
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October 2nd, 2007 at 3:03 am
Damn, thats really a Hyundai?
Quick, someone at Subaru needs to hire the guys that designed this, it looks 5x better than the new Impreza.
Although it will be hard pressed against the new Lancer.
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October 2nd, 2007 at 4:11 am
Bloody hell that is a good looking car, and its a hyundai! It seems that the design of both small and medium size cars across the industry have really jumped up a notch this upgrade cycle. I mean the new mazda 6 looks awesome, same with the mondeo, lancer looks great, and now even hyundai is jumping up a notch! About the only car manufacturer to go a little backwards with design is subaru, which as a suby nut disappoints me no end.
I think it will find buyers from people who would of bought the lancer hatchback if it was out. But its going to take a while for people to be able to trust hyundai cars as well. The memories of early model Excels will be hard to remove.
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October 2nd, 2007 at 7:32 am
Saw one yesterday at the dealership here..
it looked great.
would be the best looking hatch for sale at the moment!
and how cheap is the diesel!!! GO HYUNDAI!!!!
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October 2nd, 2007 at 7:34 am
Ah man, if this keeps up, there’s a frightening chance my next runabout will be a Hyundai! So stoked to see these guys finally putting out the magic.
Incidentally, who are you quoting in the quotation marks?
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October 2nd, 2007 at 7:41 am
original quotes from your’s truly
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October 2nd, 2007 at 8:15 am
Admitably it looks quite nice
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October 2nd, 2007 at 10:52 am
These guys are doing something right.
BMWesq name is very cheeky.
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October 2nd, 2007 at 10:57 am
Clearly a good effort from Hyundai who are plagued with the cheap and cheerful,iif not nasty image for years now.
This new model isnt up there with the new generation Lancer in many respects but nice try.
It reminds me of a Corolla from the front a a Merc from the rear.
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October 2nd, 2007 at 11:03 am
I don’t think it’ll sell like hotcakes, and namely because it’s a Hyundai. The brand still hasn’t established all too well in Australia. If you look at it, most of their vehicles are quite competitive, but quite a number of them don’t sell well.
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October 2nd, 2007 at 11:12 am
I have to say very nice! One Hyundai i would actually own, along with the new lancer the corolla could struggle to hold on as the number one selling small car…
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October 2nd, 2007 at 11:31 am
I must say the new hyundai i30 does look pretty good, but quite alot of its styling has been copied from other vehicles. The tail gate of the i30 is pretty much the same as the BMW 1-series
and the wheels look very similar to the C30’s 18″ diamond cut alloys
There is probably more european styling in this car than korean due to the fact that hyundai has copied european cars!
But well done to hyundai, they are definetly improving
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October 2nd, 2007 at 11:35 am
Looks like a cam belt plastic cover under the bonnet…
If it is a cam belt, I won’t buy that heap of sh!t.
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October 2nd, 2007 at 1:09 pm
^^ you were never gonna buy it anyway, whats your point
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October 2nd, 2007 at 1:14 pm
lol, agreed, but i have to also agree that cam belts are a pain in the butt!
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October 2nd, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Snags,
Im just saying that I won’t buy a cam belt.
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October 2nd, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Any way Snags, How do you know that I wasn’t planing to buy a new Hyundai.
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October 2nd, 2007 at 4:23 pm
What a lovely looking motor vehicle. With this vehicle, Hyundai have produced an eye catching and very stylish car. It appears to be well priced, well equipped and very economical. If it drives as well as it looks, some other car makers had better start looking over their shoulders. This is the “I’ve caught up to you vehicle” that Hyundai needed to show that they are a playing in the big time. I can’t wait to read full road tests.
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October 2nd, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Cam belt?? what the!!
the only reason someone should be worried about a cam belt, is if they own an ASTRA, or cant tell when the speedo hits 100 thousand kays, and then cant figure out that the belt should be changed.
try to find a new car that runs a chain…. a few v8s, the honda jazz, and um….. is that all???
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October 2nd, 2007 at 6:06 pm
also, for this cars looks…
cover up the tail lights on the side view, and cover the front indicators, and it IS a mazda 3.
bloody good copy.
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October 2nd, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Most cars these days are cam belt driven though.We used to recommend a belt change at 80,000 clicks not what the manufacturers recommended ,some belts even at 80,000 didn’t have too much more life in them. Ever heard a Timing Chain rattle when you start it ? They stretch over time too !
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October 2nd, 2007 at 6:17 pm
There’s tonnes more cars with chains then V8s and Honda Jazz Troy. I don’t know what what you on about there.
And also what I mean by “I won’t buy that heap of sh!t” is that some cam belt cars are shoe hornd in and really hard to get to. I know that chains can stretch but thats if you really treat the car really badly.
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October 2nd, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Dont think treating it badly has anything to do with it,some chains are real long such as in the BOSS 290 ,hubbys is already after 90,000 ks starting to get the rattles! My M3 is also chain driven older than hubbys BAGT but no rattles ,and it sees 7500 rpm more than once a month !
Depends on the system I guess
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October 2nd, 2007 at 6:46 pm
yet again bang for your buck will go to hyundai.
they have been the best value cars for quite a while and to be honest i dont really know of many reliability problems with them.
i know people say they are rubbish but is it just a perception?
do the people who say they are rubbish really know?
