Think Hyundai Tucson, but make it smaller, sportier, and a hatchback ready to speed through the Nullarbor plain road (or the city, if you feel so inclined); that’s the new Hyundai i30. A reliable hatchback designed with the travellers in mind, it is ready to compete with Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.
In the Australian market, the i30 2021 is among the best value-for-money cars you can find; it accelerates like a beast and is comfortable across the plains. However, it might not be the most exciting option among the list of cars you can find at a dealership. Let’s look closely at the hatchback to see if it fits your needs.
The Small, The Sleek, & The Swift
Several safety technologies, lifetime MapCare, a much broader panoramic sunroof, and a range of other additions make i30 Tourer a car made specifically for those of you who love to drive around – with or without your families.
This well-ventilated hatchback is extremely comfortable, with its soft, leather/satin seats, climate control options, a new 10-inch infotainment system, instrument display, soft-touch materials, and a robust feel all make up for a smooth ride. It is quite comfortable and has decent legroom for all occupants.
Storage
Although there is a lot of space in the car (395 litres in the hatchback), the boot lip is a bit awkward, which might make loading and unloading things a little difficult. You may find yourself having to bend over the lip a bit to put things inside and pull it all out at an angle too.
Its crash test shows that the car sacrifices the storage space if needed to make sure the occupants remain safe when hit from the back and the rigid frame on the back and the safety features (such as collision and lane assist) mean that you can drive day and night confidently.
Comfort
The 70.67-inch width is standard and means enough room for three people in the back to sit relatively comfortably. The 5.51-inch road clearance means it might not be suitable for off-road driving when travelling, though. You may have to slow down in gravel as well if the car is loaded.
However, the 1,276 kg frame for the hatchback means that its road grip is exceptional, which is quite handy, considering the quick acceleration even with the AC turned on.
The Hyundai i30 offers good handling with a slight steering wheel and a suspension that can comfortably handle bumps in the road. The clutch may be a bit irritating in the rush hour because of a slight drag in between shifts.
The acceleration, top speed, and its ability to handle tight turns perfectly are why it is preferred by those who want the thrill of speed. There’s not much in the way of upgrades compared to the 2018 model except for a few noticeable changes. However, if you are going for the hybrid, the 2021 model is a much better option.
