Hyundai's improved i30 Tourer estate might be all the vehicle you'll ever need. Jonathan Crouch reports

Ten Second Review

If you require a practical and well built car that's manageably sized and won't break the bank, Hyundai have something that is well worth a look. This improved version of the third generation i30 Tourer may not be the most charismatic choice in the sector but it could be the most sensible. It scores strongly for build quality and no-nonsense utility.

Background

The i30 is, according to Hyundai, 'more than just a model' but 'a whole family of cars', consisting of three body types with unique characters united by 'coherent, timeless design'. Make of that what you will. Here, we're looking at an improved version of the Tourer estate version, which is a great choice if you want to impress somebody with quite how far Korean cars have come. Thanks to a 620-litre boot, you certainly won't need to pack light.

Driving Experience

As you'd expect, the Tourer model drives just like its hatch counterpart. The engines on offer are the same as those on offer in that hatch variant - which means that they've been much improved as part of the recent round of updates to this third generation design. The volume 1.0-litre T-GDI 120PS petrol unit can now be ordered with 7-speed auto transmission for the first time. But the key news is that this volume 1.0-litre petrol unit now comes with 48-volt Mild Hybrid technology for better fuel efficiency and for the first time with a 6-speed iMT Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). iMT decouples the engine from the transmission after the driver releases the accelerator. This allows the car to enter into two possible levels of coasting depending on the conditions. With the first level, the engine is idling. With the second level, the engine is additionally temporarily turned off to save even more fuel. For those who prefer to drive automatic, the 48-volt Mild Hybrid option is also available with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The 136PS version of the 1.6-litre diesel also gets the 48-volt mild hybrid set-up - and the same two-way transmission choice. Across the i30 range, Hyundai has improved its SmartSense advanced safety package with 'Lane Following Assist, ' 'Rear Collision-avoidance Assist' and 'Leading vehicle Departure Alert'.

Design and Build

With most small estate cars, the designers are given the unenviable brief of working with the existing 'hard points' of the hatchback model, merely grafting a conservatory onto the back and hoping that it looks halfway cohesive. The i30 Tourer isn't like that, delivering a very neat piece of styling, with a sharply rising beltline giving it a poised, aggressive look. There's plenty of luggage space too, offering 602-litres with the rear seats in position. Fold down the 60:40-split rear seats and this expands to a hefty 1,650-litres. As for the changes made to this revised model, well the front is now characterised by a wider-looking, more modern stance. The wider grille features an accentuated 3D pattern that emphasises what Hyundai hopes is a more agile look. It's flanked by restyled, slimmer headlamps with optional multifaceted reflector MFR LED technology and smarter V-shaped signature LED daytime running lights. As before, 53% of the underlying framework is fashioned from Advanced High Strength Steel. Inside, there are fewer changes, though there's a new 7-inch digital instrument cluster screen and a fresh 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen for top models. Across the range, the air vents have been restyled and there's also an extra interior garnish colour ('Pewter Grey') if you don't like the usual black. The seats can be covered in cloth - or in a combination of cloth and leather. Otherwise, things are much as before. The cabin architecture doesn't quite have the quality feel of a Volkswagen Group product but it's not too far off and the interior's certainly practical enough. When customers choose power seats, these can be adjusted in 10-ways including lumber support. Two adults can fit comfortably on the back seat. And there's an optional panoramic glass roof to fit with the current segment trend. 

Market and Model

Hyundai quickly realised that it couldn't achieve its global ambitions by maintaining a pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap philosophy and has instead adopted a strategy with rather more potential for building the brand. The aggressive pricing remains, but now quality has improved drastically and Hyundai is trying to differentiate itself in terms of equipment levels. Prices start at around £21,500 and there are 'SE Connect' and 'Premium' equipment levels. As for specification levels across the range, well Hyundai isn't holding back. There's dual-zone climate control to ensure a comfortable environment for all occupants during long journeys. Plus niceties like a panoramic sunroof and a heated steering wheel are optional, as is a Navigation system you operate via an 8-inch touchscreen on the dash. Safety has been a particular feature of the development of this car. The key news is that all variants get Autonomous Emergency Braking, a system that scans the road ahead as you drive, the set-up looking for potential collision hazards. If one is detected, you'll be warned. If you don't respond - or aren't able to - the brakes will automatically be applied to decrease the severity of any resulting accident. Other key i30 safety features include a 'Driver Attention Alert' system, 'Smart Cruise Control', a 'Blind Spot Detector, 'Rear-Cross Traffic Alert', a 'Lane Keeping Assist System', a 'Speed Limit Information Function' and 'High Beam Assist'. Pluds you can also now have 'Lane Following Assist, ' 'Rear Collision-avoidance Assist' and 'Leading vehicle Departure Alert'.

