2025 Hyundai i30 Hatch assessment

Hyundai’s second-smallest hatch is now costlier, however it’s had some key adjustments.

The i30 was Hyundai’s second best-selling mannequin in 2023, behind solely the Tucson SUV. It led its phase on the VFACTS gross sales charts, rating above even the Toyota Corolla (20,626 gross sales versus 19,986 gross sales).

For 2025 it’s acquired a minor facelift that has introduced some good tweaks, specifically a refreshed entrance finish with modern headlights. The inside has additionally acquired some tweaks, although it nonetheless options older-generation infotainment tech programs.

It has a brand new engine too, however as manufacturing has shifted from Korea to the Czech Republic, the i30 now attracts a 5.0 per cent import obligation in Australia.

On prime of that, Hyundai has axed the bottom Lively and Elite variants, which is dangerous information in the event you’re available in the market for an inexpensive hatchback.

With solely the extra upmarket N Line and N Line Premiums accessible for traditional road-going i30 fashions, the bottom worth has skyrocketed by $12,000 to $36,000 earlier than on-roads. You may nonetheless purchase the full-fat i30 N, however that’s in a league of its personal in comparison with the N Line.

You’d be mistaken in the event you thought the value enhance was as a result of decrease grades are now not accessible, as the usual N Line is now $3500 costlier than final yr’s model. The N Line Premium is now additionally $3700 pricier.

On take a look at right here is the usual 2025 Hyundai i30 Hatch N Line, which can set you again a sq. $36,000 earlier than on-road prices. It has solely simply touched down in Australia, and whereas it’s mechanically the identical because the Premium model it does miss out on niceties like a panoramic sunroof and heated, ventilated entrance seats.

Must you go for the older, cheaper i30, or is the brand new N Line an possibility value contemplating for a each day heat hatch?

How does the Hyundai i30 evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the Hyundai i30 towards equally sized autos.

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i30

How a lot does the Hyundai i30 price?

The N Line now kicks off the i30 Hatch vary, and it’s priced at $36,000 earlier than on-road prices. That’s $3500 greater than it was once, whereas the N Line Premium has been pushed above the $40,000 mark.

To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards its opponents, use our comparability software.

What’s the Hyundai i30 like on the within?

The i30 Hatch has acquired an exterior refresh, although its inside is displaying the older roots.

It’s in no way disagreeable, however there are some things that we really feel may have been up to date to deliver it additional into the trendy age. One is the infotainment system, which in the usual N Line is a smaller dated-looking 8.0-inch unit with graphics that aren’t as sharp as within the Premium which has a ten.25-inch unit.

The 8.0-inch display is flanked by buttons on each side that sit atop a thick gloss-black bezel with twin knobs both facet. It really works because it ought to, however it isn’t as visually interesting as we’re used to – particularly within the context of screen-heavy setups in different new Hyundai automobiles.

Within the i30 Hatch N Line Premium’s 10.25-inch unit is far nicer with no massive buttons. There are nonetheless the identical shortcuts current for key capabilities, however they’ve been moved down and built-in as touch-sensitive buttons under the display.

The usual N Line does profit from wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which labored flawlessly throughout our week with the automobile. The N Line Premium however has solely wired smartphone mirroring as a substitute.

In contrast to different new Hyundai automobiles, the i30’s local weather management system stays bodily and is housed on a panel under the infotainment unit. It’s a easy setup and works properly, with dull-finish buttons for each management, apart from temperature adjustment knobs.

As is the case in different automobiles with this setup, it’s simple to make use of and makes the i30 seem much less intimidating to somebody coming from an older automobile. A advantage of the N Line is its dual-zone local weather system, which makes the automobile simpler to reside with in the event you typically have two occupants up entrance.

A lot of the buttons function lights to inform whether or not they’re activated, with that blue a theme that pops up elsewhere within the cabin.

