- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
120kW, 203Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 7.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2017)
2020 Hyundai i30 Elite review
The Hyundai i30 is one of the best-selling cars in Australia. Does the mid-range Elite model represent the best balance of price and value?
- Right balance of equipment
- Smooth driveline
- Still looks good
- Tyre package isn't the best
- A little loud inside
- Not the biggest boot or second row
How does this compare on price?
The Hyundai i30 Elite starts from $28,040 before on-roads. The two other bestsellers in the segment are the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla.
The Mazda 3 Evolve is priced from $27,940 before on-roads and features a good level of specification. However, it does not have full keyless entry and start, or leather trim either, like the Hyundai.
The other key competitor also hails from Japan, which is the Toyota Corolla SX. This particular model kicks off from $28,235 before on-roads and is equipped quite similarly to the Hyundai. However, it is also missing leather trim.
The Hyundai sits in the middle of its competitors in terms of cost, but does offer a good balance of equipment compared to its competitors.
Consider it priced fairly against the rest.
What is it like inside?
First glances make the Hyundai’s interior out to be a little dark and full of plastic. Once you start to familiarise yourself with the car, you’ll find plenty of strong points.
On the lower centre console there’s great, deep storage that will hold phones, purses and wallets with ease. Underneath the touchscreen, there’s a large storage bin that houses a wireless charger, USB port and 12V power outlet.
Storage aside, the rest of the cabin is also well thought out. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and features a logical switch layout that controls the adaptive cruise-control function, stereo system, as well as trip computer and telephony systems.
The seats are comfortable and everything is within reach. The 8.0-inch infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay plus Android Auto, which enables easy use of a phone’s smarts when behind the wheel.
Space behind the cockpit in the second row is decent. Taller adults may find knee room a little scarce, but that’s only if the driver or front passenger has their seat adjusted all the way backward.
Compared to the Mazda and Toyota, the Hyundai has the roomiest area for passengers. Its roof line makes it easy to fit a larger convertible baby seat, as well as load a younger child without any issues.
Cargo space is good at 395L, expanding through to 1301L with the second-row seats folded. It is bigger than both the Toyota and the Mazda, too.
Is it a safe car in this segment?
Like most small hatchbacks, the Hyundai i30 features a five-star ANCAP rating. It also sports a wide array of active safety systems, including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear traffic alert, and a reverse camera with rear parking sensors.
That makes it a very safe car with good levels of crash-avoidance technology for the price, as well as a decent structural cell that will help to protect occupants in the event of an accident.
However, more modern cars feature even more advanced safety systems. For instance, the Mazda 3 features an automatic braking system that also works in reverse, with the Hyundai making do with just a forward-seeing system.
It also misses out on front parking sensors, too, but they are more of a nice-to-have than a compulsory addition.
How much does it cost to maintain?
Hyundai expects the i30 Elite to be serviced every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
The first three years of servicing cost $259, with year four costing $359, and year five back to $259. Over a total of five years, maintaining a Hyundai i30 Elite will set you back $1395.
It once again sits in the middle of the field. The Corolla is cheaper to maintain, but the Mazda 3 is pricier. Alongside reasonable service costs, warranty coverage extends to five years on an unlimited-kilometre basis. This is fast becoming the industry average.
Not too long ago, Hyundai used to be in front of the rest with its five-year warranty offering. It may be time for Hyundai to push ahead once again with a seven-year offering, but that is not the case at present.
What does it have under the bonnet?
A 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine can be found underneath the bonnet of the Hyundai i30. It is combined with a regular six-speed automatic transmission that uses a torque converter.
It produces 120kW of power and 203Nm of torque available from 4700rpm. A basic engine in design with an equally simple transmission, it enables the i30 to accelerate respectably and not feel underpowered.
You do find yourself exercising your right foot in order to get the most out of the engine, however. This is mainly due to a lack of forced induction, either turbocharging or supercharging, to assist with low-down torque delivery.
But despite this, its performance is still far beyond adequate. If you’re seeking easy motoring, then you will not be left wishing for more performance.
If you like the idea of a bit of pep under your foot, however, Hyundai does offer a turbocharged version called the N-Line. However, it is more expensive than the Elite model, and not as smooth to drive.
What is its economy like?
The i30 Elite consumed 8.5 litres of fuel for every 100km travelled while on a week-long test. The official manufacturer’s claim is 7.4L/100km on a combined cycle, meaning real-life fuel usage was a little greater than expected.
Both competitors use less fuel officially, with the Mazda 3 claiming to achieve 6.2L/100km and the Corolla 6.0L/100km.
We have driven all three cars previously and found that the Hyundai was the thirstiest in a real-world testing scenario by about 10 per cent.
What else should I consider in this segment?
As mentioned, the two most popular alternatives in the segment are the Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3.
If neither of those choices are inspiring, the Honda Civic is another great choice. This model can be had in both hatchback and sedan formats, as well as with a turbocharged engine and sports styling if one so desires.If you wish to move a little more upmarket, the Volkswagen Golf will also serve you well.
The small-hatchback arena has plenty of choice, but the four mentioned above will likely be enough to draw comparison from.
Any problems I should look out for?
Once again, thanks to its rather basic driveline, the i30 seems to be devoid of niggly problems or issues.
Hyundai continues to manufacture strong, well-built cars that are surviving the test of time. The previous-generation i30, a favourite with rental companies and fleet customers, quickly established a name for itself as the dependable and reliable choice.
This generation is no different. Hyundai has also topped numerous automotive-quality studies over the years, which is testament to the endurance of its cars.
Should I buy it?
If you’re looking for a reliable package with some tangible quality, then we would recommend the i30 Elite.
Leather seats lift the quality of the cabin significantly, as well as offering a good solution to transporting messy children around. No other competitor at this price can boast such a luxury. The seats alone may be enough of a reason for a young family to pick the i30 Elite over the rest.
It is more expensive to maintain than the Toyota Corolla, and a bit thirstier than a Mazda 3. But it does offer more room, in both the second row and cargo area, which will be more critical to most shoppers.
These important factors make all of the difference, and give reason to why we think the Hyundai i30 Elite is the smart choice of the bunch.