Cost of Ownership

The introduction of new engine technology has kept Hyundai right on the pace of the class best when it comes to WLTP efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions. These can be as low as 120g/km if you opt for the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel, which also manages 61.4mpg on the combined cycle in base-spec form. In conventional form, the base 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol unit puts out 119g/km of CO2 and manages 54.3mpg in base-spec form. Fuel saving technologies include Integrated Stop & Go (ISG), low rolling-resistance tyres, an alternator management system (AMS) and a drag-reducing 'active air flap' in the front grille, similar to the technology offered on the Ford Focus. All of this is aided by a slippery drag coefficient. Satisfied owners will tell you that the i30 proposition is about a whole lot more than just a five year warranty with a car thrown in for good measure, but there's no doubt that the comprehensive after-sales package does remain a major attraction for city segment customers. It's a really good unlimited mileage deal that also includes annual vehicle health checks and roadside assistance to add peace of mind.

Summary

We judge Hyundai by higher standards these days and, by and large, this improved third generation i30 Tourer estate largely meets them. It's practical as it needs to be and the engine updates, safety enhancements and interior improvements bring it back into strong contention with key segment rivals like the Ford Focus Estate and Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer. Where the car still falls a little flat is in terms of personality and charismatic interior design. Remember though, that these judgements are against the very best in the class and when price and equipment levels are taken into account, the i30 Tourer states its case quite eloquently. Hyundai remains a work in progress but at this rate, the sky's the limit for the Korean giant.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Brakes

Autonomous emergency braking

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Electronic stability control

Electric parking brake

Communication

Apple car play

Front 1 + Rear 2 USB Type-C port for charging

Android Auto

Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition

Wireless phone charging pad

Driver Aids

Lane follow assist

Cruise control

Front and rear parking sensors

Lane keep assist

Power assisted steering

Rear view camera

Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) - Car, Pedestrian and Cycle

Drive mode select

Intelligent speed limit assist (ISLA)

Driver Information

e-Call (Emergency button system)

10.25" Infotainment screen, navigation with bluelink and map care

10.25" Digital drivers display supervision instrument cluster

Driving Mirrors

Electric folding door mirrors

Body colour door mirrors with integrated indicators

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured bumpers

Rear side wing doors

Body coloured side skirts

Rear roof spoiler with integrated LED brake light

Gloss black radiator grille

Black door surround

Exterior Lights

LED rear combination lights

Rear fog lights

LED headlights with static cornering light

LED tail lights

LED daytime running lights

Front fog lights

Automatic headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Manual air conditioning

Interior Features

Rubber pedals

Centre armrest with cup holder

Central tunnel in glossy black

Stain chrome effect interior door handles

Ski through channel

Cloth upholstery

Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob

Luggage cargo net

Interior Lights

LED interior illumination

Packs

Trailer wiring pack - I30

Safety

Childproof rear door locks

Rear occupancy alert

Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Seats

Front passenger's seat manual adjustment

2 Way adjustable driver lumbar support

60/40 split folding rear seat

Rear head restraints

Seat back pockets

Single front passenger seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Front head restraints

Driver's seat manual adjustments

Security

Alcohol interlock wiring preparation

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors and illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

16" alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Temporary mobility kit (TMK)

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 130

Engine and Drive Train

Number of Valves: 16

Gears: 6 SPEED

Transmission: MANUAL

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Camshaft: DOHC

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

CC: 1482

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 72

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - High: 56.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - Low: 37.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 46.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 47.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 7.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.1

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.9

General

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 15E

Badge Power: 140

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Coin Description: T GDI 48v Hybrid

Coin Series: Advance

Performance

Top Speed: 130

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 140

Engine Torque - MKG: 25.8

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.8

Engine Power - KW: 103

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - NM: 253

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 187

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: N

Tyre Size Rear: 205/55 R16

Tyre Size Front: 205/55 R16

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2650

Width (including mirrors): 2039

Width: 1795

Length: 4585

Height: 1465

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1200

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 600

Max. Loading Weight: 563

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 602

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1870

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.6

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1650

Max. Roof Load: 80

Minimum Kerbweight: 1307

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Pearlescent paint

Special solid paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Shadow grey

Metallic - Ultimate red

Metallic - Shimmering Silver

Metallic - Jupiter Orange

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Serenity white

Pearl - Ecotronic grey

Pearl - Abyss black

Pearl - Meta blue

Pearl - Sailing blue

Pearl - Cypress Green

Paint - Solid

Solid - Engine red

Paint - Special

Special solid - Atlas white

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Black