2008 Hyundai i30 Review
November 2, 2007 by Matt Brogan
2007 Hyundai i30 SLX Review
CarAdvice rating: 
Recommended Retail Price: $23,490 (as tested: $26,780)
- Matt Brogan
By now I guess you’ve seen the ad on TV, a cute Jack Russell terrier, pretentious valet, and a ‘stolen’ Hyundai. Its fun, draws a smile, and gets you thinking that perhaps the big H has come of age.
From the outset, the i30’s German design is clearly evident. The handsome, contoured nose leads effortlessly up to a flowing bonnet then down over discreetly pumped guards to a side profile not too dissimilar to BMW’s 1 series.
The shoulder line high over crisp wheel arches then moves subtly aft ward to a taut, upright rear-end with Mercedes A class fashioned tail lights and C pillar window.
Cupped in the tail is a smooth, sculpted tailgate complete with a VW-style hatch release and logo combination offset by a short ‘bee-sting’ aerial mounted on the roof.
Paint finish is first rate (Metallic Paint $300) and matched with superb panel fit and smart sixteen inch alloys, I would go so far as to say that with the badges covered, you would not pick this car as Korean.
Inside, you could almost be forgiven for thinking ‘Golf’. Funky blue backlighting, smooth one touch buttons and simple user-friendly operating controls are not at all typical of Hyundai’s bygone efforts.
Good to see you guys enjoying your i30. Many of the comments could be duplicated for my Golf. The ease of driving belies the kilowatt figure and I’m sure you’ll be just as delighted in 2 years time.
Hi Golfschwein,
Thanks for the positive comments (on behalf of all i30 owners)
It’s nice to see the owner of another brand having positive things to say…
Rgds,
Dazz
Hi,
We’ve recently started looking at upgrading our 2nd car. Have been looking at Mazda3(top of list), Corolla,Astra and Lancer. My husband (a previous Hyundai owner) asked me to look at the i30 today. I did with some reservations and my 14yr old son in my ear about “ugly” Hyundais. I now have to eat humblepie and admit it is at the top of my list. Well done Hyundai on a great looking car. Does anyone know what the wait time for a Slx is? Thanks
IA:
A couple of days ago I spoke to my local Hyundai dealer about the waiting time to buy a new i30. He said there is at least a “12″ week waiting period for the new i30 & reading between the lines it could even be longer. Hyundai really have a supply problem here with this car, because it is just so “good” & I hope that if I am ever in the market to buy one that I don’t have to wait 12 weeks for it. The model I like is the SX diesel manual.
Cheers !
IA,
The wait is going to be quite a while. We ordered an SLX Diesel at the beginning of December (with a protectz Pack) and took delivery at the beginning of March – but the wait was worth it. Hyundai are soon to open a European plant which should help with supply shortages, but that will not help in the immediate future.
If you decide to go the i30 way, suggest you visit (and perhaps join) the Hyundai Forums. Lots of Aussies are heading that way and there is a lot of discussion and info there. http://www.hyundai-forums.com
Go the i30
Bob
Hi Bob,
Surprised if we get european made i30’s here as from what i’ve read we won’t be getting the Kia Ceed in Aus because they are only built in Europe and the freight cost would make them too dar here.
If they use a Euro factory to feed demand in other countries it might free up demand from the Korean Factory.
Guess time will tell. Don’t want the Kias with 7 yr warranty to come hee as would possibly effect our resale.
Loving all the positive feedback about “our” vehicles.
Good One!
Dazz
Interesting to see the enthusiasm of i30 owners and soon-to-be owners on this and the main Hyundai forum site. But having a manual SX CRDi, it is easy to see why.
Like so many others on these forums I would never have considered a Hyundai before the i30, having been a French car buff most of my life. I test drove the i30 back to back with a Peugeot 207 diesel (same dealer), and put down the deposit on the i30 the next day.