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October 2nd, 2007 at 7:11 pm
Somewhere along the line they must have developed a reputation I guess,their cars getting more expensive now too I guess no longer that 12,000 grand throw it away in 5 years thing . Me I would still have a Focus or Corolla , Hyundai still have a stigma that goes with that name and I guess only more years of trying to better that name will improve that image . Didn’t they also try doing a knock off on the WRX years ago. Now trying to copy the BMW 1 series ha ,Asians have no imagination some times. A poor mans 1 series just like their copy of the Rex!
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October 2nd, 2007 at 8:06 pm
It’s a Hyundai, sorry.
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October 2nd, 2007 at 8:24 pm
missile,
no maybe not $12K anymore but they always keep to be $3K cheaper than others.
yes it must be a stigma attached but i have actually stopped to think about it and i honestly cant think of problems that have led to the perception that people have about hyundais
not saying they are the best and of course i would pay that extra $3K for the focus over it anyday but i see them as not too bad in terms of value and i certainly havent heard of many problems with them. has anyone?
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October 2nd, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Check the link I sent you via email on the crashed VE in the States!
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October 3rd, 2007 at 7:25 am
I wonder how many people will say “no thanks, its a hyundai” and then go buy a Holden crapica, or Viva???
I know i’d prefer the hyundai, and its got a LOT more character than a corolla.
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October 3rd, 2007 at 7:27 am
hey ME
How many “NEW” cars can you name that have timing chains, not belts??
not many i bet.
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October 3rd, 2007 at 7:53 am
the i30 is way better looking than a Mazda 3 and certainly the Corolla. It’s a better drive than the Toyota too and probably on par with the Mazda although I would suggest with a a more comfortable ride.
Hyundai vehicles ARE reliable - hence the 5 year unlimited warranty. Anyone doubting what I’ve said in my First Steer should go to their nearest Hyundai dealership and tell them I said you should take one for drive. Then report back with your response.
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October 3rd, 2007 at 8:44 am
In relation to timing belts/chains…
Most manufacturers are switching to chain driven engines…
Yes the Astra was a terrible one for early belt changes, expensive too, most are to change when required.
Most new 4cyl engines are chain driven and most chain driven systems are durable for the life of an engine.
very rare to see chains wear out in falcons and commodores and i’m sorry even if you get some chain rattle it’s negligeble.
Focus, mazda 3, corolla, golf, i think the new lancer are all chain driven. I also believe the new rav4, camry are chain driven. I won’t buy a belt driven angine anymore, too early to change belts and too expensive.
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October 3rd, 2007 at 8:46 am
Anthony Crawford…
This hyundai is way better looking than a 3!? hmmm styling certainly is subjective! not to mention the mazda 3 styling is 3 years old now, aging well.
Sorry i’ll bet you money this hyundai is NOT better to drive than a 3, focus, astra or golf and i think it may match a corolla, but exceed it, hmmmm
have you driven all of them? including the I30?
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October 3rd, 2007 at 8:48 am
You can also include the lancer as a better drive than the I30, not to mention some reviews are stating the I30s 2.0 is a little lacklusture.
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October 3rd, 2007 at 9:05 am
Adam - have driven all three cars. The Mazda three is a harsh ride in my opinion but nonetheless a quality car. The i30 suspension setup is similar to that of the VW Golf and you find find anyone complaining about ride and handling in that range of cars.
The general materials used in the i30 are on par or better than that in the Corolla - not sure about the Mazda 3 though, haven’t driven one recently. The dash material is soft for instance and little things like the hand/coat hooks which retract back with a dampening effect and the seat comfort which Toyota has not got right yet.
As per my First Steer - the 2.0-litre petrol has to work hard - not enough torque for the gearing setup or not enough torque - period. I would by the diesel in manual or auto, when it arrives.
The styling is clearly more upmarket than either the Mazda or Corolla.
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October 3rd, 2007 at 9:16 am
Tony…
I’ll wait for a few reviews to come out…in relation to ride/handling balance.
I also prefer a more powerful 2.0 petrol.
Sorry i disagree that the styling of the I30 is clearly more upmarket than the 3 or corolla…
The front of the I30 is clearly generic Hyundai styling.
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October 3rd, 2007 at 9:21 am
Well, well, well! A Hyundai 130i.. oops! i30! The rear and side of this hot piece of kit looks like it was stlen off an 130i!
What a shame that Hyundai couldn’t come yp with a slightly better design!
Ah well, it will be tough cometition for looks anyway!
Cheers FM6
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October 3rd, 2007 at 9:21 am
Adam - Styling - I was refering to the rear and side panel skin of the car. You’re right, they could have put a little more effort into the look of the front end - its not as good as the rest of the car but overall - a winning package in my book.
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October 3rd, 2007 at 9:25 am
There a tonnes of cars with chains troy.
Theres the Falcon six and V8, KA & KB Ford laser, nissan Palsar, (etc) there a heaps more than a few cars with chains.
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October 3rd, 2007 at 9:29 am
Anthony crawford…
understand, i agree also that this is a winner for Hyundai, but i’m not so sure it’s the total package the 3, focus, astra, golf and corolla are…but them again it’s also cheaper.
