Greener Hyundai i30 CRDi
November 1, 2007 by George Skentzos
It seems Hyundai’s new i30 is more than just a one trick pony, posting incredible results at the Panasonic World Solar Challenge.
Not only does the i30 boast impressive styling for which Hyundai is becoming more known for in recent times, but by also becoming the cheapest way into a diesel car in Australia.
This is no ordinary diesel however, as the i30 CRDi has gone on to better its hybrid and diesel powered rivals to top the fuel efficiency stakes in the Greenfleet Technology Class at the recent Panasonic World Solar Challenge.
The i30 consumed just 3.2 litres of fuel per 100km, emitting just 97g of CO2 per km on the 3600km journey from Darwin to Adelaide.
Not only does this outshine the much-loved Toyota Prius, but even the leaders in diesel technology Peugeot and Audi – as well as a BioBike for good measure.
Additionally, Solar Challenge founder Hans Tholstrup demonstrated the efficiency of the i30 CRDi by driving from Adelaide to Newcastle via Sydney on less than one tank of fuel.
The 1.6-litre common rail diesel engine is a practical and affordable alternative to hybrid vehicles, with technology such as an Electric Assist Steering System to further reduce the consumption of an already efficient technology.
Starting at just $21,490 for the CRDi SX model, backed by Australia’s first 5 year warranty with unlimited kilometres, and Prius-rivalling fuel efficiency – need I go on?
George Skentzos
Print it: 
Hey Dazz, maybe it costs a bit more to get the cars to Tassie but have seen Tiidas advertised here, A.C.T for $13990 pluss on roads but that is without fuel offers.
Hey Eyma,
$13,990 eh… I didn’t really want to know that. Oh well now we have 2 x brand new cars intend hanging onto them a while. Didn’t expect to have good re-sale on the Tiida as there are a lot of Tiida rent-a-cars on the roads down here which will eventually hit the market relatively cheaply. Hoping the i30 diesel will have a better resale than most previous Hyundais. Praying it will arrive and be ready for delivery before Easter (only 4 days). If it’s as good as the test drive was and the blogs then I expect to keep it at least 4 years anyway. Currently driving a 2 year old loaner Ve Commodore Omega) from the Dealership (the’ve sold my trade!)Not as good a car as I would have expected. Like the looks and ride and get up and go. Floaty on the highway,is thirsty and has cheap looking interior…
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,
Thats good news Dazz. Glad you stuck with the Moonlight blue. My wife I were tossing up between the Moonlight blue and steel gray and in the end went for the grey.
We only got one remote but ordered a second one for around $400. Ouch!
We are overall very happy with the car. My only concern is that the fuel economy after 3500k sits at 6.5lp/100. Granted my wife drives it mainly to and from work in busy trafic but it has also done a couple of decent road trips with reasonable loads though. Its ironic that i should complain about the fuel ecomomy when my previous car, a 3.3l Hyundai sonata used to sit at around 12.5lp/100.
Can any other I30 owners offer any feed back on what sort of economy you may be getting?
Hi There Eyma,
I’ll be disappointed if we only average 6.5lp/100kms as that is probably what were were getting from our Getz which we just traded on the Tiida. Haven’t done an official test of Tiida economy yet but after the first 1000km (only took about a fortnight)think it would be just over 7ltrs per 100km overall with a mixture of 50/50 city/hwy driving. The grey looks good in the i30 but didn’t consider it due to risk of it blending into the road would recommend driving with the lights on as much as possible (at least you can’t leave them on by accident.
Ciao for now
Dazz,
We have a Getz 1.6 Click as our second car and an i30 CRDi our main car. We’ve had the i30 just over a week and the Getz since Dec 07. I agree with your figure of 6.5 for the Getz, but we are finding we are getting 5.3 max in the i30 (average travelling at speed limits and smooth acceleration. If I drive really carefully up to 100kph without the AC I can get sub 5 figures, the best being 4.4 (driver only, travelling at about 90kph on flat road).
Bob
Hi Bob,
Thanks for that, did you only get one key with your i30?
When you say max of 5.3 (do you mean worst result?)if so that’s got to be pretty good for a tight new engine with reasonable performance. Are you happy with the CDRi so far, any interesting observations? Have you tried a usb flash drive in the console yet and if so does it resume at the last song playing or go back to the beginning each time you start the car?
Regards,
Dazz
Dazz,
Oops, forgot to mention the flip key. No, we only got one flip key, although the sales person did give us an “I” key fob she got at the launch of the i30 back in October.
I was surprized when I opened the boot, lifted the floor and found a matching 16″ mag wheel and tyre rather than the 15″ steel rim and tyre that was described in the brochure and on the Hyundai website.
Bob
Bob,
Thanks for that. That alloy spare wheel is a bit bizarre, because I’m almost certain the demo model I drove only had a steel spare wheel so we’ll just have to see on Thursday if we are lucky too. All sounds a bit haphazard.. 2 keys for some/toss in the odd alloy spare wheel (makes life interesting I guess!) Lots to play with when we take delivery, for instance can you just chill the glovebox with the air if you dont want to chill the cabin as well (my wife isn’t a big fan of air con in the car unless its a scorcher of a day)
Anyway good luck with your vehicles and thanks for the feedback.
