2019 Hyundai i30 Owner’s Manual

The Hyundai i30 range hasn’t made it to the US market, but a differently badged version, the Hyundai Elantra GT was on sale from 2012 to 2020 that corresponds to the i30. It competes in quite a crowded marketplace of family hatchbacks in the UK and mainland Europe. Its main competition includes the Ford Focus, VW Golf, and the Opel/Vauxhall Astra.

The 2019 model was a facelifted model, so there were some attractive new features like brand-new LED headlights, a new grille design, and new taillights as well. The sportiest version was the N Line trim which competed directly with the likes of the Ford Focus ST-Line and the SEAT Leon.

More tech features became standard in the 2019 i30, too, as the previous base S trim was scrapped and the SE Connect became the base model. This brought better alloy wheels, as well as a rear-view camera, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These standard extras made even the base model a great-value buy.

Premium features in higher trims include a wireless charging pad, multi-zone air conditioning, supportive sports seats, digital instrument cluster and heated front seats and steering wheel.

Powertrain options included 2 gasoline models and a diesel model. The gasoline engines are 1.0L turbocharged 3-cylinder units, and the diesel a larger 1.5L turbocharged unit. A 1.6L diesel is also available on higher trim levels.

On the road, it’s a solid and practical performer but doesn’t offer the same kind of fun and dynamic drive you get from popular Ford models like the Fiesta and Focus. It does achieve up to 52-mpg at its best for fuel consumption, however, which is eminently practical for a family car.

The interior offers pleasing looks and a decent amount of space, but the i30 struggled to compete with its many rivals in creating any kind of upmarket feel to it, which many others do in these similar family hatchback models.