Used Hyundai i30 review: 2012-2014

Graham Smith reviews the 2012, 2013 and 2014 Hyundai i30 as a used buy.

Hyundai hatch's value proposition is still strong. Shame about the radio.

New

When the first i30 arrived in 2007, it typified Hyundai's progress as a maker of quality, reliable vehicles and earned Carsguide's Car of the Year gong that year. It was a tough act to follow but Hyundai went one better when it launched a new longer, wider and lower model in 2012.

The new range of five-door hatches started with the Active, stepped up to the Elite and topped out with the Premium and the dimensions endowed a roomier cabin and greater luggage space.

The 1.8-litre multipoint fuel-injected petrol four, delivered quite spirited performance. The 1.6-litre common-rail turbo diesel carried over.

The new generation i30 was an impressive step forward from an already decent car.

Good news came in the transmission options — gone were the five-speed manual and four-speed auto, replaced by six-speeders much better suited to the engines. The auto had a sports shift function too.

On the road the petrol version was nimble and agile and demonstrated reassuring grip and balance. The diesel was also impressive, greatly enhanced by the addition of the six-speed auto. All-round the new generation i30 was an impressive step forward from an already decent car.

Now

In launching the 2012 version, Hyundai went to great lengths to say it had been benchmarked against the VW Golf.

The prime appeal of Hyundais from the outset was the affordable pricing and long warranty, and that still applies. The pricing of a preloved i30 is generally sharp and the five-year/unlimited km warranty is transferable to the new owner, which can be reassuring.

Be careful if you're buying an ex-rental car and thinking of transferring the warranty over. Hyundai limits the coverage of cars used commercially, such as renters, to 130,000km.

Faulty electrics have long caused frustration and while the i30 is well built it's worth making sure everything works on the car before you hand over your cash.

Check the radio, because the source of most of the adverse comments on the i30 was the radio reception, which most owners agree is poor. There's not a lot you can do about it.

Make sure the car you are planning to buy has been serviced according to Hyundai's recommendations by checking its service record.