Focus on Hyundai: The i30
I30 tops out against its rivals as Hyundai proves it has what it takes.
The Hyundai i30 is far from a budget car and it was placed top in the 2010 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. It received praise for it’s quality, low running costs and reliability, everything you look for in an instructional vehicle. Bill Plant Driving School are testimony to this as the i30 is firmly routed as part of its fleet. Add to that a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and the i30 is well worth considering.
Drive and Comfort
The i30 has light controls and seems effortless to drive. The well designed cabin offers well placed controls high on the dash for ease of sight and use. The i30 is well engineered and delivers postive gear changes through its light touch clutch. Into the corners the i30 feels positive and engaging. The 90bhp 1.6 CRDi diesel can feel a little lethargic, but the more powerful 115bhp version is the best in the range. In contrast, the 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines - both require a bit of throttle to get the best from them, but are not lacking in power. On the road, the i30 keeps wind noise to a minimum, even at motorway speed so makes for a relaxing drive. The suspension also evens out changing road surface conditions. The two diesels engines are quiet at idle and on the move, the petrol versions a little more throaty, but overall a very impressive drive.
Inside and out.
Being classed as a family hatch usually means room for 2 + 2 small children not so in the i30 which has a spacious cabin with plenty of front and rear leg
room, together with rear headroom. The i30 comes with a 340 litre boot capacity and is about average for its class. Useful storage pockets are located around the cabin, including a cooled glovebox, plenty of cup holders and closable compartments. It certainly has been well thought out. There are 3 trim levels Classic, Comfort and Premium, standard equipment is generous,. The Premiun range gives you climate control, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers and heated front seats. The i30 is only available as a 5door , but this is an ideal when you have extra passengers to carry on test or on during lessons.
Safety
Six airbags, anti-whiplash head restraints and electronic stability control help give the i30 its five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Economy/ Running costs
The diesel engines offer impressively low fuel costs and tax rates. They’re both 1.6-litres, with the 90bhp version returning 64.2mpg and 115g/km, while the 115bhp version returns 62.8mpg and 119g/km. Both are therefore in the £30 per year Road Tax band. Hyundai’s fuel-saving ISG start-stop system, which cuts the engine when you come to a standstill, is available as an option too. A five- year unlimited mileage warranty gives peace of mind and dealer service costs are reportedly low.
Green Choice 1.6 CRDi 90PS Classic 5dr
Low value 1.4 Classic 5dr
Highest perfomance 1.6 Comfort 5dr
Top of the range 1.6 CRDi Premium Auto 5dr
The Instructor : September / October 2011 Visit
www.ukdicmagazine.co.uk
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