We video test the 2017 Hyundai i30 Limited, “Impressive to drive, the ride beautifully resolved, packed with a comprehensive list of standard equipment and the safety package is outstanding.
The Limited is the top version of the all-new Hyundai i30 and with it, Hyundai have taken aim directly at small European hatches like the Volkswagen Golf and Holden Astra.
Having proven with previous i30s that they are capable of taking on the Japanese at the small hatch game, the Korean company has decided to look at the Euros for the latest incarnation, and it has to be said that they have done a remarkably convincing job of it too.
The Limited gets Hyundai’s latest 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre inline turbo petrol four-cylinder engine hooked up to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and it is a wonderfully flexible engine that keeps the European feel going nicely.
While the dual clutch transmission has its foibles (like all of them, it isn’t really fan of low speed maneuvers or backing up hills), it is generally a fast and smooth operator that makes the most of the smooth, revvy engine.
While the i30 doesn’t quite match the likes of the VW Golf lower down in the range, the top spec Limited takes the fight right to the Euros. And comes away looking rather good too.
The steering is nicely weighted and communicative (something that you have never really been able to say of most Korean cars before), while the chassis is delightfully lithe and responsive. The ride is on the firm side of things, but it is beautifully resolved and always comfortable, even over rough surfaces.
The i30 Limited comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, rain sensing wipers, keyless entry and push button start, dual zone climate control, an electric parking brake, leather sport upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with 10 way adjustment on the driver’s seat, a panoramic sunroof, automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a remote window close function, a rear view camera with rear cross traffic alert, blind spot detection, a tyre pressure monitoring system, heated electric side mirrors
Hyundai’s new SmartSense safety package is outstanding and includes radar cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist and a driver attention alert.
As well as the rather comprehensive list of standard equipment, the i30 is also rather impressive to drive, with a distinctly European edge to its ride and handling.