Hyundai also has a fantastic warranty, it’s one of the few models hyundai has released that i would own.
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October 3rd, 2007 at 9:37 am
I don’t see any pics of the base model? only the body kitted and alloy wheel model…
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October 3rd, 2007 at 9:42 am
We’ll get Alborz to road test the i30 ASAP with a heap of pics.
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October 3rd, 2007 at 1:39 pm
“Asians have no imagination some times”, eh? Even if this is true, “creativity” is a more appropriate word than “imagination”. Get some education before we kick your ass.
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October 3rd, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Yeah the 2.3litre Mazda engine / most VW Golf / Jetta / Bora /Passat are all chain driven.
Looks good from the outside, inside is still the same crap by the looks of it. I think Hyundai really need a hero car, a bit like the Ford ST ( XR5 ) is to focus / Ralliart Lancer when it comes to Lancer / SP23 and MPS to the Mazda 3 range / VXR to the Astra range etc. Obviously they would not sell in high volumes but it might life there image.
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October 3rd, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Keni Li,get some education before we kick your arse!!!!!!Ass??? Who needs educating!
I deal with Asians every day in manufacturing overseas ,have hunreds of others in the same industry that would say the same,so go kick your self in the Kibber! I am 5.8 ,your leg long enough ….hahaha
Creativity /imigaination what …….mate this is word play Same thing .
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October 3rd, 2007 at 9:31 pm
HA.HAAAA.HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ,I put my numb chucks away now………..
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October 4th, 2007 at 2:27 am
watever happened to the kia ceed?
that would be a more direct competitor than corolla and gang.
this design will age quickly. even though it looks good now. kind of like the sonata did.
to tell if a car actually looks good. slap on some plain $12 plastic rims on it and re-examine it. thats a way i like to decide if it looks good or not. as u can see the pics where the car is in-motion it does not look as good as in the stationary pics.
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October 5th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
I am not really interested in how it looks, but rather the level of functionality it provides. I am seriously considering trading my TS Astra equipe for a diesel i30.
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October 5th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
I guarantee, you won’t be dissapointed! If you want an auto though, hold off a month or two.
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October 6th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Dear Mr Subaru. You goose. You should hire the Hyundai designers. Did you fire the Impreza and Tribeca designers yet? You goose. You friggin goose. I’d buy the I30 before I’d ever buy the Impreza again. You big fugly goose. Imagine, a Hyundai that looks better then a Rex. Double goose. Take an aspirin and go lie down. I suppose you have. Goose.
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October 6th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Tom mate there are a few geese around and this car has landed brutally hard squaring up direct to compete against the Jap cars - love it and high quality and design makes Impreza and Tribeca look crap
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October 6th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
I think people are harsh on the Impreza… although I think the i30 looks great the Impreza does have ’style’ points over it, as far as I can see, the i30 doesnt have LEDs or Projectors. Minor, but they do enhance the look. Also the comment ‘imagine a hyundai that looks better then a rex’, that isnt hard, WRXs have never been real lookers.
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October 7th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
My family and I LOVE hyundais and have driven nothing else for years - everything from Getz to Tiburon - all manual. I’ve just sold an Excel Twin Cam - 178,000 km and not one fault in all that time! Here on the climb up to Mt Tamborine it blows Falcons and Commodores away and does it on half the fuel; 15.5 km/litre (6.5 litres/100 km). It can carry almost as much luggage or goods as a ute. Depreciation has been under $1,000 per annum. I’m getting a new (petrol) I30 this week and I have no doubt it will be as good or better than all the other Hyundais. The diesel is super value. Wake up to a truly top brand! I have no connection with Hyundai other than as a highly satisfied user.
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October 7th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Robbo - I beg you to buy the diesel. you will be sooo much happier!
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October 8th, 2007 at 5:29 am
Robbo you are 100% correct Hyundai is a top car maker and my Tucson V6 is a class leader for build, ride and safety.I feel sorry for stupid australians who still bag and bag this company I wish they would accept this company for what it is and get over it.And also my excel which only had 110000 on the clock when traded never caused me one problem no rattles nothing loose and stupid australians get over the excel thing as well.
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October 8th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
I too am a very satisfied ‘new’ Hyundai owner. I have a diesel Santa Fe and can never see me owning anything other than a diesel in any future vehicle. I have always been a Ford, Toyota and Nissan owner and looked for any excuse possible not to buy a bloody Hyundai, but the proof was in the numerous test drives I undertook comparing all three (suv’s).
If the upcoming diesel i30 comes anywhere close to the Santa Fe in terms of quality finish, then it will definitely deserve to be the market leader.
You detractors can’t make comment until you take a new Hyundai for a test drive. Prove me wrong!
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October 8th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
I took one for a drive yesterday, It was really very good, the eqiupment level is fantastic and the feel on the road was fine. I hired the new Corolla the weekend before and that was also great, however it has a huge flaw that means that I cannot buy one, the Toyota has its centre consol coming down on an angle from the stereo, my knee sat on har plastic the whole time I drove the car, I did 1000kms in it and after the 2nd day had had enough, which was a big mistake, cos the car was fantastic everywhere else. I’m gonna buy the i30 SR, $30k for all the saftey gear, iPod input, its a moden car, and the alloys are great!!