Dazz
Sorry Dazz, (or should I say your wife)
No, you can’t cool the glove box without running the air-con. I’ve been training wife to use the climate control auto function and just varying the desired temp. When the selected temp gets close to the outside temp, the aircon selects outside air rather than inside. When the selected temp gets very close to outside temp, the mode changes to face and feet. I assume the direction of the air into cabin changes again when the climate control begins to heat. It would also heat the glove box when the system heats the cabin – interesting idea. It has been so hot here in SA lately that I havent thought to much about the last idea. Oh, by the way, you can close off the glove box vent.
Bob
Hi Bob,
Thanks for all the info. Tandy have a little cooler/warmer that plugs into a 12V outlet on special for $19.95 I might be better getting one of those.
What do your friends think of the i30? I didn’t buy ours on looks (not a huge fan of the rear styling) but I think the looks grow on you a bit. There are a few SLX and SR models zipping around Devonport in Tassie where we live now and I think with the alloys and driving lights etc..they look pretty snazzy. The Imprezza which looks similar got caned for its sytling when it came out but that is growing on me as well.
Cheer,
Dazz
Gooday James, Have managed to get over 1100klm’s twice with just me driving with the car empty of luggage and passengers. I try to drive in a smooth type of fashion without quick acceleration and very rarely go over 100 klm an hour. Even though I mainly drive short distances, there is not much stopping because of traffic lights etc and the speed limit is often 80 and under on my main journey.
When my wife came back from holidays she is the one that mainly drives it now and the consumption has gone to around 1000klm’s and sometimes under for a tank load (approx 54 litres). The difference I believe is she drives faster than me and uses the brakes 6 times more often than me. I think sitting on 95 or less instead of say 110klm would be quite a saving in fuel.Was impressed with your Canberra to Melbourne figures.
Who knows how accurate the digital klm readings are though. Will have to find a road to test it on.
Diesel now 1.60 at our local service station 20 minutes from Hobart. Apperantly years ago diesel was a lot cheaper than petrol for quite a long time, then it all changed for some reason. I remember when living in Melbourne, Premier Kennett put it up 4 cents a litre for some reason. Maybe the powers that be envision too many people converting to diesel power and cheap travelling and are working out ways to stop it. Cheers.
Hyundai Lover,
As mentioned on another blog on this site, I am currently waiting on feedback from Hyundai about their support for an i30 Owners club (three working days before someone will get back to me) If successful and I can get enough members I plan to try and negotiate for say a 4 cents per ltr discount on fuel for i30 club members (diesel and petrol) from one of the fuel companies – it’s got to be worth a try!
Dazz
will aus be getting the i30 wagon?
they have it in uk and europe and it looks very good.
would sell well here too
cheers
F-0
Dazz,
As fellow i30 owner, would be interested in any progress you make towards a owners club.
Hi Eyma,
Hyundai politely refused to offer any support or incentives for an i30 club (apparently they don’t support any clubs world wide). However, I’m prepared to take the risk of giving out my email address here (dazzling_darryl at hotmail dot com) for expressions of interest for a club which I would be happy to administer.
We would be able to share info like the fact that Sunland now make an i30 dashmat (code E36 i think) which is a different code from the current Elantra one? With enough members (once the i30 takes off) still quietly confident of negotiating some deals on “our” behalf.
Have done over 1000 km since picking up the i30 on Thursday at 4.30pm and sitting on 110kph (by my GPS – about 115kph by the speedo) with 2 up and luggage equiv to a 3rd getting around 5.4 l/p 100km or close enough to 1000km out of a tank – i can live with that!
All up (taking everything into account) the i30 is now the best car i’ve owned (the first one to beat the Australian built 1991 Nissan Pulsar SSS – which got many rave reviews at the time) Also had a 1993 SSS Bluebird (with the head up display) a couple of nice Hondas, several Lancers including an early GSR with a motor as smooth as silk…and a 1990 Seca CSX.
Still happy I didn’t pay the extra $990 for ESP even if I did get flogged for it on another forum!
Cheers,
Dazz
In todays TheAge newspaper they have a test on the i30 CRDI
Its compared to 30-something diesels
It got 3.5 star score [as did the VW Polo]
The FIAT Punto BEAT IT and got a score of 4.0.
The FIAT has std. cruise-control, and trip computer, quality euro tyres, better economy,4 extra air-bags [total 6] also its safer as its a 5-star NCAP rated.
Better looking to boot.
WELL DONE FIAT, YOU WON! @$23,990 its only $2500 more for vastly superior Euro quality.
Back-in-your-box-Hyundai!
Cheers
F-0
F-O
(thats not a greeting thats an order!)