Really enjoyed punting it up the Brown Mountain (far South Coast of NSW) a couple of weeks ago. Had a red Holden ute (mags, body kit etc) come up fast behind me when I got caught up behind a slower car. When the slow car pulled over I thought I would see how the i30 handled. That little diesel really punches above its weight, and the ute vanished out the back. After we got on the flat he passed me like he was in a hurry. And the best part, 5.4 l/100k which included plenty of city driving. I am hooked!
LK:
Congratulations on buying a great car & with the price of fuel only rising you certainly made the right choice. I would have no hesitation at all in buying a new i30 CRDi but I dont like the idea of waiting about 3 months for it.
Cheers !
Hi Lightbulb,
Not wrong about rising price of fuel! Yesterday diesel was 162.9 cents at a servo that had 145.9 in late Feb. Somebody is being ripped off!
Interesting point you raise about waiting times – I wonder whether people out there are buying something else because they don’t want to wait 3 months, or whether they are just holding on to their current vehicle for the time being?
LK -
In Melb. its 20cpl gap…..and growing!GLAD/WRAPED to be out of my DIEsel vans! :-)
Like i said before DIEsel is total False economy,INFACT there is NO saving to be had….!
You CANNOT even make up the $2.5k extra to get into a DIEsel let alone the +20cpl your paying, due to higher and higher use of DIEsel together with the lower sulfer fuel coming out 01/01/09 [UP will go the price, needs more refining] its TOTAL 100% MADNESS and money losing deal to buy a DIEsel.
The ONLY solution is the Made in Australia fuel = LPG!
Cheers
F-0
The fact this car was introduced to take on the Focus/Astra/Golf was a big undertaking for ‘cheap’ Hyundai and they failed miserably. The Focus/Astra/Golf are all much better. The interior is especially horrible and that plastic on the door trims is woeful. Keep kidding yourselves that this is a superior car when it’s really just an Elantra with a new name. Funny, funny, funny :-)
ADAM -
Its NOT a class leader, long way from that!
Nonetheless its also not the worst either.
Its just a good value for money vehicle, but forget the DIEsel if you think u can save money with it[why else would you bother with that smelly/grease stuff?]
I still find it expensive -v- the others,
The BEST overall car in the cat. is the Corolla.
The Civic and Mazda3 close behind.
END-OF-STORY!
Cheers
F-0
Fortunately for the manufacturers, people choose cars for all sorts of reasons. I guess it comes down to what features you consider important and what you don’t. The important thing is that you are happy with your decision. I’m relaxed.
LK -
Indeed, 100% correct, if your happy with your purchase and it spins-your-top driving around in a pick car with yellow hub caps, so be it!
Long live many different choice
PS No such thing as “best”, just better!
:-)
Cheers
F-0
F-O, I was told by a toyota dealer principle that the facelift Corolla coming in this August will miss out on ESP and TCS again :)
By the way, buying a diesel is not just about little bit economy over petrol, it’s all about TORQUE.
Just test driven the diesel i30. Seems like a good car but the engine is limited to 3000 rpm, resulting in top speed through the gears of 25km/h, 45km/h, 75km/h, 105km/h, 140km/h. Is the petrol more responsive without this “dead spot” / rpm limit? Appreciate your comments. Thanks
I only have a Golf experience to report, Dmann. Its redline is 4500 rpm and it’s absolutely all over by then. Change up.
How is the i30 limited to 3,000 rpm? I don’t understand. Was the salesman nannying you?
Technique: bury the right clog hard and early, even in a higher gear than you might be accustomed to with petrol and change at four thou-ish. There’s no reason it shouldn’t impress, or be fun.
Dmann, actually there are three reported cases which the 130 diesel wont pass 3000 rpm in rev, and I believe yours test one is the 4th one. Hyundai engineers are trying to fix this problem at the moment.
Hi Dmann,
Assuming you extrapolated that top speed in 5th and didn’t take her up to 140kph while test driving!
Regards,
Dazz
Thanks for the feedback, especially Maximark. I didn’t really want to be put off buying so I’ll follow up the fault aspect. Appreciated!