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October 9th, 2007 at 11:27 am
Hyundai’s an excellent brand that still suffers a lot of hem’s and haw’s when it gets reviewed. I mean really, how many times have you read a current review that talks about cars that Hyundai made in the past as if they were current generation models? “Geeze this is a great new car but in the past …” The thing with Hyundai is, is that they did have shortcomings in the past and you know what - they did something about those shortcomings. I mean I was told this story about how the current (I think) CEO looked under the bonnet of the cars coming off the production line in about 2000 he flipped out at how badly they were slapped together. As I understand it he said better than Toyota there and then - that was the target. Check out the reviews of where Hyundai are today -= JD POWER, Top Gear etc. The i30’s going to be another ‘better than the previous generation Hyundai’ and a heap of people are going to get good runs out of them - of course those probably won’t be brand obsessed types who’d rather buy Japanese cars that are made in Thailand (Toyota’s, Mazdas, Nissans in the i30 price range), or German cars that are made in Mexico (Beetle). Last time I looked Korea was classed as a Developed nation and not a developing one. I know where I want my cars built.
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October 9th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
To Bavarian,
I have had 5 Hyundai’s, 3 Sonata, Excel, Elantra. I traded up from a 2.5 V6 to the new 3.3 >> still had original brake pads at 128,000 kms >> try that with your Focus, see fordfocusbrakes.com . Corolla made in South Africa sold in Australia had “Euro style” brakes which will get you 40k if your lucky (Jap model over 100k !!!) Hyundai are first on my list every time
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October 9th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Well Clive I guess if your happy with it! Re the brakes if thats the case the brakes on the Hyundai cant be as good as the Corolla or Focus surely,pad wear has to do with pad material,the softer pad compound the better you stop and more wear you get,the harder the compound the less wear and longer stopping distances. I will still take the Focus or Rolla still ,thanks anyway for your input!
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October 10th, 2007 at 7:47 am
I like the look of this car and after looking at one at my local Hyundai dealer I’m 99% sure I want one.I know nothing about cars can somebody tell what advantage there is going for the diesel over petrol.I will have to wait because the diesel is only manual and I want auto.I’m not 100% on this car due to the Mazda SP23 now that is a great lookig car well the sedan anyway.
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October 10th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
I had always had the impression that hyandris were the biggest piece of crap the world had ever seen and as long as my arse pointed to the ground wouldn’t ever, ever consider one.
After casting around looking for a 4wd “soft roader” I had decided on a Captiva diesel when a mate turned up in his new crdi santa fe…you guessed it I now fecin own one and appart from the slightly “wooly” steering its fecn BRILLIANT! pulls like a 14 year old school boy and its the only car I have ever owned that has had absoloutely nothing wrong with it when taken back to dealer for its reg service. (twice) don’t know what they have done to get things right but they have succeeded….big time!
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October 10th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Geoff Welcome to Hyundai you will never drive another car make ever again???
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October 11th, 2007 at 8:41 am
I also own a 996 911 and a boxter, as well as a XR6 Turbo(family car) I would have to say that i’d rather drive the Porsches but Hyundai as my work car has racked up 30k in 4 months and Porsches don’t go to good up south island ski fields! This car replaced a Holden V8 Adventra - now that was probably the thirstiest, fall to bits piece of shit of have ever owned!
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October 11th, 2007 at 9:10 am
GEOFF - pulls like a 14yrs old school boy???? WHAT THE F…. >>>> YOU ARE OUT THERE MATE AND WEIRD TO STATE THAT = FAG!
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October 11th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Looks better than past hyundai’s, would look at a diesel if I was looking at a new car, my other choices would be either a new Mazda2 or the Fiat 500 which sounds like it will be rather expenisve.
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October 16th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
ALBORZ… this car is getting stunning reviews like quality is ahead of Japanese. Your writeup states similar, was it that noticeable. Seems like it blew you away in most departments. In what way was in different to other Hyundais????
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October 17th, 2007 at 12:29 am
Maximus, anthony attended the launch, not me, he will respond
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October 17th, 2007 at 8:29 am
Maximus, the i30 is hugely impressive from a quality and materials sense while mechanically I would only buy the diesel as the petrol powered car does not have nearly enough torque down low and would be frustrating for any driver.
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October 17th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Anthony, I’ve haven’t actually been in a mazda 3 before, but apparently the interior is quite loud. How does the i30 compare NVH wise with the 3? And how would you rate the interior materials between the i30 and the 3? Dad was looking at the 3 diesel, but i told him to hold off for a bit, while i did a bit of research on the i30. I haven’t actually seen the i30 in the metal, since we don’t have a hyundai dealer nearby, but from the reviews i’ve read, it seems to be quite an impressive car.
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October 19th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
It looks all right to me…though on every other website I’ve been to with this vehicle…someone has called it butt ugly. I would have to say my favorite part are the wheels. The interior looks rather cramped, especially the driver seat… at least when compared to the Elantra sedan. Hope it is as versatile as the Honda Fit or Pontiac Vibe.
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November 5th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
It’s Great ~!!!!! IN every aspect. ~!!!
amazing price too~!!!!!