A draw back within the entry N Line is the dearth of heated and ventilated entrance seats, in addition to a heated steering wheel such as you get within the Premium model. It appears superfluous, however when you’ve had a automobile geared up with such capabilities it’s arduous to return.

The bottom i30 Hatch N Line additionally has to make do with solely a manually adjustable driver’s seat, which might be good to have in a automobile that prices greater than $35,000. It nearly makes up for that omission with its seats, that are comfy and match the nice and cozy hatch aesthetic to a ‘T’.

They’re upholstered in leather-based and suede and have Hyundai N stitching on the higher portion, plus crimson stitching accents.

Each entrance seats do really feel like they’ve been designed with sports activities automobiles in thoughts, as the perimeters particularly are massive sufficient to help your physique in side-to-side movement with out being uncomfortable on lengthy drives.

Sporty themes proceed as much as the steering wheel, which is a leather-accented three-spoke unit that I want to the extra organic-looking wheels in different Hyundais. It feels good within the hand and options extra crimson stitching, with perforated leather-based fitted at 9 and three o’clock.

The Hyundai N brand options on the backside of the wheel, rounding out the N Line affect inside. The options seem on the gear selector too, which is a big unit with perforated leather-based, crimson accents, and an N brand on prime.

Forward of the steering wheel is a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It seems as if the standard gauge setup was thrown out and the display shoehorned in, because the housing retains the identical form because it did on the previous mannequin.

It’s a stable show although, because it’s graphically clear with snappy responses. Commonplace data is included on its central portion, which may be scrolled by means of utilizing the buttons on the suitable facet of the steering wheel.

A function we’re a fan of is the way in which the automobile’s settings are positioned solely on the instrument show, and navigable utilizing the wheel’s buttons. It makes it simpler to regulate issues like the motive force help tech, which incorporates turning off the velocity restrict warning specifically – extra on that later.

Sandwiching the central portion are two massive digital gauges for revs and velocity, which change in look relying on which of the three drive modes are chosen. A grievance is the way in which the gauges look in Regular mode, as they function stable white backgrounds that may be painfully vivid at evening.

Eco driving mode is the best on the eyes and the cleanest for my style, with a contemporary blue semi-transparent look. Sport mode switches it as much as a crimson and carbon fibre theme, which when prompts has a tacky however endearing flame animation.

There are many choices for telephone connectivity within the i30 Hatch. It has wi-fi smartphone mirroring as normal on the entry-level N Line, whereas a small door may be opened forward of the gear selector to disclose a hidden cubby.

Inside is a wi-fi charging pad, a USB-C port and a USB-A port, and it serves as a handy place to depart your telephone whenever you’re driving. Contained in the centre console field is a 12V outlet too.

Storage up entrance is stable, as you get two standard-size cupholders on the centre console beneath a sliding cowl. Subsequent to that could be a lengthy slot, which is an efficient place to depart your keys or your telephone in the event you don’t need to put it on the wi-fi charger.

The centre console storage field is small however gives sufficient area for numerous odds and ends, with a gentle felt ground to cease arduous objects rattling round. There’s a normal glovebox on the passenger facet and bottle holders within the doorways, that are all appropriately sized for on a regular basis use.

A draw back is the gloss-black on the centre console, which surrounds all of the buttons across the gear selector. It’s additionally the fabric used for the cubby door up entrance, which shortly attracts fingerprints.

The compromise for the i30 Hatch’s small proportions is the again row, which is cramped. Climbing in isn’t as simple because it might be due to the small door openings, and when you’re in there’s not quite a lot of room to get comfy.

That leather-based and suede upholstery continues again right here, which a minimum of means the bench seat is comfy to sit down on. The primary concern is legroom, which even behind a median entrance seating place is restricted.

With the door closed it feels particularly small, and whereas it might be described as cozy due to the black headliner, it’s not significantly sensible for loading youngster seats and by extension, youngsters.

Headroom for grownup passengers is appropriate, and taller passengers should not have any drawback squeezing in if they’ll persuade the entrance passengers to slip forwards.

