We described the i30 as “Hyundai‘s first truly credible fleet car” following an initial test drive last summer, a statement we thought we’d fully test by adding the lower medium hatch to our own fleet.
We picked a 1.6CRDi Style, and its engine is surprisingly quiet for a small diesel. With just over 4500 miles on the clock, our car was run in when it arrived, but the lack of noise is striking nonetheless.
It’s capable, too. With only five gears and a 0-62mph time of 11.6secs it is never going to be blisteringly quick, but low range torque is impressive, with performance better than expected for a 1.6.
Emissions of only 125g/km are worthy, though a forthcoming sub-120g/km edition will definitely enhance the range, and we will be testing whether a claimed average consumption of 60.1mpg is realistic.
It is all too easy to get carried away ticking option boxes when ordering new cars, but Hyundai has removed the temptation by giving the i30 a decent set of kit as standard.
ESP anti-skid technology is standard not just on our car but across the whole range, while other standard features with the Style package include alloys [1] and front and rear electric windows. A connection for an iPod [2] that can be controlled through the stereo is a great touch that is absent on similar cars in the class.
The i30 now sitting in our company car park has settled in well and has so far drawn positive comments on the whole, but day-to-day living will prove whether it can live up to the early high standards it has set itself.