Nothing wrong with Hankooks or Kumhos and I doubt the fiat would be as well finished or as reliable as the i30 and the Warranty (3 years i’m guessing)
Don’t know why you are on this forum F-O isn’t anyone pasionate enough about Toyotas to start one for them?
Cheers,
Dazz
Whoops – Sorry lost it for a moment.
F-O (and anyone else who’s interested) go to the Hyundai website, click on i30 then on compare down the bottom. Add Fiat Punto 1.3 ($23,990) to comparison allow plenty of time to read and scroll down for all the extra features/benefits of the i30SX diesel over the “equivilent” but dearer Punto.
Back in your box F-O
F-O
Mate, i havent seen the article so am going in blind but in response to your claims. I am with Dazz, nothing wrong with the tyers. I have the Kuhmos on my Slx and find them grippy in all conditions and they dont create excessive road noise.
Better economy, Well dont forfet that the punto is a smaller car with a tiny 1.3 engine versus a 1.6 so you would exspect it to be more fuel efficient wouldnt you?
In regards to air bags and trip computer, for just a few bob more than the punto you can get the slx model with 6 airbags and trip computer and more.
As for your claims of superior euro Quality, take a look where JD Power rate Hyundai NO.3 vs any euro brand and that puts that argument to rest also.
No contest, I30 wins by knock out first round.
oops ,
Minor correction. Porche rate no.2 in the JD power ranking and last i checked these are made in europe and not thailand or south africa.
Gooday Dazz. Sounds like a top idea, I believe there are Govt incentives in Europe for people to go diesel, over here seems the opposite. Will email you with my support, like you said “worth a try”.
Agree with you on the Hyundai, they are a good car. I haven’t showed anyone that hasn’t been impressed with the inside build of the vehicle with all the intelligent little compartments. This car has a look and feel of quality not cheapness. Filled up to-day after getting 1090 klms on about 54 litre of fuel. My partner did half the driving so I was pretty impressed with that figure. Cheers.
Hyundai Lover,
You’re obviously very careful drivers think I’m getting just over 1000km to a tank which I am still happy with (only done 2100km).
Don’t forget to visit Hyundai Forums if you haven’t already lots of positive comments and shared information.
Cheers,
Dazz
all I thought I had to do was check out a few car yards, read the specs brochures, take i my current car for appraisal,get the best price and bingo selection made easy!!….The I started to read reviews and comments such as this trail about the i30. Thanx to all of you who have posted regardless of your own particualr agendas, I have learned some more, thought some more and while not sold completely, can have a bit more of a decent conversation with the car sales bods. Am interested in an automatic diesel, trying to keep the price low ,not do too much damage to the e/ment, and hopefully be able to sell in a few yrs. maybe I should get something (corlla/tiida) for a year or two and then change to a diesel auto when there are more on the market in my price range by that time???
Have mine on order. cant wait to be cruising the F3 in something more comfortable than a Holden Combo. The Combo is a great little work van but i should be able to handle working from a hatch
Speaking of Cruise. I have personaly installed Cruise Control in about 20 I30 Turbo Deisels and test driven them as well and i am amazed by the power these little hatches have.I am going to have to install a remote engine start in mine as i have a bad habit of not warming a car up.this way i will be able to start it from the kitchen before i leave the house.Remote engine starts in Australia are illegle so i will not be able to offer this for sale but if you want cruise control i can help you there. No this is not a spam thread,I do have my own I30 on order and in the comming months will be developing more I30 options not available anywhere else in the world.Watch this space.
Cheers
Tom
Sorry
Ph 1800 559 279
NSW Only
Hi Victim…
From my understanding from what is being said by some knowledgeable people on
http://www.i30ownersclub.com
It is better to just drive off gently to warm the car up (and wastes less diesel too).
Obviously, a cool down (idle) period is still recommended before you switch the engine off if you have been driving her hard just prior to arriving at your destination.
If you have deals to offer by all means post them on the above site as there is a lot of discussion there about after market add-ons including Cruise…
Rgds,
Dazz
I just scored a 2009 i30 SLX 1.6 CDRi, 5-speed, moonlight blue with rear spoiler (extra $495), tint, dash mat, floor mats, cargo mat, delivered to my home 1200km north of Perth with a full tank of fuel, stamp duty and rego paid for $29437.
Do the math now, diesel is $0.35cpl MORE
Game Over diesel
Cheers
F-0
Jeeze Frugal – with that differential its only the drivability that makes it worthwhile. the big D here is only 25cents equivilant extra, plus our Rego is CO2 based with the best CO2 less than 100gm/100km costing nothing and the worst >250gm/100 costing £400 (thats going to rise). Then its the diesel that does make sense.
I have had my i30 for 4 months now and it has proven to be very impressive. The ride is comfortable and the styling is very nice, it looks good and seat 4 adults or, in our case, 2 adults and two labradors very nicely. The most impressive aspect of all is the fuel efficiency which is simply incredible. I am averaging between 3.9 to 4.4 l/100km, and this is a genuine combination of inner city and freeway driving. It has literally halved my fuel costs.