I work for Hyundai dealership..
If you want enquiry about i30
email me ..
sangwon1225@hotmail.com
HooRay~!!! HYUNDAI~!!!!
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December 7th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
I bought one. Had an 03 Lancer and was just about to buy the latest Lancer and saw this i30 diesel turbo at the same dealership. One drive convinced me it was the better car for my stile of driving. It hugs you with it’s seating adjustments and goes just as good as my old Lancer did.The fuel ecconomy is unbelivable. I’m getting better than the 4.7 they claim.
To all those that are knocking it, go drive one first then bitch.
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December 21st, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Just drove an i30 yesterday. I test drove every other hot hatch I could find over the past 4 months and wouldn’t even consider a Hyundai until I read it won Car of the Year and Green Car of the year here in OZ. I will have to say, for my type of driving and needs it was the top of the bunch. Great handling, ride, fast enough, smooth and good looking. All things considered it topped my original choice: VW Golf GTI and $20k cheaper to boot!
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December 22nd, 2007 at 1:36 pm
I think this car is good, although i would change my Nissan Tiida for it.
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December 22nd, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Now that Hyundai has made such a wonderful car they now should make an improvement on the Tuscon, Elantra and the accent!
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December 23rd, 2007 at 5:03 am
Was in the market for a new car and tested a few other make and model. Then I Test drove the Hyundai i30. Well I thought…I was so impressed that I bought one, I love the way it drives. I do 100k per day and after two weeks of driving it I’m glad I’ve made the right choice. I doubt very much that you can find a car as good as the i30 full of feature and economy for the same price. Well Hyundai keep up the excellent work.
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December 23rd, 2007 at 1:26 pm
I just got my SX 3 days ago. It is absolutely ASTOUNDING!!! Everything about it is amazing! I am extremely impressed with it and love it to pieces. I am also suprised by how cheap it is for a such a high quality car.
If your in the market, don’t pass this one by. You have to take it out for a test drive!!
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December 27th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
I wanted an SLX
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December 27th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
I was in the market for a SLX with protez pack but told I would have to wait untill April 2008,no way so I bought a SR what a great machine the wife has a smile from ear to ear.And if she is happy so am I
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January 3rd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
My wife is due for a new company vehile and wanted somthing smaller than the Falcon/Commodores as previous.
We looked at and test drove many small/medium vehicles. Expecting to purchase a Soob, Corolla, Focus, Mazda etc. then looked at and drove the i30. My wife instantly fell in love with it and has ordered an SR with the works. I dont like small cars and own 2 V8’s (car & boat) but I was very surprised with the way it drove. It looks great, has all the safety gear and has heaps of storage. In short I thought I never would have even considered a Korean car. Surprisingly to me I’m very impresed.
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January 3rd, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Picked up my i30 SR on Monday and by Tuesday I was in love. I feel so secure in the feel and handling of the car. Auto sensing lights, auto doors lock at 40km, everything at my fingertips. I traded in 2004 Elantra Elite for the i30 and if I get the same Hyundia Service with this car I will be a happy customer. Hyundia have really taking a huge leap onto the top of the car marke. Toyota and Honda need to take notice???? The Hondas new Jazz does not have a spare tyre???? LOVE IT
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January 3rd, 2008 at 10:36 pm
All positive feed back so far..excellent…Can’t wait to pick up my SR sometime next week as waiting for the body kit and paint,rust protection + window tinted.
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January 8th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Hi, just wanted to say that I am an SX owner, and really happy! I wanted to trade in in my Landrover Freelander which had all sorts of problems, and was looking at second hand corollas and astras. I was sick of the slimy second-hand-car -salesmen, and dropped into my local Hyundai dealer. Not only was the i30 cheaper than the others, but it came with a five year warranty! I made a decision that night and have not regretted it for a moment! I took it on a camping trip over New Years, and it was a great comfort to know that my car would actually get me there and back. It was a fantastic ride, on the freeway, local roads, and the dirt road! My iPod works well and I don’t have to worry about chords or a radio transmitter to hear it.
My recommendation - BY ONE!!!
Thanks Hyundai for restoring my faith in cars.
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January 9th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Just pick up mine yesterday..very happy with it and so my wife. Very good handling and nice looking…only problem is that a lot of people looking at it while we’re at traffic lights
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January 12th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Anybody know if Hyundai are planning to bring the i30 Wagon to Aus?
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January 12th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Very happy to see such positive commentary. Anyone recommend a dealer in Adelaide? Their sites don’t even list the CRDi. What’s the best price achieved so far? I’d be after the body kit and extras in such a good price range, anyway.
Thanks.
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January 12th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Picked up my ‘Steel Grey’ SR on Wednesday, absolutely LOVE IT!! Very smooth on the highway and an absolute joy to drive around town. The sound system is awesome and the A/C works brilliantly, better than my old Commodore. Please please PLEASE test drive the i30 if you in the market for a small/medium hatch. You won’t believe how great this vehicle is!!
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January 13th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Niceee RD, mine is silver…initially tried to get the steel grey but couldn’t, but silver looks classy as well I think.BTW, how many key did you get? I got only one remote control key and one spare key for manual operaton. I thought we should have two remote control keys. The saleman told me if I need and other one, it costs around $300, quite expensive isn’t it?