The N Line options rear air vents and two USB-C ports as normal, together with bottle holders within the doorways and cupholders on the fold-down centre armrest.

The boot is the place the i30 Hatch impresses specifically, because it’s surprisingly sensible regardless of the automobile’s small dimensions. I used to be capable of match greater than anticipated, and with the rear seats folded there’s no drawback becoming massive gadgets – as long as they aren’t exceptionally tall or large.

Quoted capability with the rear seats in place is 395 litres, significantly bigger than a Corolla at 217 litres. Which means you’ll don’t have any drawback becoming luggage of groceries, although the area is barely too quick for the standard suitcase to suit lengthways.

The tailgate isn’t powered, however as a result of it isn’t massive there aren’t any issues lifting it open. It’s disappointing there’s no spare wheel within the new i30, as a result of that area beneath the boot ground has been taken up by the battery that provides the brand new mild-hybrid system.

There’s a tyre restore package as a substitute, which doesn’t encourage as a lot confidence as even an area saver does. That package additionally means there’s no additional storage to be discovered beneath the ground, however a minimum of the i30’s low trip top means you don’t must raise gadgets far to load them up.

The updates to the i30’s inside have been needed, and whereas it’s nonetheless on the older facet and the N Line would have benefitted from the N Line Premium’s infotainment setup, it’s a cushty and useable area in the event you don’t want the again seats too typically.

To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards its opponents, use our comparability software.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

The i30 Hatch N Line is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 117kW and 253Nm. It’s mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 8.8 seconds.

It makes use of a 48V mild-hybrid system, which assists with the cease/begin perform at site visitors lights and permits the automobile to coast to a cease with the engine off, all with the intention of saving gasoline.

On that notice, you’ll discover our examined gasoline financial system was worse than Hyundai’s declare. That determine got here from combined driving situations on our finish, however after we caught to the freeway we noticed financial system figures round 5.2L/100km.

To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards its opponents, use our comparability software.

How does the Hyundai i30 drive?

Because it wears some model of the Hyundai N badge, our hopes for the up to date driving expertise have been excessive. Fortunately, it seems the i30 Hatch N Line is kind of enjoyable when you hit the street.

The automobile feels well-composed and rides comfortably, although you’ll discover the suspension’s tuned in direction of the firmer facet. That provides it a sporty really feel, and also you’ll have the ability to take turns faster than you realise with good physique management.

That’s good for navigating tight streets within the metropolis with out getting in the way in which of others, and it’s nowhere close to being too agency. It feels planted and sure-footed, which is strictly what you need whenever you’re behind the wheel of a automobile as small because the i30.

Its small dimension brings advantages manoeuvrability too, as from the motive force’s seat it feels just like the entrance left nook of the automobile is the place your left knee is. Which means it’s simple to trawl by means of crowded carparks, which is supported by the sunshine low-speed steering and small turning circle.

Pulling right into a parking spot is simple too, although it’s nonetheless a reasonably analogue affair. There’s a reversing digital camera, however it’s pretty low-resolution and there’s no surround-view digital camera to offer you a full lay of the land.

The 2025 i30 N Line incorporates a new 1.5-litre turbo engine, which is extra highly effective than the outgoing naturally aspirated 2.0-litre however isn’t as potent because the previous 1.6-litre turbo.

It’s nonetheless a lot fast, and although the 8.8 second 0-100km/h time and 117kW doesn’t sound all that spectacular, it punches above its weight when you give it a boot-full. As you could anticipate, deciding on the Regular drive mode supplies essentially the most regular expertise.

That’s each a great and a nasty factor. It’s good since you’ll have the ability to take pleasure in the usual efficiency of the engine, which gives loads of punch all throughout the rev vary with out being both too uninteresting or too revvy.

It’s dangerous as a result of it reveals the clumsy nature of the dual-clutch gearbox (DCT), which to its detriment feels precisely like a stereotypical dual-clutch setup.

