The new 2018 Hyundai i30 is on-sale now and we’ve wrapped up the 5 things you need to know about it.
There are five variants to choose from
The five-tier i30 range starts with the entry-level Active and runs through Elite, Premium, SR and SR Premium variants. For the first time, alloy wheels are now standard across the i30 range, with 16- and 17-inch wheels on comfort variants (Active, Elite and Premium) and 18-inch wheels on sports variants (SR and SR Premium).
Engine and transmission choices start with the i30 Active’s standard 120kW/203Nm 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder with either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Also available in the i30 Active, Elite and Premium variants is Hyundai’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) or six-speed manual (Active variant only). Available exclusively in i30 SR sports variants Hyundai’s 150kW/265Nm Gamma 1.6-litre Turbo-GDi petrol engine comes with a 7-speed DCT or six-speed manual.
All three engines are excellent with enough grunt for overtaking and flattening hills, but the turbocharged petrol in the SR is a pretty sweet powerplant with a good strong spread of torque that allows it to pull strongly from low rpm even when you find yourself in too-high-a-gear. Indeed, this engine line-up shows up the shortcomings of some of this car’s key competitors which only offer one engine and one transmission.
I believe that all active AND manual transmission variants miss out on face level rear air vents.
Active due to spec level, manual transmission variants due to mechanical handbrake utilising the space required for said vents. SR auto variants will have rear vents.
Yes, you’re right. I’ve clarified the sentence now which did read a little misleading. Only a very small proportion of buyers will opt for manual so… – Isaac
Is there to be a station wagon version and if so, specs and pricing?
Is there a CD player?