Used Hyundai i30 Tourer 2012-2017 review

What's the used Hyundai i30 like?

Hyundais of old were often worthy alternatives because they were cheaper than their rivals and came with plenty of equipment. But that all changed with models such as the i30 Tourer, which had a more attractive design, a better-finished interior and a comfortable ride. In short, this car's overall package was so good that it challenged the very best the class had to offer.

In terms of pricing, the i30 Tourer competes with the likes of the Toyota Auris Touring Sports, Kia Cee’d Sportswagon and Honda Civic Tourer. But in terms of how it drives and how it’s built, you can add the class-leading Ford Focus Estate and Volkswagen Golf Estate to that list.

Overview

Comfortable, cheap to run and a capable load-lugger. The Hyundai i30 Tourer is a bargain used estate

Pros

• Plenty of equipment
• Supple ride
• Superb fuel economy

Cons

• Numb steering
• Body lean
• Road noise

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Hyundai i30

1.0 T-GDi SE Tourer Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,900

Hyundai i30

1.6 CRDi SE Nav Tourer Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,599

Hyundai i30

1.4 T-GDi SE Nav Tourer Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,750

Hyundai I30

1.0 T-GDi SE Nav Tourer Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,995

Hyundai i30

1.0 T-GDi SE Nav Tourer Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,195

Hyundai i30

1.4 T-GDi Premium Tourer Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,495

Hyundai i30

1.4 T-GDi SE Nav Tourer Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,859

Hyundai i30

1.4 T-GDi SE Nav Tourer Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,150

Hyundai I30

1.0 T-GDi SE Nav Tourer Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,399

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Power in the i30 Tourer comes from either a 1.6-litre petrol or a 1.6-litre diesel engine, with each offering a range of outputs. The diesel has plenty of low-down grunt that’s particularly useful when you load up the car with people and luggage.

When you drive the i30 Tourer, you’ll notice a bit of body lean and that the steering is a bit vague and lacking in feel. But if you dial it back a little in the bends, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable ride than you get from some more sporty rivals. There's a fair bit of road noise on the motorway, though, so you’ll need to turn the stereo up a little bit to drown it out.

Children in the back will appreciate the small transmission tunnel because it means three can sit abreast quite comfortably without fighting over leg space. Three adults might not fit at once, but head room is plentiful – much more so than in the i30 hatchback.

Practicality is an essential quality in any good estate, and the rear seats of the i30 Tourer can be made to fold completely flat to aid the transportation of longer items. Overall capacity with the seats down is greater than it is in the Focus Estate or Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer. In fact, it's almost as much luggage space as can be found in much bigger estate models.

S spec cars are a little mean on equipment, but SE gets you alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, rear parking sensors, lumbar support and electric windows all round.

Find a used Hyundai i30 Tourer in the What Car? Classifieds here

Ownership cost

What used Hyundai i30 will I get for my budget?

Prices start at only £4000 for a 2012 i30 Tourer with plenty of miles under its belt. Spend a bit more and examples with average mileage or less will set you back £6500.

Facelifted example (from 2015 onwards) in SE spec with average mileages start at around £8500. A late 2017 model will be around £11,000.

To keep up to date with used Hyundai i30 Tourer prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you're getting the best deal.

Check the value of a used Hyundai i30 Tourer with What Car? Valuations

Our recommendations

Which used Hyundai i30 should I buy?

The 109bhp 1.6-litre diesel is the best engine to go for if you plan on using the car as a workhorse. It also has really good fuel economy if you go for it in Blue Drive form.

SE comes with all the equipment you need and makes the most sense as a used buy. It also has smaller alloy wheels that help to maintain the car's cushy ride.

Our favourite Hyundai i30 Tourer: 1.6 CRDi 110 Blue Drive SE

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Hyundai i30?

The Honda Civic Tourer might not be the most likely of rivals at first, but within its increased rear overhang is a boot of huge proportions and seats that can easily be made to fold completely flat. Rear head room is also increased over the standard Civic hatchback because of the higher roof.

If you like the added peace of mind of a long warranty, the Toyota Auris Touring Sports is a cracking alternative. It's available with petrol and diesel engines or a hybrid powertrain. The hybrid batteries don’t even impact boot space all that much, either, so it still makes for a capable estate.

The Kia Cee’d Sportswagon is closely related to the i30 Tourer. This means you get just as much room inside, the benefit of a longer seven-year warranty (albeit capped to 100,000 miles) and a choice of one petrol and two diesel engines.

Find a used Hyundai i30 Tourer in the What Car? Classifieds here

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