Hyundai i30 2020 Review
Hyundai i30 2020 - More Features, Lesser Choices
Hyundai i30 is Australia’s second top-selling small car as of July 2020 and a perennial contender in the budget hatch category. Its MY2020 model features a range of useful equipment, including smartphone integration and a broad active-safety suite on its more expensive variants.
Unfortunately, Hyundai has dropped its manual option in the entry-level 1.6-litre diesel Go and Active models, which would mean an increase in base pricing.
On a positive note, the South Korean carmaker is offering a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty promo until the end of the month. This is exclusively available on i30 Go 2.0L Petrol 6-Speed Automatic 2WD that are ordered and delivered between 1st August 2020 and 31st August 2020 if used for private and business purposes.
If you’re planning to buy an i30, you better do it before the month ends. Get a car loan pre-approval now!
Sans promo days, the car is backed by a still impressive 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, which is standard across the range.
Hyundai i30 2020 Aggregated Reviews
CarAdvice.com.au (N Line) - 8.5/10
CarAdvice.com.au (Elite) - 8.1/10
CarExpert.com.au (N Line) - 8.1/10
WhichCar.com.au - 4/5
ProductReview.com.au - 4.2/5
We Love
- Light handling, smooth acceleration
- Efficient powertrains
- Advanced safety features on mid- and top-spec models
Pain Points
- No manual option for the base model
- Basic equipment on the entry-level model
- Increased base pricing
Exterior
The car’s cascading front grille strongly influences its sporty styling. Lightweight yet durable and safe, its body frame is composed of around 50% Advanced High-
The entry-level Go and Active models run on a 16" wheels. While Go has steel wheels, Active's wheels are made of alloy. Elite and Premium have 17" alloy wheels while N-Line and N-Line Premium are fitted with 18" alloy wheels that are matched with Michelin Sport 4 Tyres.
Meanwhile, mid- to top-spec variants have:
- Rear Differ, which boosts aerodynamics and perfectly frames the performance twin-tip exhaust
- Black bezel headlights, which offers auto dusk sensing and daytime running lights
Interior
Standard across the i30 range is the illuminated entry and exit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are available on Active and higher-spec variants.
The styling and equipment also upgrade with the price.
The Go and Active variants have:
- Manual adjustment for driver’s seat
- Basic climate control
- Manual cruise control
- Halogen headlamps
Active has features that are not available in the entry-level Go:
- Integrated Navigation System
- Digital radio
- Parking Sensors
The mid-spec N Line and Elite, although still equipped with a manual driver’s seat adjustment, halogen headlamps and digital radio; share some of the advanced features of the top-spec models, such as:
- Multi-zone climate control
- Keyless entry
- Active Cruise Control
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Leather seats with red stitching and matching red seatbelts
The petrol-powered N Line and N Line Premium have gear shifters on the steering wheel.
Meanwhile, the top-spec Premium and N Line Premium have:
- Electric driver’s seat adjustment
- LED headlamps
- Premium sound system
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Electric sunroof (optional on N Line and Elite)
The Hyundai SmartSense safety suite is standard on the Elite and higher-spec variants while being an optional feature on the rest of the lineup.
Mounted in the centre console of Elite and higher-spec variants is a wireless charging pad that allows wireless charging of Qi-enabled smartphones.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 8-inch touchscreen multimedia display with smartphone mirroring capability allows users to play music, make calls or get directions.
The wireless charging pad that’s mounted in the centre console of Elite and higher-spec variants allows wireless charging of Qi-enabled smartphones.
The Hyundai SmartSense Safety Pack consists of sensors, cameras, alerts and alarms, and software that work together to provide an enhanced level of safety while on the road with advanced driving features like Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning.
What's it like to drive a Hyundai i30 2020?
The i30 feels light to maneuver with its AHSS body frame. The Drive Model Select, which is available on all automatic and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) variants, allows drivers to choose between Normal (day-to-day driving), Eco (maximises fuel economy), and SPorts (increase steering weighting and engine response) mode.
The car has also undergone an extensive local suspension tuning to ensure that the ride and handling can keep up with the powertrain and the terrain.
The N Line has a sports-tuned suspension that makes it more dynamic and responsive compared to the standard i30 range. Its front brake has also been upgraded with an upsized 305mm x 25mm ventilated front brake rotors for improved braking performance and better resistance to fade.
Comfort-wise, a range of amenities inside the mid- and top-spec variants offers a relaxed and safe driving and riding experience, from the 8.0-inch touchscreen to the Hyundai's SmartSense technology. All variants are well-shielded from wind noise and have comfortable seats with good lateral support.
Who’s the Hyundai i30 2020 for?
The most affordable Go and Active models are well suited to singles, couples, and young families who are on a budget but desire basic transportation.
The Elite and Premium variants with their additional comfort and safety features are a good choice for individuals and entrepreneurs who are constantly on the road. The 1.6-litre turbo-diesel with seven-speed dual-clutch auto also provides great low and middle rpm power and fuel economy.
For those who desire performance on the road at a lower price than what its competitors are offering, the N Line and N Line Premium are ideal. With a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine and a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission, the car can deliver 150kW of power and 265Nm of torque without the need for expensive premium unleaded.
Tom Caesar is the Managing Director of The Positive Group, a group of Australian financial services companies offering a broad range of finance to clients Australia wide. The Positive Group assist clients in the areas of car finance, mortgages, insurance & wealth management. Tom has been in car & asset finance for over 10 years. Tom regularly contributes articles on car finance, insurance, technology and business growth, drawing on his experience of starting his own brokerage in 2009.