The driving expertise of the i30 Hatch is let down by the gearbox. Placing your foot down in a rush reveals appreciable enter lag because it figures out what to do with itself, whereas accelerating from a cease at a traditional tempo brings clunky shifts between first, second, and third gear specifically.

Shifting from first to second feels particularly sluggish, which may be annoying given the transmission in any other case rows by means of the gears with the fast shifting you’d anticipate from a DCT.

While you go to speed up quick and get previous the preliminary lag, you’ll discover the gearbox behaves fairly properly. It shifts quick with out forcing the engine to rev too excessive, which implies you’ve got the boldness to get out of sticky conditions or shoot a niche on the freeway.

It’s in no way as quick because the i30 N, however it’s proper round that splendid energy vary most individuals could be comfy with for his or her each day driver.

Deciding on Sport mode through the button to the suitable of the shifter improves the performance-oriented expertise, because the transmission will get whipped into line to offer the very best of what that 1.5-litre mild-hybrid engine has to supply.

It holds gears to close redline and permits the i30 to correctly stretch its legs, with the very best efficiency revealed as you set off from a cease. That doesn’t imply it hangs round when it is advisable shortly speed up on the freeway, however its strengths are undoubtedly discovered at low velocity.

I used to be impressed how the transmission rev-matches downshifts when Sport mode is activated. It offers you a sporty impression due to the sound the downshifts make.

You even have the choice of utilizing the wheel’s paddle shifters in any driving mode, they usually’re responsive with that additional little bit of enjoyable in the event you’re into that. The gearbox robotically enters ‘guide’ mode when doing so, and it’ll keep in no matter gear you choose for fairly some time earlier than going again to computerized.

There may be the choice to lock it in guide mode by knocking the gear selector to the suitable.

Placing the i30 in Eco mode reveals the a lot of the fuel-saving, electrically assisted advantages the mild-hybrid system brings.

Notably, energy is dulled to maintain gasoline consumption down, whereas it’ll search for alternatives to close the engine off whenever you’re coasting to a cease.

Eco mode did catch us off guard on a few events, as a result of when it’s chosen you get minimal engine braking. Coming off the throttle on the freeway as a substitute places the automobile into ‘coasting mode’, through which it successfully shifts into impartial and lets the engine run at idle to avoid wasting gasoline.

You may deliver engine braking again by touching the brakes or accelerating, after which the gearbox easily re-engages. Driving alongside in Regular mode permits the engine braking you’d anticipate when off-throttle.

When the engine is off and it’s time to set off from the lights, it’s restarted prefer it had been on the entire time. That’s due to the mild-hybrid system, which is ready to hearth issues again into life in a heartbeat.

Other than the gearbox, there are a couple of quirks whereas on the street. A minor one is the brake pedal, which is surprisingly delicate and takes a second to get used to.

The opposite is on account of the Hyundai badge, which brings with it an array of beeps and warnings relying on what you’re doing. One is the velocity restrict warning, which is on by default and beeps in the event you exceed the posted velocity restrict by even 1km/h.

As talked about, it’s simple to show off as a result of the setting is positioned on the instrument show. Navigate to the menu utilizing the buttons on the wheel, and it’s a easy motion to disable it fully.

You are able to do it whereas on the transfer too, which implies it isn’t as impractical as it’s in another Hyundai merchandise.

The lane departure warning can be too delicate on slim nation roads, because it appears to overreact to getting too near the median line. Not less than it’ll steer you again into line itself, however in lots of circumstances it’d be simpler to simply flip it off in the identical means because the velocity restrict warning.

Different programs like adaptive cruise management and lane-keep help labored reliably in our week with the automobile, doing properly to each stick with site visitors forward and hold the automobile centred in its lane.

Visibility throughout is sweet, supported by the auto-dimming rear-view mirror inside. Blind spot checks are simple, although you do get the help of blind-spot monitoring that works constantly and doesn’t overreact.

