Thats take a closer look at Hyundai popular hatchback the i30 to see how it is to live with day to day.

What makes the Hyundai i30 hatch such a good car? Find out as I review the second best-selling passenger car in Australia.

Background

Cast your mind back to 2007. That was the year the very first Hyundai i30 family hatchback appeared, a Focus-sized model that completely changed the way we thought about Korean cars. Since then, this Asian maker has transformed itself from budget brand to the point where it's now a mainstream quality choice. Can this significantly improved MK3 model i30 help Hyundai progress further in its relentless march to full automotive credibility?

It's very firmly a product of evolution rather than revolution. But there's an upgraded engine line-up including a more efficient 1.5-litre T-GDI petrol powerplant. Buyers also get a high-tech dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission option. And cutting-edge standards of electronic safety and media connectivity. It all sounds quite promising doesn't it? But then, if this i30 is going to be able to keep pace in this closely-fought segment, it's going to need to be.

Driving Experience

Quite a lot's changed with this revised model on the engine front. The volume 1.0-litre T-GDI 120PS petrol unit can now be ordered with 7-speed auto transmission for the first time. But the key news is that this volume 1.0-litre petrol unit is now available with 48-volt Mild Hybrid technology for better fuel efficiency and for the first time with an eClutch 6-speed iMT Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). iMT decouples the engine from the transmission after the driver releases the accelerator. This allows the car to enter into two possible levels of coasting depending on the conditions. With the first level, the engine is idling. With the second level, the engine is additionally temporarily turned off to save even more fuel. For those who prefer to drive automatic, the 48-volt Mild Hybrid option is also available with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The 136PS version of the 1.6-litre diesel also gets the 48-volt mild hybrid set-up - and the same two-way transmission choice.

There's an all new engine too, a 1.5-litre T-GDI petrol unit with 160PS at the top of the range, which also gets the 48-volt mild hybrid tech. This powerplant is only fitted to the sporty 'N-Line' model. At the top of the range, an improved version of the i30 N hot hatch continues with a 2.0 T-GDI petrol unit developing 280PS. Across the i30 range, Hyundai has improved its SmartSense advanced safety package with 'Lane Following Assist, ' 'Rear Collision-avoidance Assist' and 'Leading vehicle Departure Alert'.

Design and Build

There's a choice of three i30 bodystyles, a five-door hatch, a 'Tourer' estate and a sleeker five-door 'Fastback' model. Either way, the front is characterised by a wider-looking, more modern stance. The wider grille features an accentuated 3D pattern that emphasises what Hyundai hopes is a more agile look. It's flanked by restyled, slimmer headlamps with optional multifaceted reflector MFR LED technology and smarter V-shaped signature LED daytime running lights. At the rear, the i30 5-door hatch is now enhanced with a fresh bumper design, which was developed to improve aerodynamic performance. The LED rear combination lamps create a V-shape for a symmetrical effect between the front and the back. As before, 53% of the underlying framework is fashioned from Advanced High Strength Steel.

0:00 - Intro
0:27 - Exterior
2:01- Interior
4:56 - The rear seats
6:00 - Boot Space
6:58 - Driving the car
8:19 - Kangaroo
8:35 - Technology, Fuel Consumption, Engine Specs
11:04 - Acceleration
11:51 - Final thoughts