Thank god for imported cars such as the Hyundai I30
Just like the Jap cars before them the Hyundai is now producing quality cars after a few years and are now getting it right.Remember the early Nissans,Mazda and Toyotas
It has taken the JAP and now Korean manufacturers to force Australian makers to include many of the features we now get as standard in our cars.Yes I am old enough to remember when Aussie cars had no radio, disc brakes, efi, carpets,even heaters and carpet were not standard. It took these cheap? manufactures to smarten up the Aussies? ” realy American” cars “GM & FORD”.installing these features as standard
When was the last time you drove a quality GM small product “never” keep sending the small cheapies. Aussie makers will go the same way as their American cousins soon out the back door. The only reason they still exist is because we continue to prop them up with protectionist tariffs
Hi guys!!
I’m glad to hear you’re all happy with your i30’s! I test drove one yesterday, and it was a very nice drive. I was tempted to put an order in, but I have to wait another month, talk to my mum who is helping me with my loan. But I’m dead set on the i30. I’m getting an SX, only cause it’s what I can afford, but really there isn’t that much difference. Once I put some tinted windows and rims it will look sweet. Anyhow, just wondering, those who have got/are getting an i30, did you call around different dealers? Did you try to compromise business with them? My partner reckons we should hit them up and say “why should we buy from you, will you give us floor matts, etc”? Do you reckon that would make a difference? Or would they say no? thanks!
Ness:
I would suggest you shop around & ask if they will include any extras. You certainly picked the right car for a lot of reasons but if you decide on a diesel SX i30 model, prepare for a fairly long wait for it. The diesel in particular is so popular at the moment that Hyundai have a supply problem with these cars. My local Hyundai sales rep said there is at least a 12 week waiting list & could be longer depending on options. I am not trying to put you off from buying an i30 but you must realize that Hyundai are producing such great cars now that you may have to wait a little longer for your car. Still the wait will be well worth it in my opinion particularly with the i30.
Cheers !
Hi Lightbulb.
I’m going for the petrol SX which apparently has a 6-8 week wait, which works out convenient for me anyway cause my sister is in process of getting her licence and is buying my car. Anyhow, thanks!
Hi, we are looking at changing from a 6cylinder and have had a quick look at the i30. Could anyone that has one, know if there is enough room for a 6ft 4. man to sit comfortably and also for a distance of travelling time.All your reviews sound great, but we need that comfort.Both of our kids are adults, so we aren’t really needing a huge car anymore.
thanks.
Hi Lindsay
My nephew-in-law is 6 foot 2, and has a Subaru Outback. He sat in the driver’s seat of my i30 recently, pushed the seat back and said there was a lot more leg room in the i30 than in the Outback.
If you like the torque of a 6cylinder, you will like the diesel. I can’t believe the performance, especially up hills, from the ‘little’ 1.6 litre engine. Even with 4 adults there is no noticeable difference in performance.
Take one for a test drive. Just bear in mind there is a fair waiting time for delivery.
Hi Maximark & LK
Don’t think I’ve seen you on the i30 forum at Hyundai Forums it’s definately worth a look (there is also a link to our new i30 Club…)
Cheers,
Dazz
Actually you have Dazz, but under a slightly different name – the i30 forum requires a minimum of three letters to register. I fess up to not yet signing up for the new club though. Mainly ’cause I am too busy trying to keep up with all the new postings on the i30 forum site!
Regards
L
Next time we are in Toowoomba we’ll organise to take one for a test drive. Always seem to have trouble with head room, so we’ll see. We are also use to being able to overtake with really good pick up. You have mentioned that we’d be impressed with the up hill performance of the diesel. Do you think the room in the back seat(leg room) is sufficient?
Hi LK,
Although official 0-60 times for the diesel are around 11.8 which seems sluggish at the best driveability is amazing. Accelleration on the highway for overtaking is very linear and effortless (even up hills).
Rear Seat legroom is also equal to or better than the class average (i30 in the same class as Mazda 3, Focus, Etc..
Good luck finding a diesel to test drive though, due to their popularity most demo cars have been sold off!
Regards,
Dazz
Hi Lindsay,
I think Dazz was addressing his comments above to you rather than me, probably because we both have great initials!
Re headroom, the i30 has adjustable height drivers seat (and adjustable steering column), so I suspect you would be ok.
Also as Dazz says, rear legroom is pretty good. When we were looking around for a new car, I was looking for something that could carry four adults around in comfort (aging in-laws in the back). So I adjusted the front seat to suit my driving position, then hopped out and sat in the back. Plenty of room for me, but obviously your legs are longer than mine. No harm in checking it out.
My comments about performance apply to the manual, I can’t speak for the automatic.
Enjoy your car hunting!
Regards
Lawrie
Sorry,
I thought you were both one and the same!
The bit of feedback I’ve had from Auto Crdi owners would suggest the Diesel is well matched to an auto box and so performance is still impressive.
Cheers,
Dazz
Hi Guys, Just got back from a days fishing trip to the coast. Fishing was ordinary but the trip was great in my Hyundai I30 crdi slx manual with just on 5000k on the clock. Reset trip computer at start of trip leaving from Canberra and finishing in Batemans bay, approx 150k. I averaged 4.7lp/100k for the trip. Not to shabby when one takes into account the windy and steap hills one must negotiate on the trip. Handled like a dream through the curves. For the record, just finished a delicious feed of flounder that my 11 year old son caught topping off a really great day.
Yes the i30 diesel is a good car, better than the petrol i30 in some areas, i test drove both the mazda3 diesel and the i30crdi.. i purchased the mazda, (27grand driveaway 07 runout) because of six speed box and standard dsc stability control,and also the 3 diesel has handling and performance more akin to a sports model(way ahead of the petrol 3!)unfortunatley the i30 diesel does not.
Hey Eyma,
Are you on the Hyundai Forums or i30 Club site with a different Moniker? They’re worth a look,
Cheers,
Dazz
Yes Paul all good, but DIEsel fuek has cracked +30cpl more than ULP……and rising.
01/01/2009 more rises due to lower sulfer DIEsel which needs more refining.
Cheers
F-0
the price of diesel fuel in oz bears no relation to the cost of refining we are one of the few western developed nations where the price of diesel is higher than ulp,we share that dubious honour with the poms.
incidently,low sulfer diesel has been around for years in europe,just another bullshit conjob by oil companys to rip off aussie motorists with the help of do nothing goverments state and federal!
cheers
paul
Hi all
I used to own a Huyundai 150 Excel about 12 years ago and I loved the thing (unbelievably). It was just a happy little car and never gave me a day’s trouble. Since then I have had all sorts, Alfa 145, BMW 320 diesel, Pajero, and lots more. Although I am a girl I LOVE cars. Now I just need to sell my Subaru Liberty so i can get my hands on my new i30. I think I want the diesel SLX, because I want all the airbags and tweeters, etc. ;-) I also want ESP. HOWEVER although I drove both the manual and auto I am SO undecided on which to get. I love speed but here in Aus you can mostly only do 60 (Gaah!) so I’m gonna get fines. I loved the manual but I can’t help thinking it’s a bit of a hassle to change gears. But the auto seemed to have a flat spot. Also, so what if you only use 4,7l per 100 kms when diesel costs that much more??? Also, I didn’t drive the 2 litre and now I am regretting it. Any advice from thrill-seekers? HELP!
I would drive the petrol and see if the power/torque delivery meets your expectations.
Auto/manual I’d choose manual especially for a four pot car and also in real world a lot better on fuel if driven properly in my experience.
If u aim to keep the car for less than five years get an auto as resale/easier to sell when u want to upgrade again.
Nice looking car. Good luck.
would it be possible to buy a new hyundai i30 with your own wheels ordered somewhere else, and they can put it for you and get your money back from their stock wheels itself?