Whereas it’s well-appointed, the i30 Hatch N Line feels prefer it gives the naked minimal in trendy tech. That helps it to behave like a stable heat hatch, because the driving expertise isn’t interrupted by intrusive or annoying programs.

To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards its opponents, use our comparability software.

What do you get?

There aren’t any base i30 fashions accessible for 2025, which implies there are simply two N Line trim ranges to select from.

i30 Hatch N Line highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Proximity entry with push-button begin
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Computerized LED headlights
• Computerized high-beam
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 3 x USB-C shops
• Wi-fi telephone charger
• Leather-based and suede upholstery
• 4-way energy driver’s lumbar
• Driver seat cushion extension
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
• Twin-zone local weather management

N Line Premium provides:

• Panoramic sunroof
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12-way energy driver’s seat with two-person reminiscence
• Heated and ventilated entrance seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Bluelink linked automobile companies

Is the Hyundai i30 protected?

The Hyundai i30 Hatch vary, excluding the recent N, has a five-star security ranking from ANCAP – although this expires in December 2024.

Testing was carried out in 2017 beneath completely different evaluation parameters. It scored 14.01 out of 16 for entrance offset, 16 out of 16 for facet impression, two out of two for pole, and three out of three for seat belt reminders.

It scored ‘good’ for whiplash safety and ‘acceptable’ for pedestrian safety, contributing to an total rating of 35.01 out of 37.

Commonplace security gear contains:

• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Junction help
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Bike owner detection
  • Car detection
• Blind-spot help
• Driver consideration warning
• Clever velocity restrict help
• Lane hold help
• Lane Following Help (lane centring)
• Rear occupant alert
• Rear cross-traffic help

How a lot does the Hyundai i30 price to run?

Hyundai backs its autos with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

The i30 is roofed by Hyundai’s “lifetime service plan”, which outlines the prices of every service till 21 years or 210,000km.

Hyundai additionally gives a free service at 1.8 months or 1500km of possession. Service intervals are the identical because the outgoing turbocharged i30 Hatch N Line, although they’re shorter than the Corolla at 12 months or 15,000km.

The primary 5 companies for the Corolla are capped at $245, whereas the typical worth for the primary 10 years of servicing is cheaper than the i30 at $374.

To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards its opponents, use our comparability software.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Hyundai i30 N Line

The 2025 replace for the i30 Hatch is a wanted one, and for essentially the most half it’s been well worth the effort.

Its up to date seems on the skin are a pleasant change, because it’s now sleeker with extra aggressive strains. Even when it isn’t the recent i30 N, it nonetheless seems like a imply efficiency automobile.

The inside has improved too, and whereas its infotainment and tech isn’t fairly as much as the identical normal as another Hyundais, it will get the job achieved reliably and maintains a number of creature comforts which might be main drawcards for brand spanking new automobile consumers.

That new engine beneath the bonnet is a powerful unit, with stable efficiency that places it above quite a lot of different hatches on the market proper now.

In contrast to these hatches although, you don’t have the selection of cheaper entry-level choices right here.

The selection to drop the non-performance hatches was… fascinating. Having these fashions meant individuals wanting a less expensive hatch may go for the i30 Hatch, whereas these wanting one thing sooner may purchase an N Line or above.

With a costlier beginning worth, the i30 Hatch will now be much less attainable for lots of small automobile consumers. If they’ll spring for the bottom N Line although, they’ll be getting themselves into fairly a great automobile.

The nice and cozy hatch efficiency is a lot for most individuals, and it’s correctly comfy regardless of the sporty dealing with. What it lacks in second-row area it makes up for in boot capability, and it’s simple to reside with the few irritating driver help options as a result of they’re really easy to show off.

If you happen to’re a Hyundai fan and are eager on a small automobile, the brand new i30 Hatch is a powerful grocery-getter able to delivering a spirited weekend’s drive – provided that you ask for it.

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