Used Hyundai a sure bet car review
07/01/13
By Peter Hayward
Driving Force
A GREAT deal of the chance is taken away when you buy a Hyundai i30 up to five years old because that’s how long the transferable unlimited mileage warranty lasts.
And Hyundai’s reputation for reliability is so good that you will probably never have to use it.
The i30 hatch and estate are roomy and practical family cars, with better than average rear legroom and a big boot.
Engines are 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol with 108 and 120bhp and 1.6 and 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 113 and 138bhp.
All are smooth, reasonably quiet, very economical and have plenty of power for the weight.
The clutch is light and gearchange smooth and the power steering has decent feel in the corners.
The ride is comfortable over just about every type of surface, and although the handling is not quite as accomplished as the best in class, it’s very close behind.
Interior
The amount of standard equipment is excellent, with air con, front electric windows, central locking and a good stereo on even the most basic 1.4 petrol – which is also as economical as the diesels.
And they also have six airbags and stability control which puts them ahead of much of the opposition.
FAST FACTS
Hyundai i30
Price: Pay about £4,580 for an ’08 08-reg Comfort, or £6,730 for a ’10 10-reg Classic
Mechanical: 108bhp, 1,396cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 116mph
0-62mph: 11.2 seconds
Combined mpg: 46
Insurance group: 13
CO2emissions: 145g/km
Main rival:Ford Focus
Motors.co.uk value verdict:
