‘Mystifying indignity' of epic fuel saver
VALUE
At about $37,000 drive-away it's not a cheap small car, but the hybrid's 3.9L/100km economy could halve fuel bills compared to a petrol-only i30 – especially for urban use.
The i30 sedan has decent inclusions, but this entry-level hybrid also has misses. Good news includes 16-inch alloys, LED headlights, good quality cloth seats, 8-inch infotainment, digital instrument cluster, wireless charge pad and three USB-C outlets.
Unlike non-hybrid i30 sedans, this car adds more advanced independent rear suspension, dual zone climate control and rain sensing wipers.
But you must use the key button to open doors – there's no smart entry – then suffer the indignity of putting a metal key in an ignition, rather than pressing a start button.
Mystifyingly, there's no handle to open the boot – it's only opened via the key.
It's a nicely presented cabin, but hardly flash. Better-appointed Elite and Premium grades are coming soon, but prices aren't known. If you want the likes of leather heated seats, better 10.25-inch infotainment, surround view monitor and auto boot, best wait for those.
COMFORT
The sedan's body design is edgy, busy and polarising, but certainly not boring. The cabin's a more restrained effort – Obsidian black is the sole colour – so it lacks some pop.
But the layout's simple and common sense – the climate and audio controls are buttons rather than through a screen – while there's a solid, chunky feel to the leather steering wheel and gear shifter. Lots of hard plastic touch points through the doors, but they're neither cheap nor scratchy.
Seats are impressively sculpted and comfy, with giant robust handles for adjustment – you feel it's a well-built car. Hybrid batteries are under the rear seats, but the headroom remains good for adults, while leg room's superb. Many small cars dismiss rear occupants' comfort, buy there's air vents and two USB-C ports to go with stretch-out space.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wins, as are clever cup holders that adjust to the size of your cup or bottle. But the infotainment screen feels a generation old and too small, and the digital dash too basic. You miss the loading convenience of a hatchback, but this sedan's 474L boot space is mighty.
SAFETY
A three-star safety rating's a black mark. This entry-level includes positives like advanced auto emergency braking, driver attention warning, speed limit assist, lane keep and lane follow, smart cruise control with stop and go function, front and rear parking sensors, and rear occupant alert.
But there's no really useful stuff like blind spot warning or rear cross traffic alert. Both are available on key rival Toyota Corolla in a $1000 Convenience pack – Hyundai really should offer likewise. You'll also not find rear auto emergency braking nor a safe exit warning unless buying pricier i30 sedans.
But careful what you wish for. The i30 sedan's a nannying drill sergeant, bonging at you for 2 km/h over the limit or if it deems your attention isn't up to scratch. The lane follow and lane keep assist means a constant, ghostly tug at the steering wheel. You feel such systems should only be called upon in emergencies, not all the damn time.
DRIVING
Hyundai's hybrid system works the same way as Toyota's – no plugging in is ever required.
The i30 hybrid's a silky operator in town, pulling away and doing low speed urban work in full electric mode: smooth, silent and very economical.
My 430km test through city, country and highway returned 4.1L./100km. It'll hit 50km/h before the 1.6-litre petrol engine quietly chimes in and joins the 32kW electric motor for a 104kW/265Nm total. It's no thriller, but there's lively response.
A longer uphill stint revealed its limitations. The 1.32kWh battery exhausted, and with no means of recharging (through braking or coasting), the petrol four-cylinder had to work hard and noisily.
A dual-clutch auto gearbox is responsive and has more driver appeal than Toyota's joyless CVT auto. The suspension's well tuned for handling/comfort balance, and response and balance on back roads is surprisingly fun-filled.
Beepy driver assist aside it's a smoothie with low cabin noise on highways, but home is the urban snarl where economy gains are superb.
ALTERNATIVES
Toyota Corolla sedan hybrid, about $36,000 drive-away: Longstanding hybrid champ is brilliantly economical, cheap to service and offers a great driving experience, but interior is blandness personified.
Mazda3, from $33,990 drive-away: No hybrid offered so fuel use is higher at 5.9L/100km, while rear seat and boot are tight. More attractive exterior and nicer, more salubrious cabin, plus excellent drive experience.
Kia K4, from $32,990 drive-away: Loaded with kit and a seven year warranty, but engine is old and thirsty.
VERDICT
Three and a half stars
Safety misses tarnish an otherwise excellent offering. City users will love miserly fuel use and EV-like slow-speed drive, but wait for higher grades for better equipment.
HYUNDAI I30 SEDAN HYBRID
SPARE: Space-saver
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