2021 Hyundai i30 review: Now with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto!

Hyundai has added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the 2021 Hyundai i30 range. There's a new design for the entry-level and sedan, while upper specification models get a larger 10.25-inch display (although, strangely, without wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). Paul Maric reviews the entry-level 2021 Hyundai i30 hatch to see if it's any good.

Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior: 00:53
Interior: 02:45
Infotainment: 04:10
Safety Tech: 06:20
Practicality: 06:56
On the road: 09:28
Verdict: 13:30

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CarExpert:

Paul Maric:

#hyundai #review #i30

[aleks]

I've had the pre facelift of this car for almost 3 years now. Best car I've ever owned hands down and I've had some pretty expensive euros as well. Can't recommend it enough. It is extremely quiet and comfortable at all Australian speeds. With a light foot and not too heavy traffic 6.5l/100km is easily achievable. However this car really hates heavy stop start traffic, it will easily push 9L+, if thats your commute, get a hybrid. On long trips it will dip into the low 5's. I'm 187cm and I can fit adults behind me, I think Paul might like he's seat a little further back. It's no camry by any stretch of the immagination, but I think it's probably a leader in it's segment for interior and boot space. The Hyundai dealership has also been fantastic to deal with and services are reasonably priced. Honestly, can't fault it

[duncanstclair]

Hi Paul. We bought a brand new i30 Active, with the six speed manual gearbox in early 2018. 80, 000 kays later, still going strong and not a single issue. We are a family of three, with a dog. We go camping and there is plenty of room, especially with roof racks. Great car. I wouldn't say no to a smidge more grunt, but in most situations, it's perfectly fine. Pretty good on fuel as well. On long drives, gets less than 6 litres per 100 kays. Overall, great little car.

[toelesss]

I've just bought a 2022 model i30 for my first car, absolutely love it.

[chappo]

When I read internet comments I always add "In my opinion" to everything I read.

In my opinion, :-D, Hyundai have certainly come a long way. There is a lot of love for Toyota, and rightly so, they make good cars. In my humble view a better Hyundai will ultimately mean a better Toyota - everyone wins.

[bignouxjean]

I just bought a basic model Hyundai I30, I am really looking forward to driving it, thankyou for a fantastic review.

[thyliamm]

for the base model of only a hatch back it has so many features

[markjames]

I bought my wife a red ‘17 model just on 3 years ago. Have not had an issue. A very comfortable ride & a huge boot compared to a Corolla 👍

[haydosh]

Got an early build PD i30, a 2017 Premium (now discontinued) with the 1.6CRDi (also discontinued).
Bought in February 2018 and it’s now a shade under 90, 000kms.
Been a great car, outside of regular servicing have had two minor quibbles mended under warranty.
I feel the interior has a few lost opportunities for making just that little bit nicer and to set it apart from the much cheaper entry level models and there were a few equipment oversights given the price of the Premium but those minor things aside it’s been a great ownership experience, this was my first new car and it very quickly went to the top of my already small shortlist of cars I was looking at.
Hyundai aren’t alone with this but their fuel consumption claims are a farce, they claim something like 4.1L/100kms on the highway and somewhere close to 5 as a combined figure and I’ll rarely get the combined figure on the highway, it’s not a deal breaker and my actual combined figure around 6 is still pretty good but a 1.6 diesel should do better.
As a Premium it’s full of gear and you’re not left wanting for much, a better sound system and the LED taillights would have been nice but this was rectified as a running change in early 2018 and the lack of front foglights at any level is a curious omission.
The open road is where this particular car comes into its own however, quiet and comfortable cabin with the well sorted suspension takes everything in its stride, 300Nms from the engine make light work of overtaking or even stretching its legs through the Outback at 140km/h (sometimes more) in 35c heat while managing 1100kms from a tank without even trying. I couldn’t have asked for a better travel companion with my Outback trip last year.

I bought this car new with the intention of holding onto it for somewhere between 7-10 years and I’ll be at a loss to replace it when the time comes, I’m not ready for an EV as they don’t suit me in their current form and diesel is rapidly being dropped from lineups, especially in this category.
Not an aspirational car, not a perfect car but definitely something that rates highly everywhere it needs to.

[adastra]

I’m getting Spider-man vibes with the look of that front grill and the red paintwork.

[jodiehancock]

I bought the current i30 Elite in Amazon Grey a month ago. Beautiful car, great to drive and I'm so so happy with it. Hoping that in 5 years time when it's time for a refresh that the i20N has a DCT option 😉

[kudzaironald]

Great vid Paul. Would be good though to see the rest of the line up so that we can get an in-depth look at the mid-life upgrades

[shamicentertainment]

Feels like after 30 years cars are finally starting to look more interesting again

[amujeebm]

Nice detailed review, I like base model reviews these days even base models are so loaded and expensive.

[Mitch.Weber.]

I’ve had the I30 for a year and half now and it’s a great car. I would highly recommend it to anyone in any circumstances. It’s got plenty of room and storage, plenty of grunt and get up and go.

What’s not mentioned in this review is the fun factor... I’m a 21 year old bloke and this car is a JOY to drive. It’s handling is incredible, it’s sport mode is shmic and it’ll get you of the line quick if you want it to. It also looks like a boss of a car and honestly a year and a half in and it still puts a beaming smile on my face to drive.

Couldn’t recommend this car more ! Great review 🤙🏽

[billyxu]

Hopefully the mazda 3 turbo will be coming to Australia.

[sibusiso.mabika]

I like it because it's underated.
Great review as always.

All The way from South Africa 🇿🇦

[autonewstv]

Great review. The nice interior, like a small Sonata.

[_b_k]

The same is in EU, quite a good durable car.

[oppanheimer]

I’m driving one now on loan and I’ve got to say it is brilliant.

[NICK]

Definitely like what this i30 is offering, looking at my 2nd car atm as my 2nd hand 2003 Elantra is a write off due to its age and damage but this may be my first new car to buy