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January 16th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Yeah Maximark, I only got one remote control key and one spare (manual) one as well. Here’s a pic of my one. I reckon ‘Steel Grey’ is the best colour by far! The windows get tinted tomorrow (3M ‘Carbon’ tint):
http://web.aanet.com.au/waynetsv/photos/car8.jpg
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January 19th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Well, as I now commute over 100kms a day I’ve decided to move to the fuel economical disel hatches. Having always been a v6 wagon man, this is a big step :). From my tests of the hatches so far (Golf, Citron, Fiat, Astra, Mazda) the i30 is stand out in value with comparable, and on a number of occasions, better features including a very good finish and solid closing doors. The torque from the disel engine, the design of the driver seat, the simple dash, the good air con all worked really well as I powered up the long southern outlet out of Hobart…. 5th gear all the way. Would never of dreamed of Hyundai two months ago, will probably order an SLX on Monday. Only issues: no cruise control for disel, only one remote key.
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January 19th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
From what Ive read about this car it seems good. Im in the market for a new car and this week will be test driving both the Hyandai i30 diesel model and the new Lancer.
Any comments from those in the know on the pros and cons of both vehicles? which would you reccomend?
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January 19th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
It is well over at the end of Noc 2007 that I first set eyes upon an i30 when looking at a Getz as a possible 2nd car. For some reason I asked for extra info about the vehicle because I was impressed at the package I saw before me. It appealed to my wife as well. I was blown away when I flipped throught the brochure and saw that a CRDi engine was available. About a month later we went for a test drice in the diesel engined SLX and we couldn’t believe the responsiveness of the engine and the way the car handled. To top it off, the interior was very comfortable and a pleasure to sit in.
We signed a fortnight or so later and incidently bought a Getz Click 1.6 as well. Now the wait for the i30 SLX CRDi with Protectz can’t come to an end soon enough. Because we wanted the Protectz pack, we’ve had to wait in line and have been told that out i30 should arrive in Oz in early Feb.
All the research from Oz and from Europe indicated the i30 is a very special experience. Yes, there are some doubters who suggest a hundai is a Hyundai and basically a below par vehicle. But everything I have read that is at all balanced indicates the i30 is a giant leap for Hyundai. And the yanks are not happy that they will have to wait until later 2008 before the i30 arrives on their soil.
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January 21st, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Really nice photo RD, I agree with you steel grey is the best color. Have you heard about the SR bodykit upgrade as well? front & rear skirt. I think at the monent the SR’s front look quite blank. I saw a picture of the SR with front skirt(in their i30 accessories option) and it looks really cool. According the hyundai website, the kit will be coming soon, I rang my local dealer, they have no idea
I just sent an email to hyundai HQ, hopefully get a reply in a few days.
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January 21st, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Does anybody out there recall the words ‘Factory Recall’? Well, guess what–Subaru, Toyota, GM, Ford and virtually any make you can possibly think of have all issued at one time or another one of these statements to their customers. Hyundai, believe it or not has been more proactive in this particular case and has issued substantially less than its mainstay opposition. It is Automotively acknowledged as having the fastest growth rate in the world today, lies currently 5th, was only beaten a year or so ago by Porcshe and Lexus and need we remind all that they are both manufacturers who deliver precious little under $60,000 Retail! Did you also hear that on the German market in 2007 Hyundai was the only manufacturer widely known who scored zero breakdowns in the first 100 days of ownership! Believe it or not but a lot of people are still unaware that their Hyundai is wearing a Galvanised sheeting to its panel work as to inhibit future corrosion–a super high content of Japanese and european vehicles today don’t even come close, and have you thought about the potential harm future warranty’s could inflict dollarwise to car manufacturers who issue an 8year warranty if their product was not up to scratch? I am very glad to see some of the other manufacturers owners witnessed on this site still have good access to a good battery as where you are currently shining your torch is quite dark and disturbing! You are living members of Stereotype over Substance.
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February 1st, 2008 at 7:15 pm
DAM..
WE TOOK ONE FOR A DRIVE IN 2007 AND WE JUST GOT IT,IN BLACK OF COURSE THE SR MODEL,IT GOES REALLY WELL AND WE ARE EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH IT,I NEVER WOULD HAVE BROUGHT A HYUNDAI EVER BUT THIS MODEL IS FANTASTIC..
TONY
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February 1st, 2008 at 7:21 pm
HEY
JUST PICKED UP MY BRAND NEW 130 SR IN BLACK,SHE IS A REAL BEAUTY.THIS CAR ON THE ROAD IS A EYE CATCHER AS THERE IS NOT MANY I30S AROUND.ITS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A HYANDAI,WITH SO MANY FEATURES AND GREAT HANDLING I WOULD NOT TRADE THIS CAR FOR THE WORLD.I REALLY LOVE MY I30.
ANNA .
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February 1st, 2008 at 7:23 pm
HEY
JUST PICKED UP MY BRAND NEW 130 SR IN BLACK,SHE IS A REAL BEAUTY.THIS CAR ON THE ROAD IS A EYE CATCHER AS THERE IS NOT MANY I30S AROUND.ITS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A HYUNDAI,WITH SO MANY FEATURES AND GREAT HANDLING I WOULD NOT TRADE THIS CAR FOR THE WORLD.I REALLY LOVE MY I30.