Or is it easier to get the car first and order the wheels?
We ordered the i30SR 2 litre petrol auto yesterday. Compared to Impreza, Lancer, Corolla and Mazda3 it certainly comes out on top for features and style. Very sporty- handles well and a great get about car!!! Who cares what the badge says you can’t go wrong with a 5 year warranty. Our little excel (10years old) has not missed a beat. Good on HYUNDAI!!!
I ordered my SLX in the dark grey today. 1.6 manual with esp extra and a back spoiler extra. I was a bit disappointed that esp is not standard when they have even included it in the Getz! $780 for esp, and $495 for a spoiler.
You can trade in the mags for after-market mags but they don’t give you the full value back, only a couple of hundred dollars.
Oh, and mats will set you back $115.
BTW I have a 2 month wait for my car ;-(
Hi P P
You won’t regret ordering the SLX diesel (it’s worth the wait)
come and wisit us soon at
http://www.i30ownersclub.com
Cheers…
Picked up my i30 SR in black on 31st Dec 07. Please with they way it runs. This is the second Hyundai I have bought, the first being a 2004 Elantra Elite. Both times I compared with the Mazda 3 and went to the Hyundai as they offer a better value for money at the time and service costs are lower.
Service from Hyundai Springwood in Brisbane is great.
Friend of mine has the Mazda 3 and is really impressed with the i30 and seriously thinking of an 130 for the future.
Hi all,
I have been looking at i30, diappointed the sr doesn’t come out in crdi (although I have been told Hyunai are thinking about it depending on demand). Have done lots of research and decided I like the slx crdi. the salesman has told me that for an extra $600 I can get the slx with basically all sr specs minus 17″ alloys and body kit. interested to know if anyone else has been told this.
Hi gang, reading lots about the i30, Can anyone tell me if you can fit a baby capsule in the rear seat, plus a childcar seat and a pram?
Hi Babycruser,
I30 has 60/40 slip fold rear seat and boot is same size as Mazda 3 hatch (with seats up) so depending on size of pram would be tight but will fit…Great car…
Suggest you visit http://www.i30ownersclub.com to learn more ;-)
Bought a Diesel Auto SX last week. Ripper car.Have had windows tinted and 17in wheels put on. BEWARE…Car had to be returned to dealer for FULL front end and steering geometry alteration to take 17’s. I am in the trade, yet it still cost $450. Worth it (to me anyway!) as car looks awsome. 16’s will go on ok, but any bigger is a prob. Never considered buying one of these things, but changed mind after driving my sisters. PS ipod cable a rip off!
We purchased an I30 back in February 2008. It was an excellent car, and we were both very happy with it and were giving it a huge wrap to all our friends who were knocking Hyundai’s! Unfortunately, a couple of BIG problems have emerged since the purchase. Firstly, about 3 months after we purchased the car, we had problems starting it. It was intermittent, and would start most of the time, but every now and then it wouldnt. As a result of this, my wife and 6 month old baby boy would be left stranded at ATMs, shopping centres etc until the car “miraculously” started again! We took it back to Tweed Hyundai on numerous occasions, but of course, it would work fine for them and they couldnt fault it! This went on for about 2 months. They finally figured out the “key chip receiver” in the car was faulty, and wouldnt accept the key code, which wouldnt allow the car to start. Anyway, thats now fixed. THE SECOND problem only raised its ugly head yesterday! The clutch went in the car! The car has only done 4,000 klms so we were dissapointed to say the least. My wife and baby boy were almost wiped out in a car accident as a result of this as she couldnt get it into gear while she was going through a busy intersection, which resulted in a truck narrowly missing them! She came home crying, and was a nervous wreck! Anyway, Hyundai have just picked up the car and have taken it away, hopefully it will be repaired soon, and that we wont have anymore problems! As a result of this, I’d never buy a Hyundai again! But thats just my opinion!