Performance & drive
What it’s like to drive, and how quiet it is
Engine, 0-60mph and gearbox
Since the i30 was updated, we've only driven one engine: the 1.0 T-GDi 48v Hybrid 120, which produces 118bhp.
Like the other engines in the range, it features a very small electric motor and battery, for a little electrical ‘kick’ as you drive around, but while there's enough performance for day-to-day driving, it's not going to set your world on fire. The 0-62mph sprint takes 11.2sec, which is slower than the equivalent Ford Focus, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf.
The steering never really involves you in the action, either, and it's quite heavy once you add a bit of lock on to, say, get around a mini-roundabout. The i30 does grip strongly, though.
Noise and vibration
The i30 is a reasonably quiet car at speed, keeping wind noise well suppressed. However, road noise is more intrusive than it is in a Focus, and you hear more suspension noise than you do in a Mazda 3.