ANNA….:-)
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February 9th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Just ordered my steel grey SLX CRDi, one test drive & I was sold. Only VW, Ford, Mitsubishi & Toyota were on my shopping list until I drove it, what a surprise package, the diesel is so responsive & the finish inside the cabin is top class. Sadly in Perth the waiting list has blown out to 3-4 months now, so roll on winter!
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February 9th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Martin, that is how it was for us - one test drive and that was it. Like you we have had to wait. Ordered in late November and still haven’t recieved ours (Adelaide). Have been told the boats are running behing expected arrival times. What has added to our wait is the addition of EPS which has to be fitted on the assembly line.
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February 11th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
4.7L per 100km for a medium size car!!! This is the most important thing about this car. I drive a 3 cylinder Charade and I cant even get close to that sought of economy, the Prius is only fractionally more economical then the i30. Does anyone realise that fuel economy will be the MOST important consideration when buying a car in the (very near) future?
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February 11th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
According to the Australia Bureau of Statistic’s most recent Survey of Motor Vehicle Use (2005), the average fuel consumption of passenger vehicles in Australia is 11.7L /100km. This means that the i30’s fuel consumption of 3.2L/100km in the World Solar Challenge is a huge 82.7% below that of the average passenger car on Australian roads.
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February 11th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
“The new i30 CRDi performed better than an array of diesel and hybrid rivals to top the fuel efficiency stakes in the Greenfleet Technology Class at the recent Panasonic World Solar Challenge (PWSC). The i30 consumed just 3.2 litres of fuel per 100km , emitting just 97g of C02 equivalent per kilometre on the 3,600 kilometre journey from Darwin to Adelaide, outperforming Toyota’s Prius hybrid and diesels from Peugeot, Audi and even a BioBike.”
3.2l per 100kl = 88.66mpg!!!! Think of that next time your paying for a tank of fuel
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February 11th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Just seen a i30 diesel automatic today at our local dealer incase anyone is interested in buying the auto diesel version !
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February 11th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Hi I have been reading your reviews, and Im still stuck between the Mazda 3 diesel and the i30 diesel. I like the Hyundai for its frugalness but just think that the Mazda would have better resale and would be a “funner” car to drive. What do you think?
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February 11th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Clarkey -
I would go Corolla
Wait till the upgrade latter in the year
Thanks to Hyundai for keeping the heat on BigT
Cheers
F-0
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February 15th, 2008 at 10:06 am
I would go the hyundai - Mazda 3 model has been around for years now so your resale value would not be as good as you would expect by the time you get around to reselling it.
Also Mazda 3 are the most expensive car in it’s class to repair / maintain - by the i mean the parts are pricey….
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February 20th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
I’m about to order my I30, after testing the Mazda 3. Hyundai came out on top. Any one already got one can tell me if they are still happy. I loved the test drive decided to go SR Auto petrol
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February 21st, 2008 at 6:55 am
Hi Nebo
I got my Steel Grey i30 SR Auto in early January, and I’m still loving it!! The more I drive it the more I fall for it. The premium stereo in the SR is awesome, the car rides beautifully without compromising it’s handling, and there’s no rattles or squeaks to speak of. My first tank of fuel returned 9.3L/100km, which I think is fantastic considering she is still being ‘run in’ so to speak. I would think realistically you should expect somewhere between 9-11L/100km around town, depending how you drive and closer to 8L/100km on the highway.
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February 21st, 2008 at 7:56 am
RD - thats not good even for a newby car. Ok it will do more but I would have expected 7’s driven normally running in. It should do 6’s avg. are you tripping and brimming correctly. Give it 16,000K’s and that will be broken in nicely and returning better figures. Could be lower grade Aussie fuel compared to our silky smooth Derv.
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February 21st, 2008 at 8:21 am
^no name where did you get the 6avg reference from? i haven’t seen the figure that low for hyundai’s 2.0 auto. my daughter has a 2005 elantra 2.0 manual and the average is 7.5
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February 21st, 2008 at 8:39 am
^ i think we might be at cross purposes! i assumed RD you have a petrol i30. - sorry if i confused.
cheers
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February 21st, 2008 at 8:51 am
Lcat. yeh i was talking diesel figures. I think the manufacturers (and Ford seemed to be the worst) overstate their consumption figures. Hyundai are not the diesel market leaders so guessing their engines are not quite so economical as the french/german diesels. The i30 is rated at 60mpg thats 4.5’s??? perhaps on a long run.
Oh god i mentioned a foreign race now someone will call me a racist…
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February 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 am
Yeah I have a petrol not diesel. The SR is only available with the 2.0L petrol at this stage. The combined city/highway cycle for the 2.0L petrol is 7.6L/100km which is pretty good and amongst the most (if not THE most) economical in it\’s class for 2.0L petrol engines. Like most cars, if you drive it hard, she\’ll use more fuel. Drive it normally and she\’ll be very economical indeed. Oh and by the way, anyone wanting to buy a dash mat for their i30 but can\’t find one (like me), just go and buy one for the current Elantra. The top of the dash is identical so the dash mats are interchangeable.
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February 22nd, 2008 at 10:51 am
My SR has done 1000k now and fuel comsumption is around 9.7l avarage that’s %100 city driving and air-con on all the time.Hopefully I will be able to get around 8.6-9l avarage after a few thousands kms.I’m at overseas at the moment, haven’t driven it for the last 3 weeks, quite miss it. Hey RD, I wouldn’t put the dash mat on since it’s such a nice quality that to show off
I would use the windscreen shade. Beside i bought the denfense package that has all the protection including vynil protection against crack as I was told, wether it works or not i kinda have the peace of mind 
BTW i got a reply from Hyundai HQ said that the front & rear skirt will be available in april/may, looking forward to have them and the euro custom plate put on :).
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February 22nd, 2008 at 11:46 am
I would be interested to know if those that have purchased the 2.0 i30 considered/test drove the 1.6crdi and their reason for opting for the petrol over the diesel.
All the journo comments I have read recommend the diesel.
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February 22nd, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I considered the diesel but:
1)It was too expensive compared to the petrol models
2)I wanted the SR which is petrol only
3)The diesel (at the time) did not come in auto, and did not come with cruise control
3)The petrol engine felt just as zippy.
In QLD unleaded at the moment is around 130/L or less if you shop around. The 2.0L is economical enough for me.
The i30 diesel is definately a very good car, but the petrol is great as well, just not as economical of course.
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February 29th, 2008 at 4:46 am
After driving the VR and VRX versions of the new Lancer and the Diesel Mazda 3 back to back with the i30 diesel have ordered an SLX i30 Diesel. Better ride, quieter, nicer interior and far better value. i30 is replacing a company vehicle, also replacing the wife’s two year old current model 1.6 Hyundai Getz with a New Nissan Tiida ST Sedan (great deal $17990 + $1000 free fuel) . Will be sad to see the Getz go as it has been faultless and has amazing performance and economy (Wife needed more boot space when ferrying our Grandkids around) Notice that most who rubbish the Hyundais on this forum don’t appear to have driven one!
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February 29th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Dazz - you’re probably not far off the mark with the last statement. I personally don’t mind Hyundai’s and have driven two. A Lantra circa 1997 1.8sport and more recently a 2006 Lantra 2.0 Auto. Both were reasonably good and easy to get on with. The 1.8 sport had awful torque steer and was noisy. I wouldn’t have recommend it at the time.
The 2.0 Auto was OK, comfortable and OK performance. I didn’t spend long in it as it was a hire car.
Back in 97 I remember thinking two more generations of Hyundai’s and they will match the competitors. I wasn’t far off the mark.
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February 29th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
No Name - Had a 2002 Elantra GL for a few months as an interim vehicle drove quite well although clutch had a dodgy feel about it and whole vehicle didn’t feel all that solid. As mentioned previously was very happy with 2006 Getz which we have had for 2 year since new. Excellent 4 wheel discs with ABS, zippy 1.6 in small body, plenty of creature comforts but first impressions of i30 from our test drive and numerous Web posts would suggest it’s light years ahead of earlier model Hyundais and most other small to medium cars on the market. Can’t wait for it to arrive!
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March 17th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Good news at last. SLX CDRi has arrived at our Hyundai Dealer. Agree with Eyma Teapot Moonlight Blue is a nice colour so will stick with first choice. Getting Towing Kit as part of deal so will be Thursday when take delivery (just in time for Easter - yippee) Probably have a 1000km up by Easter Tuesday. Will give an update on economy, driveability etc for anyone thats interested then…
P.S. THERE WAS A PETROL SLX AT THE DEALERSHIP WITH TWO FLIP REMOTE KEYS, MY DIESEL ONLY HAS ONE. HAS ANYONE ELSE GOT TWO KEYS FOR THEIR i30 WITHOUT PAYING EXTRA?
Will post this on all three i30 blogs to see if i get any feedback…
Cheers,
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March 18th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
My SR fuel comsumption is between 8.5 -9.2 now…very happy indeed
I would be very interested to know the avarage consumption for the auto i30 CRDi…
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March 20th, 2008 at 10:44 am
I’m a holden girl through and through, and hadn’t even considered looking at a hyundai until my best mate started working there. One drive in it and it was mine! I couldn’t believe the handling, take off power (2.0 manual) and how damn comfortable it is!
I’ve driven my lil i30 everywhere, on all types of roads and i tell ya now… MAKE THEM A RALLY CAR! They don’t move on gravel!
Dazz, i only got 1 flip key with my i30…
My sx fuel consumption is just under 8 at the moment, but i’ve only done 3,000kms on it, so it should come down a smidge!
I hope you all enjoy your i30’s the way i enjoy mine! i can’t wait for the SR CRDI! or even the rumored ‘i30 sportz’ now THAT would be fun!
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March 20th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Hi Lee Lee,
Which state are you in? With all these happy i30 drivers we might have to start an i30 club (if enough people joined we could negotiate some good discounts with service and parts through Hyundai and maybe even with items through Supercheap or Autobarn!)
Picking our CRDi SLX up at 4.30 Pm today (I’m excited)
Cheers,
Dazz